Tuesday Blues

[kjs]

I have started working in a vet clinic 1 afternoon a week which has been my biggest dream come true but I cant enjoy because of how stressed I get before I go. I am doing my Cert 3 in vet nursing but just don't feel confident with getting through it even though everything I have submitted so far I have passed. I just know that these things are so important to me so I cant mess them up.     I feel that every time I go to the vet clinic it is my first time again which really scares me. I get there and go blank, even though before I go I know what I have to do. I feel like my memory is shocking and worry that I will forget things I have been shown or told already. 

It's becoming really hard to try and enjoy myself in my dream job and I would really like some help with getting through my Tuesdays! Please & thank you!! 

[JessF]

Hello kjs, when I feel overwhelmed by this kind of panic, I play a little game called 'what's the worst that could happen'. It involves taking your panicked thoughts to their logical conclusion. Now, in your case, you worry that at work you may forget how to do something you've been shown how to do already. What is the worst thing that would happen in that situation?

As someone new at the job, it is understandable that you are still learning. If you forget how to do something, I'm guessing you'll have supervisors that you can ask to help out? They'll expect you to be needing help, no-one comes straight out of study and is an instant expert. Gosh, even doctors who have been trained for years still look things up on the internet.

Perhaps also allow yourself some time for reflection at the end of your day. Think back on the tasks you accomplished, and the things you got right. Perhaps even keep a diary, and use that to remind yourself the following week that you can get through the day because you managed to do so the previous week. Eventually the nerves will subside.

[Neil_1]

Hi there kjs

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for coming here and posting.

I’d like to say “huge congratulations” to you for securing your ‘dream job’ – that is some huge work you’ve done in the past to reach this level, as I believe it’s some pretty intensive study needed to get to that place you’re at now.

Now with regard to the job, please please don’t be too hard on yourself.  I’m sensing this is your first job;  or perhaps your first main job and that you stress cause you want to do well at it.  This can then affect the way we think and act because we really want to do well and impress that sometimes we just get caught up in thinking this that we simply lose memory for a short while or the concentration waivers.

The other thing to note here is that you are only doing it ONE afternoon a week – so it’s not like it’s a daily routine for you.  Just once a week would have so many of us feeling like we’ve got a shocking memory, so please don’t beat yourself up about this.  I know that’s easier said than done, but just think – you’ve been through (I don’t know how many years of intense study with this), so you’re definitely clever and smarter than the average cookie and you need to remind yourself of this – often.  Please do this cause it IS important.

I hope in time, the one afternoon can be changed up a bit so you get more time there and things will become more regular and even routine for you and things will settle down and you’ll feel comfortable in being at this place.

I hope I’ve managed to say something that will be beneficial for you;  and do hope to hear from you again.

Kind regards

Neil

[kjs]

Thank you JessF and Neil1,

I have some work sheets from my psychologist similar to the 'worst thing that can happen'game. It's okay for me to go through these when I am feeling okay but sometimes when my anxiety is really high I can't concentrate on anything. That's what is really hard. 

This is my first year of study to become a vet nurse, i'm just out of college,  so it is all really new to me! I have another job at a country fresh market and I was pretty much the same when I started there so it does pass, it's just trying to believe it and persevere! 

I was considering talking to my boss about this? I did at my other job, which I still have, and they are all very supportive and it has made it a much better experience.

Thank you    Kelly