Any other health care workers here

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 8:50 am

Well....join the club. I have been in the mental health field for 25 years....have worked as a marriage and family therapist in private practice, in psych hospitals...even as a behavior specialist in a maximum security prison!!! And...I have been a middle school guidance counselor now for 8 years......there is not a day that goes by that I don't ask myself "What in the world am I doing trying top help others when I am nuts?????" I know, jusst like you do, that I have been in this profession because helping others is one thing that has made me feel worthwhile, like I matter.....only thing is that, like you, I have spent my entire life giving to and taking care of everyone....except me. That is one reason I am trying this program....I have to do something....and just your honesty has already encouraged me to stay with this.....you hang in there....and you are MOST DEFINITELY NOT ALONE.....

Jchick

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:10 am

I may have the okay to return to work next week in the hospital doing patient care as an RN, but I am unsure that I am ready. I worry that if I hold out much longer, I may lose my job. Should I jump in and hope for the best or try to stretch my LOA out longer?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:26 am

Thank you everyone for all the help and encouragement. Renon, I am now doing home health care and it has really worked for me. I set my own hours and do not have anyone watching over my shoulder. If I can't make it to work I just let them know, so far there has been no pressure. I would like to get well again so I can get back to the ER where I love it. Thanks again to everyone, I really appreciate it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:21 am

Cool to see people in health care,

I've been a nurse for over 20 years and I'm trying to work my way out of it.It's not the sick I take care of it's the people around the ill patient's I take care of and the system that does not let use take care of them.I love the nursing part.As for your comments Medgrl.Do you remember reading about different diseases and things when 1st going to nursing school.Not sure about you,but I would think at times I had everything in the book.As for taking care of the sick I put on a different face,a work face.Gear up and go is what I like to do,hospital or home care setting.I'm going to get out of the field though.Tired of the BS.

Dsrtdwllr · Post by **Dsrtdwllr** » Thu Jul 17, 2008 2:42 pm

Hello everyone. I have been a nurse a number of years. I had back injury right out of school. When I returned to nursing I went from med surg to amb/surgery and I loved it. My anxiety/panic attacks began after i got engaged to be married.

At the time I worried that I would catch an illness from my patients, especially HIV/Hepatatist. I actually worked w/ a new grad who was about to get married when she stuck herself w/ HIV needle. That absolutley scared me. When I became engaged that was my overwhelming fear.

The panic attacks became so severe I ended up leaving direct patient care and got into utilization review/ managed care. It was ok but oh how I missed floor nursing.

I have been out of work for a 8 years out of managed care and 17 years out of direct care. Home raising a family. I have enjoyed being home but oh how I miss working as a RN.

I have thought about going back even started a refrsher program. But my fear now is that I have been out for so long how can I return, so much has changed, what if I make a med mistake, what if I have an emergency situation and I cannot cope.

I have decided to look into volunteering in a local hospital just to get my feet wet. I figured I could check ou the hospuital for future employment and begin to feel comfortable in a hospital evironment.

I would love to hear from other health care professionals and how they have been able to manage their anxieties with working. Take care and God Bless.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:21 am

Everyone, thanks for the replies. I am in the same boat when it comes to thinking I have had or am going to have every disease I am around.

I have had Aids, MS, TB, heart and lung disease, insanity, the flu, pnemonia, all my muscles have atrophied, I have needed a trach, g-tube feed, parkinsons, infection of the brain.........ok you get it........I have had none of these but think that I have. This is so hard to work thru. I have been HIV tested many times because of needle sticks. I love my job though...........we can do this. bna, get those feet wet and tell us what happens

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:30 am

Im a RN in a small er here and the anxiety started back I went back on zoloft it worked last time it should again. Just want you to know I can relate. Its awsome to here from other health care folks. We will get better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:55 pm

RN of 15 yrs also!!!! Taking a 30 leave because of this hole I am in....psych doc says night shift does not help, but what do you do? Hi to all my fellow medical workers out there, I've always heard we make the worst patients!!!

JasonWalker · Post by **JasonWalker** » Sat Jul 19, 2008 4:31 pm

Want2feelgoodagain,

Nights are the worst if your having problems even though you may feel that you got enough rest,throws your whole sleep cycle in the trash.The money may be good and less confusion,but what a price we pay for duty !It may take time to transition from nights to middle or day shifts,that's part of the reason why I'm getting out of nursing.