[Yak42]

I started a new job as an entry level physical therapist and although it's been four weeks I still feel anxious..I've told my supervisor about it and all he said was that I needed to be more confident..I get anxious the night before I have to go in and I think it's because I have a patient that's super difficult ..I've worked so hard to get to where I am and now that I've started I feel like I'm not good enough..I hate this feeling ..I feel alone and I don't know how to stop feeling like this..I was hoping someone can share their experience I'd they went thru or know someone who went thru the same thing..other therapists tell me it takes a year to fully become confident but I hate this anoxia feeling I get :/ words of encouragement would help!

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Yak42, and welcome to Psych Central! I have a friend who is a physical therapist. When we lived close by, I could count on a daily evening phone call from her where she would complain about the difficult patients, etc. Yet, she stuck by it.

Remember that these folks are hurting---and they will likely hurt during the treatment--plus they are frustrated with having to go through this process. It's not you. Try to stay upbeat and encourage them. Maybe that will get your mind off of your anxiety. I'm sure you are doing fine. Okay?

P.S. I have been a PT patient many times, but I have always tried to crack jokes and keep trying. That's the way I handle stress. I suspect at least now and then you will get a patient who is actually fun to work with. Keep hoping!

[Mrs. Mania]

FAKE IT! Don't indulge yourself with feelings of inadequacy. Reassure yourself before work, you were intelligent enough to get the education and job. You are intelligent enough to follow through! Saying to yourself you can do it,even if you don't believe it will translate into your brain that you can do it. Shut down thoughts that you can't before they are completely formed and instantly replace them with thoughts that you can! You got this!

[Little Lulu]

The experienced therapists are right ... it takes about a year to get your footing in the job and to feel confident and competent; a little longer to feel truly proficient. I am an RN (32 years now!) and this is how it was for me right out of school.

College teaches you the basics; the things you need to know to become board certified and get your foot in the door. The nuances of the job are learned after you start working. Until that time, anxiety and uncertainty are par for the course. My first year was filled with worry, anxiety, and uncertainty but gradually I could feel a sinking in of 'knowing' that I was getting better at the job and next thing I knew, I really was an RN ... not just someone with the credentials.

Hang on to every good moment you have at work until you beat in this first year. I am so glad/proud of what I have accomplished and I hope you will be also.

[Yak42]

Thank you so much for those words and sharing ur experiences with me!

[ChildlikeEmpress]

Just keep doing your best, you will feel better eventually! Being new is stressful, and 4 weeks is still new. It took me several months to stop feeling anxious before going to my last job at a nursing home. There is so much to remember and all. It just takes time to adjust and get the routine down.

[jadzea]

Yak, the fact that you completed your PT degree and found a job proves you are able to accomplish whatever you want. You have already done the hard part. Just relax and apply what you learned. Pretty soon your job will become second nature to you. You will develop a routine and find it hard to believe you ever felt uneasy. Don't be afraid to ask a more experienced person if you have any questions. I have practiced in my field for over 30 years. I have some of my former students call me for advice all the time. I enjoy talking to them and helping develop their skills. I don't mind them asking for advice at all.