[Acosmo27]

Originally Posted by me-too

Before I begin my nursing program, I know that I will need to "get past" my phobia of needles. My phobia has been activated whenever I give blood or see an IV.

Has anyone else here struggled with this same phobia and gotten past it? I thought I read something about a "fear of needles" and then I could not locate that post again.

And, while in nursing school, would I be required to have my blood drawn by another student or have an IV inserted by another student?

Thanks everyone,,

We practice starting IV's on eachother at my school... but it sounds like the other posters dont do that. Every school is different.

[TangoLima]

We did give each other IM injections of normal saline, and did start IV's on each other. In fact, I got stuck several times so that everyone had a chance to do it.

We did not get TONS of practice starting IV's while in school. I only got to do 1 during my night in the ER, and the patient was unconscious. And I only did 1 blood draw where I actually had to stick the patient. Although, I did a lot of draws from a central line.

You may be able to get through NS without having to face your fear. But, what are you going to do when you are actually a nurse on the floor? My goal is to be the nurse that everyone goes to because they know I'll be able to get the vein.

My suggestion is to seek out an opportunity where you can do sticks/IVs over and over until you are comfortable.

Good Luck.

[anne_in_maryland]

OMG! We don't do anything to each other! We don't do anything with veins either. The only thing we do is IM, subQ and ID.

[rotteluvr31]

I think you might find it very different to be the one giving the shot vs, the one receiving the shot. And it isn't a bad thing to be afraid of needles. It is good to have a healthy respect for them to prevent yourself from getting stuck.

Giving shots will become like other things, like inserting foleys. After a while it will become routine. There are so many things you will learn in school that you never even thought of that your phobia of needles might just disappear before you know it.

My school does not require phlebotomy, although it is offered. I don't know many students who have taken it. I took a class thru work so I have done a few successful draws, but more often I missed. Usually I was right next to the vein and a tech would take over and get the needle in right away. I haven't done IV's yet. That is a 3rd semester skill, but I will learn to do them this summer during my externship. In our school, we don't practice on each other, but on those funky little pads and we have fake arms too.

[me-too]

Hi all,

I am a relative newcomer to allnurses but am not a nurse. And, I'm not in nursing school yet. But I posted here about a Phobia about blood, etc. that I would like to resolve prior to enrolling in school.

Someone pointed out that it would be better posting under NCLEX.

That's fine with me except I just went to that location and discovered that it was all questions related to a test situation.

Is that still the best place to be posting a question about a blood phobia?

me-too

[Melissa B RN]

Personally, I would post it under the students tab in the general student questions forum. When I was new here and a student that is where I found the most help. Maybe one of the moderators will see your post and have a suggestion for you.

Welcome to allnurses. I have found this site to be a wonderful asset as a student and now as I have begun my career.

Best of luck to you.

[tothepointe]

Perhaps you can break it down into is your fear based on needles n general or the thought of needles being poked into you. I used to think I was afraid of blood and needles but then I realized it was only related to needles and me and the fear was never a problem when I was actually in the situation.

Alot of anxiety is caused by the fear of having an anxiety attack or in your case being afraid.

Try and reframe the problem in your mind. I used to be "grossed out" by certain things and smells until I realized that a smell is a smell and it is only the association that was causing me problem.

[Angie O'Plasty, RN]

I would just like to welcome you to Allnurses, me-too. Because you were unsure of where to post your questions and you did get several answers, the Moderators decided to merge all of your questions with answers so that you will find the thread easier and be able to respond more efficiently.

Thanks,

Angie O

[me-too]

Originally Posted by tothepointe

Perhaps you can break it down into is your fear based on needles n general or the thought of needles being poked into you. I used to think I was afraid of blood and needles but then I realized it was only related to needles and me and the fear was never a problem when I was actually in the situation.

Alot of anxiety is caused by the fear of having an anxiety attack or in your case being afraid.

Try and reframe the problem in your mind. I used to be "grossed out" by certain things and smells until I realized that a smell is a smell and it is only the association that was causing me problem.

To-The-Pointe had wonderful advice about phobias. I will keep it on my fridge where I can read it often.

Also,To-The-Pointe mentioned that he, or she, used to be "grossed out" by the smell of things until he, or she, realized that it was the association that was causing him, or her, the problem.

I cannot agree more. Aversions are really all about association. In my case, the smell of excrement does not bother me. Quite the contrary. It has the opposite effect. Whenever I smell it, I am immediately transported in my mind--back to my grandfather's house.

It was such a warm, caring place. But, they also had an outhouse. And, well, you know about outhouses. But, to this day, because of my positive association with my grandfather and his house, I can smell excrement and think back to very pleasant memories....(hope this helps.)
And, many, many thanks to To-The-Pointe

[tothepointe]

CBT figure out where the distortion in your thinking process is and work from there. Try association blood draws and iv's with heathy happy people walking out of the hospital