This dread is the worst I've felt

[Thomas00]

I'm a first year nursing student. Next week I have my first nursing placement at a hospital. I have always succeeded in all my assessments and exams. But...the thought of placement next week is making me feel physically and emotionally ill.
I've lived with anticipatory anxiety my whole life, as long as I can remember. This is just the worst I have ever felt. I was feeling nervous about placement months ago, now it's just really ramped up. I cant concentrate in my part time job, I don't want to do anything or interact with anyone. I can't think about other than "what if this happens or what if that happens". It's been so bad that I felt like I just want to chuck the degree in all together and just go back to what I know...sitting in front of a computer in an office job.

Any have any tips for me? I guess I'll just push through like I've done with everything else in my life. It's just I feel like I'm on the brink of another panic attack.

[Sophie_M]

Dear Thomas,

Well done for reaching out to our wonderful online forums community and sharing your concerns with us today. We know it isn't easy but it is so important that you have.

If you feel like your anxiety is about to get the better of you, or even if you want more immediate support for it than our forums can provide, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Support Service on 1300 22 4636. Our qualified mental health professionals there are available for brief counselling, support and referrals whenever you need it 24/7.

It seems like you have a lot going on in your life just now and are on the precipice of applying all you've been studying for a noble career change. We want you to know our community, of which you are a very welcome new member, is here to provide you with as much support, understanding and conversation as you need.

[Ggrand]

Hello Thomas00..

A very warm and caring welcome to the forums..

I am so sorry that the anticipation of doing placement work next week....I could only imagine how you would be feeling...I am certain you’ll do a wonderful job..I can see through your words that you are a very caring person...

Most patients are very grateful for the work that nurses do for them...I think anyone doing your profession doing their first placement would be feeling anxious and scared...

It would be such a sad loss for patients in hospital if you were to give your career up...they would be missing out on your kindness and care...Hold on in their Thomas..Every nurse had to go through a placement, even Drs..I really think that if you were not up to doing this..they would have held you off until they thought otherwise.....Your superiors have faith and believe in your capabilities in you to be able to do this...Please Dear Thomas... believe in yourself and have faith in yourself that you will get through this...The other nurses are their to offer their help and assistance for you..because they know what’s it’s like as they were once first time placement nurses...

Maybe when your feeling over anxious, with those persistent negative thoughts....try calming yourself by grounding yourself to bring you back into today...with some music, Internet games, animal vids, sitting out in nature taking some deep calming big breathes...and taking in everything that’s around you...anything that bring your thoughts and senses some peace from your anxious thoughts..

Please Dear Thomas..Talk here anytime you feel up to it..we are here to listen to you and hopefully offer you a little bit of help in setting your anxiety...

My kindest and most caring thoughts Thomas..

Grandy...

[White_Rose]

Dear Thomas00

Hello and welcome to the forum. Thank you for telling us your story.

Anxiety is not good. Even though it is a normal reaction to be worried about a large event a huge anxiety attack is very unpleasant. Just lately I have been experiencing these and it has been so horrible an draining. I feel I cannot do anything to stop the occurrences and must just endure it. When it lasts all day it's very hard. I tried to keep myself aware of my emotions in order to better manage them before they became intolerable and I had some success.

If you can recognise a trigger this may help you. I know it's the worry about your placement but what I am saying is what specific thought or action brings the placement to mind. If you can identify this or perhaps more than one you will be better able to take action. Stopping the worry before it takes such a firm hold that it's almost impossible to carry on is the goal.

Try to place the thought in a box, metaphorically speaking and close the lid. Put the box away to stop you carrying it around then go and do something active. I find weeding the garden useful for this as I feel I am getting rid of the weeds in the garden and in my mind. Activity, sunshine and purpose are all good for keeping the anxiety at bay. Music is often helpful. I enjoy listening to the radio on my favourite stations and find my mood lifts because of the beautiful sounds.

I understand that taking some action is almost impossible once the anxiety has you in its grip which is why I suggest you try to keep in tune with your emotions and take action before you become overwhelmed and feeling paralyzed by your thoughts. I do hope this helps. Please come back and let us know what is happening and how we can further help you.

Mary

[Thomas00]

Thank you everyone for your kind replies.
The most striking reply was Brandy's...no one has ever made me think about all the people I won't be able to provide care for, and potentially change their life forever, if I was to drop out of nursing. That was profound for me. The reason I'm studying nursing is to help and care for people.

In the lead up to tomorrow I have been doing a lot of exercise. If I exercise I feel like afterwards I'm unable to have anxiety. It's strange. I'm also doing meditation which is helping.

I will come back and update how I go tomorrow. I know the hardest part will be when I leave the car parked and walk towards the hospital.

[Ggrand]

Hello Thomas,

Im popping in to see how you went on Monday...even though I know you will do a great job....

Im pleased my post helped you,..

I hope so much dear Thomas...that your anxiety your subsided and you are enjoying your chosen professional...Keep that wonderful belief and faith that we all have inside of us..

Looking forward to hearing how your placement is going..

Kindest and most caring thoughts..

Grandy..