Really not coping at work

[TooManyButtons]

I'm a nurse. In January I left my private sector, nice and steady job for a job in a&e as I felt I needed a new challenge. Huge mistake - I hated it, really couldn't cope until breaking down in the middle of a shift, being sent home and subsequently signed off sick with stress/anxiety.

When I returned to work they were very kind and have let me return to a different ward rather than going back to a&e. However 2 weeks in and I feel exactly the same as just before I left a&e. I have no experience in this kind of ward, where most of the patients are acutely ill and it's very fast paced. I feel so out of my depth and overwhelmed, that I'm spending every day off between my shifts getting more and more anxious, to the point where the day before a shift, like today, is spent mainly in bed, crying and panicking.

I can't go off sick again, I've caused enough damage to my career as it is, plus I'm single so need the money. Going back to my old job isn't an option. Even if I did manage to find another job, which is doubtful seeing as I went off sick with stress after only 3 months in this job, I have to give 8 weeks notice.

I don't feel I can approach my new ward manager with my worries seeing as I'm so new there. I really don't know what to do, and in my darkest moments I can only see one way out.

[diamond457]

I know what it's like to be that anxious in a job you've worked hard for only to hate it.
Is there any way you can do nursing out of a hospital setting? Would you enjoy that better?
You can't go on like you are. Filling your days off with dread isn't healthy and not how you should feel in any job.
It's ok to admit that a job just isn't for you so don't feel like you can't talk to your manager. Could you call a careers coach or something? Speak with uni tutor?

[BeauGlacons]

If you are up front and honest about how you feel you are far more likely to get a good reference than if you coast along to crisis point.

Why can't you go back to your old job?

Cd you retrain as a health visitor or practice nurse. Or family planning nurse?