Fear of Blood and Needles

Nursing Students General Students

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Hi everyone!

I have an interesting question/problem. I just completed my first semester of nursing school (with a 3.68 :redbeathe haha, don't know how I did it) and still seem to have issues with blood/needles. I am not sure why I have this issue, but am scared I may not be able to overcome it.

I had an issue in clinical where I get dizzy and had to sit down. I saw blood being drawn from a client of mine, and that was enough to trigger it. I have no idea why, because I have had my own drawn and have been fine. My instructor pulled me aside and suggested I pick another major. Of course I was upset, especially because I work so hard, and get some of the better grades out of my bunch of gals (and 2 guys hehe). I just don't know if I can continue if I don't get over it. She later apologized for being so hard on me, but I still don't know what to do. I don't have a lot of experience with blood and needles, so maybe that is the problem.

How did all of you guys get over it? Do you think I can get over it and continue on? Help me!!!! I don't want to give up on my dream of being a nurse, especially after five semesters of difficult college coursework.

Megan

i don't have that kind of problem and im thankful for that but actually dont try so hard to overcome it maybe your only stressed out or something.... i know by the time your reading this your already overcome your fears and i trust you. every person has fear on their head the only way to do manage it is to be STRONG.

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I am very concerned about the same thing. I do okay with OTHER people - and can watch surgery without feeling faint or ill but seriously FAINT when I get my blood drawn. I have also fainted during a pelvic - (not kidding)...sigh. I learned that because I have very low natural blood pressure this could be a part of the issue .... sigh.

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I am just a couple of days shy of starting my very semester of nursing school. Although I am extremely excited about finally starting, i am also a little nervous. These last 2 weeks have been extremely stressful for me. I have been getting all of my things for school ready, like doctors appointments, physicals, shot and blood work done and for the very first time I completely fainted. I was totally unconscious, and disoriented when I woke up. It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. Also just yesterday, I had to go in and get two shot done that did not come out in my blood work and I got extremely overwhelmed and light headed.

Now here is the weird part, when I was little, from the day I was born till high school I was never scared about seeing a doctor, I didn't care at all if they poked me a million times with a needle, I never got sick, never lightheaded, and defiantly never fainted. But now it is like my mind and body have made a full 180 and has made me a complete chicken sh** (excuse my language).

I have experienced getting lightheaded and nauseous a couple of times while getting shot done and taking blood out but I have never fainted. This experience has been horrible for me and during my last doctors appointments this time around I can hear and feel a lot of people doubting me and it is extremely heart wrenching and upsetting.

But being on this website and realizing that I am not alone does make me feel a little better. I know that taking out blood and all of things that scare me is just a mind issue and i just need it to become a new normal to me.I know with time I should get use to it... At least I hope so. It is just extremely frustrating to me that I cannot overcome this feeling of fright and vulnerability and just go in there and not get sick. I know people are already doubting me but like other times before, I know that I can achieve whatever I want, if I really want it.

I know I have written a lot and can write so much more because I am using this for venting purposes. Reading all of your posts really helped me, and helps me know that I am not crazy, or a chicken, or weak... And I am not alone. Thank you everyone for posting.

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Woohoo congrats on your successful first nursing school semester! Maybe it's your lack of experience that is making you uncomfortable. We've all been there and will feel like fear takes over. When I was younger I hated going to the dentist cause they had the really long needle to numb you, it definitely took some time to get over. You will get over your fear I believe in you! :up:

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Specializes in PACU.

I have an irrational fear of needles. When it comes to getting blood drawn, vaccines, etc I go into full panic attack. I've made myself pass out on more than one occasion. I even lost it when they gave me novacaine during my root canal, LOL. However, it only pertains to me. I can watch blood be drawn on others all day long and... Nothing. As soon as it's me I lose it. I couldn't even try to stop if I wanted, it's completly involuntary. I couldn't tell you why, but my parents say it has to do with a nurse when I was a young kid (less than 5) that I've completely blacked out the memory. All they tell me was that I was traumatized by it but won't tell me what happened for fear of making it worse, I guess. :nailbiting:

The weird thing is when I was 19 I got a tattoo and I didn't even flinch. It's so weird!!!

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

There are a lot of rather grotesque you tube postings, with blood and gore. Or just the ones that demonstrate phlebotomy. Would watching and getting used to seeing things help you get past it? Non stress setting, watching until it becomes routine?

EDIT: just noticed this thread is from 2009!! Really hope the OP has gotten used to it by now :roflmao:

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