Dealing with Pre-Shift Anxiety?

Due to the pandemic, EMS call volumes have skyrocketed. Many patients went without adequate care and assistance due to the telehealth transition, decline in available primary care providers, Covid-19 restrictions in doctors office, etc. Unfortunately, this has left patients with the only option to receive medical care in the emergency department.

Increases in call volumes coupled with decreases in staffing has left many providers with anxiety pre, during, and post shift. Personally, I've woken up hours before, contemplating a lot of what ifs? What if I get injured? What if I am unable to keep my cool? What if I don't say the right thing, or make the right decision? This is unlike anything I had experienced before, and I needed to look for answers.

What is it?

Anticipatory Anxiety is characterized by the anticipation coupled with intense levels of anxiety prior to an event or situation. The anxiety, depression, and other manifestations of distress that many first responders are experiencing, can have disruptive effects on personal and professional lives.

Pre-shift Anxiety is commonly associated with stressful work environments, from disaster/emergency response areas to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, there is a substantial amount of variety within the work day.

Signs of Pre-Shift Anxiety

• Fears of inadequacy or the potential to make mistakes at work.

• Obsession over previous negative patient interactions.

• Inability to sleep or rest prior and/or post scheduled shifts.

• Elevated rates of exhaustion and emotional burnout.

Ways I Relieve Pre-Shift Anxiety

• Create A Routine

Routines are important. They can create comfort by providing a sense of familiarity. The night before a shift I make to sure to have my uniform washed and set my alarm. The morning of I put on a podcast or relaxing music to clear my mind of any doubts or fears I have of the workday. I attempt to pack breakfast/lunch, just so I am able to eat throughout the day.

• Stop Working Overtime

Yes the money is nice! Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the extra boost in my paycheck when I tack on a few extra hours to my work week. However, I eventually noticed that working my shifts, as well as, those of my coworkers was never sustainable. Yes, over-time, double time, incentives and shifts bonuses can be very lucrative, but they come at a personal cost as well. Missing family/friend gatherings, increased exposure to trauma, and the physical toll alone is something to be aware of.

• Talk To Your Support System

It is okay to say that you are stressed. Is it also okay to let those around you know what you feel you are going through. They might be experiencing these things too! Community is important. It is there to help you, especially when you are in the most need. If you do not have close friends/family, talk therapy is an excellent way to work through anxiety around work. Help is available.

I hope I was able to shed some light on a topic that affects me almost daily. Some days are much than better than others, but pre-shift anxiety is something I have to remain aware of. Keeping a routine, slowing down on the overtime, and communicating with my support system has helped me tremendously over the past few months. I hope these tips will help you too!

Love,

K.