Work anxiety

[lovesdisney]

I started a new job 5 months ago...( I work as a nurse practitioner in a busy Gp surgery) but my anxiety has risen. I wake at 4/5am on the days I work, I am physically sick, I get reflux all on the says I work.
I enjoy the job on the whole when I’m there and the good days far out weigh the bad days now... I haven’t had negative feedback, my boss did my 3/12 review and is happy with my work... everyone is friendly although busy I know who to ask if I need support with clinical decisions.
I never used to have anxiety so don’t know how to cope with it. I want to increase my hour to full time but not if my anxiety won’t let me
Any advice?

[soooexcited!]

Oh no that's not good. I've worked in primary care as a practice nurse for 18 years. The job has changed beyond recognition. I wake several times a night on work days and prob most days worrying about work amongst other things. One of the NP I work with has lost 3 stone since she started. It's a stressful job doing what your doing with a lot of responsibility. Don't underestimate your own needs tho. Can you access any mental health support work through work. We have a fantastic chap from mind who comes in and soon the physvhological therapies team are offering workshops to staff. Look after yourself and try and see if there is some support for you.x

[anna68]

Definitely sounds like you need some mental health support. I’m in an entirely different profession but had severe stress and anxiety last year showing up in v physical symptoms and I have been in a treatment plan of cognitive behavioural therapy sessions which have definitely helped.

[Powlay]

Id suggest speaking with your employers, looking to get medical help.

There will be specifics you are being anxious about, it will be worth concentrating on those looking for the root and then dealing with it.

[Tinkerbell]

Originally Posted by lovesdisney

I started a new job 5 months ago...( I work as a nurse practitioner in a busy Gp surgery) but my anxiety has risen. I wake at 4/5am on the days I work, I am physically sick, I get reflux all on the says I work.
I enjoy the job on the whole when I’m there and the good days far out weigh the bad days now... I haven’t had negative feedback, my boss did my 3/12 review and is happy with my work... everyone is friendly although busy I know who to ask if I need support with clinical decisions.
I never used to have anxiety so don’t know how to cope with it. I want to increase my hour to full time but not if my anxiety won’t let me
Any advice?

See more...

Do you keep a diary. I had this years ago when I worked as a Theatre nurse. I couldn’t understand why, I am a big note keeper , journals , bullet journals etc. When I reviewed back I realised that without knowing it, certain operating lists were causing me more anxiety than others.

I’d talk to your manager or your GP.

[Talland 2016]

Are you in the RCN? If so check their website
They have advice re work place anxiety
They can also provide telephone counselling and coping techniques advice
It's free of charge and easy to access, I had quite a few sessions after DH died and we had had a lot of organisational changes at work

[sha9]

It sounds like something at work is causing these feelings you just maybe haven’t worked out what yet. Being in the kind of job where you have to make clinical decisions is stressful. Many nights I lie awake thinking about patients I’ve seen. I’ve not been unwell though so I really think you need to see your GP.

[jojo_3596]

Sorry to hear this- Ive been a practice nurse for 10 years and know all about waking in the night with anxiety! It can can an incredibly stressful job, much different from when I started 10 years ago: much more pressure in primary care/ QOF/ more expectations/ responsibilities for nurses that isn't matched by pay or support. Is your PM/ GP lead the supportive type? Could you speak to them about this? Hope you can get some support soon, I totally get what you're going through- big hugs xxx

[Button17]

I've pm'd you