Today in lab, we started learning injections. At first, we were practicing on oranges and hotdogs....hmmm...nope, just didn't do it for me. So we asked if we could inject each other. Instructor said sure, just use aseptic technique and wear gloves. Okay, so we start poking each other. The first few times I tried the intradermal, I was too deep. I finally got it right on...guess who? Me! I gave myself an injection and with my non dominant hand no less. This from the girl who used to be deathly afraid of needles. LOL. I think all the piercings I have had over the years and all the dental work I've had has paid off...needles no longer really bother me.

Also, I came home armed with a handful of extra needles/syringes and asked my hubbie if I could use his arm. He let me do him and then I went for a longshot. I asked my 3 almost 4 year old if I could do one in her arm. To my surprise, she agreed. Her only comment was as the needle was going in, she said "ouch". No crying, no whining, nothing. So after that was done, I looked at my 7 year old, who tends to be VERY wimpy and whines about everything "hurting", even his hair getting cut. I figured he would run away, but to my surprise, he reluctantly said okay. He kind of whimpered as I pushed the needle in, but I don't blame him. That kid has really really tough skin. I had to really shove the needle in a lot more than with my hubbie, stepdaughter, or myself. But he was okay after that and recovered quickly. I'm so relieved that I got that part over with...I was dreading sticking a needle into someone. Now if I can just manage to convince my hubbie to let me do an IM on him.....ROFL.

Wow, congratulations! good for you! We were not allowed to practice injections on each other, although we tried to convince our professors to let us! that's awesome you picked up the technique so quickly!

Did they give a reason why you couldn't? I"m curious as to why a program would not allow you to practice on each other as it's probably the best way to learn. And as long as you are using aseptic technique and being careful to throw needles in the sharps, etc. it shouldn't pose a risk factor. I know our EMT program let everyone start IV's on one another, although I'm not sure I would be a willing participant for that! I have never had an IV and I've seen the size of the needle they use. Being pierced with a 10g or 12g is one thing, but having that thing in you for longer than a second doesn't sound appealing!!!! LOL

Congrats and good luck.

Hi

Congrats!!! I too was terrified of needles when I went into nursing school but you get over it..besides it doesn't hurt you!!

We practiced on oranges also and I brought a saline injection home to try on my hubby..the first time I hit him it bounced right off his arm..so much for technique!! I alm happy to say I have improved..when I did home care we did flu shots for companies and there were days when I did 400- 500 injections one right after the other..practice makes perfect..it is all in the wrist!! The quicker you can get in the less it hurts. I still almost pass out if I am the recipient however...LOL

Erin

Congrats! Sounds great!

My husband would run screaming if I came at him with a needle! :chuckle

Just thinking about sticking a needle in someone makes me feel dizzy and sick. I don't mind having a needle put into me, but I can't imagine sticking someone else! Just watching the needle go inside the skin grosses me out!

Congrats on your accomplishment!

Good for you!! And yeah for your family for helping out!!! (My husband would be one to run away screaming!!!)

I'm glad you're so enthusiastic, but I don't think it's a good idea to practice injections on your children. You have learned in lab, BUT you need an instructor around to practice on people. Your husband is an adult, so if wanted to let you practice I don't have big problem with it, BUT children are not adults AND they should not be practiced on.

I'm sure you are going to be a great nurse.

Noney

congrats! I can't imagine when I start poking people with needles! Watch out!

I love giving injections.......as long as the pt is willing. Most of them are used to getting injections....like insulin or procrit....so you really can't mess up when it's on someone that knows exactly what to expect. Besides, most shots don't hurt. It's mental anxiety, not physical pain.

Not sure what it will be like in pediatrics when the kids are fearful of needles.

Congratulations on gaining the confidence of giving injections!!!

I agree with Noney....I think it's great that you're so enthusiastic but not on the kids...

My instructor said if the children were willing and I was sure to use proper technique, she saw no problem with it. I would never force my children into it. My 4 year old actually offered me her arm after I finished with her dad. I hope nobody thinks I held them down. I even told her that if it hurt, she could tell me to stop and I would. The only reason I did it on the children is to get a feel for how children react to having injections and what would be the best way to go about it. I figured out that distraction is the key....if they aren't thinking so hard about what you're doing, it's over and done with.