Ptsd And Nursing

[Kris1984]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking to see if there are any nurses out there with PTSD? I am a student nurse, soon to be a second career nurse, and I am just looking to see how you handle your own issues and the crazy world of health care. Any advice?

I have done great so far and I feel like I have found my calling but my psych rotations opened my eyes to a scary world, having to treat the same type of criminals who hurt me. That was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It was hard to separate myself from the job at that time and I was hypervigilent the entire day I was there. So I will definitely not be a psych nurse, I just do not have that type of strength in me. Have any of you had issues with something like this?

Thanks and I look forward to the feedback!

 

[pandora]

I have.... a lot..I can't write right now but i will pm you....

 

[Tessa]

Welcome to the forum. I have over 30 years experience and you will find that some things just get too close and trigger you. It does not mean you can't be an excellent nurse.

 

[Kris1984]

Thank you for the feedback. Pandora I look forward to hearing back from you!

 

[ClairBear226]

Another RN here. I graduated in 1995, and have worked as a hospice nurse since 1999. I agree, there may be things that trigger you. I actually began battling with my most recent round of symptoms as a result of a work related trigger. And my psych rotations were very hard for me for the same reason. But I agree that it need not be something to stand in the way of your becoming an excellent nurse. If anything, it will likely make you more empathetic for what your patients are going through. I know it's had that effect on me. Good luck.

 

[Kris1984]

Thank you for the feedback Clair Bear! It gives me hope to know there are other people who can do it with the same condition!

 

[ClairBear226]

I was diagnosed with PTSD in 1993, Kris, so I had it while I was in nursing school. It really can be tough some days - not gonna lie. But if it's something you really want to do with your life, go in to it knowing there may be days when the job triggers you. Be prepared to deal with that possibility, and use that empathy and compassion for others that comes along with knowing what pain really is, to do your job well. What semester are you? Are you working on LPN, RN, BSN?

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

Hi, Kris!
I am medically retired. I was a medical assistant for over 25 years, and LOVED working in medicine. It's hard on the feet, and brain, but it's a rewarding career!

The choices are vast! My favorite area, was OB/Gyn. I LOVED the pregnant ladies, and seeing the newborns!! It can be a very hectic area. LOTS of rules and regs, and responsibilities. It's the happiest place to be, most of the time, but can be the saddest. A lot of my PTSD is from the traumatic birth of my second child. That experience.....eventually... helped me enormously in my job there.

Pediatrics can be fun, but not if you are the one giving the shots! LOL, it gets very loud int that department also.

I think that my early childhood neglect and depression helped me by teaching me what sadness was/is and helped me be the 'nurse' that I was. I have empathy, and can read the pain in someone's eyes and demeanor. That insight helped me as I worked in the healing field. I know how much a real 'hello' or 'how are you'? can mean when someone is feeling bad, and I feel it is a gift to be used.

It depends on whether you want hospital or office work, paperwork, or people work. I worked in just about every area possible. I liked drawing blood...LOL...my bad. But, I was good, cuz I was fast! Enjoyed teaching other peoplel to 'hit veins'! Internal Medicine (Adults) was okay, depending on the attitude of the docs and other nurses. Adults can be pretty whiny...lol...but I did love the interaction, and everyday was different. Was NOT an ER person either!

You CAN make a different in people's lives' as you honor your own PTSD battles!

Blessings on your career change!

 

[Girl3]

Kris - I am a doctor - but I can tell you taking care of people is the most rewarding thing on earth and I believe (no scientific data to back me up) that health professions are the Godsend of us PTSD patients.

I recently had to take care of one of MY rapists. 36+ years after the fact, I had to do this guy's anesthetic. I treated him as I would any other patient - and when he started jabbering in the recovery room, I explained gently but firmly, that I was healthy, happy, successful despite what was done to me. I felt like I would die, but I remained professional.
Ultimately - it is gratifying taking care of the turds of society. They help you understand how much better you are than you think.

Big hugs and blessing to you! You go girl!!!!!

 

[ISupportHer]

Interesting seeing those others with medical careers. I'm an RN as is my wife.

I wish you well Kris, in finishing scholl as well as managing PTSD.

ISH

 

[ClairBear226]

Good thread, Kris. ISH, I didn't know you and your wife were both RNs, and we've both been on here for awhile. How did I miss that?

Girl 3 - You totally rock! :laugh: Love how you handled that!

 

[Kris1984]

Wow thanks for all the support and feedback everyone! I am almost done with my ADN and I have a previous BS in a totally different field. I really feel like this is my calling and I never questioned that until psych, it was a rude awakening! I hope to work in oncology.