Cringing at venous sticks...

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I have been watching venous sticks and IV insertion on youtube to sort of "desensitize" myself to the sight of it. I cringe and get butterflies in my belly at the sight of the needle going under the skin into the vein...oh my it is making me light headed just thinking about it now as I type. I am starting nursing school in January and I know that this will be one of my biggest issues, I don't know what it is about seeing the needle under the skin...but it gets me every time.

I am scared to death I will faint or have a really hard time performing this task. I don't want to look bad in front of instructors or seem "weak" per say. I guess I just want to know if anyone can relate? Did you get over it?

Maybe I am just having this anxiety for no reason but I can't help it....oh good heavens help!

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If your school offers opportunites to view an autopsy........go. I use to get nervous at the sight of a needle, let alone blood. After viewing that autopsy, I could pretty much look at anything and couldnt wait to stick somebody with a needle. lol

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

When learning new tasks such as these I like to watch others first. When you realize the patient is being helped, not hurt, then you will be able to accept what needs to be done. Lots of people (I mean lots of NURSES) have certain things that bug them about caring for patients.

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Thanks ladies! I definitely think it would be interesting to view an autopsy but I don't think that my school offers that. How would I find out? I guess I would feel strange asking...maybe its not a strange question. IDK.

I am hoping that after seeing it happen several times in person I might be okay with it after a while...we will see. Its odd because I can watch them take my blood and I have no issues whatsoever but on others forget it, I get light headed. I think it is because I have the fear of hurting them...or that they are being hurt..it is odd I know but hopefully I will get past it.

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Ask the powers that be. It wouldnt be part of the curriculum but more like a field trip.

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