Anxiety etc.& nursing...or any other career

[EmptySoul]

I'm taking a nursing class at school, and if I finish it, pass the state test, etc. then I will be a CNA. (certified nurse's aid) I'm trying to decide if I'll be able to handle it or not. Right now the class is only bookwork but later in the year things will change.

 

Is there anyone with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, claustrophobia, a fear of getting old, etc. that works in the health field? Or just anyone that works despite these or similar problems?

 

I'm trying to decide if I need to push myself more to try to do things, or if I need to realize my limits and not do things I won't be able to handle.

 

Any advice from anyone with similar problems or experiences will be helpful. In case you don't know, as a cna I will have to give showers, change adult diapers, etc.

 

(Oh, and medication isn't an option for me, I've been down that road....many times....and it's not something I find that I like.)

 

Thanks,

-E.

[Hope75]

Hey There E,

 

Well, I am in nursing school right now (due to finish in December) and I would say I have a moderate amount of anxiety about it. I work as a CNA at two major hospitals now, and I am pretty comfortable with that level of responsibility.

 

Nursing is a pretty serious career full of many responsibilities... these are very sick patients and we are in charge of monitoring and medicating them, being alert to subtle changes quickly and taking action immediately... and that can be very daunting. Although I have anxiety about fully having that level of responsibility, I know that I can do it, and do it well. Like any other career, it takes practice (which you will get in CNA class, nursing school clinicals, and training at your new job as an RN) and a solid knowledge base of how the body works and what goes wrong and how that manifests.

 

I remember that I had similar anxiety when I went to college the first time for veterinary technology and on my first job as a vet tech, but by the time I left that work to come to nursing school- I was running the show.

 

It's hard work and ALOT of studying and memorizing and critical thinking... but if you are commited, you will be rewarded every day when you go to work. I've never had a job that filled me up and fed my soul the way this job does. We make such a difference in these patients' lives, we really are lucky to have that opportunity.

[Scotcha]

Is there anyone with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, claustrophobia, a fear of getting old, etc. that works in the health field? Or just anyone that works despite these or similar problems?

 

I have anxiety and type II bipolar disorder (no mania) and a crazy fear of death.. I'm in school for dental hygiene and I'll be graduating this spring.

 

The thing of it is.. Going to school for a health related career is difficult for EVERYONE. It's something you have to strive for and pushing youself is a must.

 

It's worth it, every bit. As hard as it is.. I love it. I love what I'm doing and I'm proud of myself for doing it. It's actually raised my self esteem, doing this, and I've suffered much less from depression since I've been in the program than I have in my entire life.

 

If medication isn't an option (I'm not on medication either) learning some stress managements techniques might be VERY helpful. Maybe purchase a book in the self help section... Try out some relaxation techniques..

 

I find that by forcing myself to study a little bit every night (instead of cramming) and starting my assignments as soon as I get them (instead of procrastinating) makes things so much easier for me. This isn't my nature at all so I know it's possible.. Stress has a way of triggering depression.. Manage it!

[g44]

pregnant...i just thought this would be something that might help you during this time...i recently downloaded this amazing song called 'shelter' by the band bedouin soundclash...the song is told from a man's point of view...his woman has become pregant...by another man...and she is in hiding...and he is trying to comfort her - telling her - its ok...she can come home...one of the most amazing songs i have ever heard....

[Hope75]

So tell us RanRoc,

 

How WAS your first year of nursing?

 

Is it as scary as they say?

 

How did you make it through? (other than having a good mentor to guide you?)