Why do I nearly pass out?

[Lori215, RN]

I was always the kid who was the first to cut the frog open in biology, so why do I nearly pass out whenever I feel a little bit of adrenaline or stress in the clinical setting?

The first time I experienced this I was a CNA and was called to a patients room by his wife who witnessed him fall on the floor head first from his wheelchair (and unsurprisingly, there was a lot of blood involved.) I'm not sure whether it was the sight of blood, or just the stress of the situation, but on came the tinnitus, tunnel vision, and cold sweat. Luckily, I sat down or I would have joined him on the floor.

The second time was just a few days ago. In clinicals I got to visit the GI lab and watch a few endoscopys and colonoscopys. It was so cool! I loved seeing the anatomy of the throat with that high definition camera. And then the doctor started grabbing at the polyps and pulling them off... Again, on came the tunnel vision, nausea, and cold sweat. I sat down again in time, but HOW embarrassing is that? In front of a Doctor, RN, and CRNA. They were so nice about it, but it was still mortifying.

So my fellow nurses/nursing school friends, has this every happened to you? How can I avoid this from happening? My blood pressure is relatively low generally and I am not a huge breakfast eater (in fact that morning I only had instant breakfast and the nurse made me drink an OJ before I went in). Is this in response to something that I can help or will it just take me time to train my body to these (mentally) stressful situations? I insisted on going back for the rest of the procedures and I seemed to be fine (the nurse told me to wiggle my legs to help keep my blood pumping, which seemed to help.)

I was reassured by the doctor performing the endoscopy that in his second year of med school he passed out watching a liver surgery, so I have some hope that this may happen to the lot of us (or maybe he was just being really nice ).

Any advice would help! I really try to be as tough as possible, so I hate that my body won't let me in these situations!

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Have you had a physical done recently where you specifically mentioned these symptoms? You really need to see a medical professional about this issue as we cannot provide any type of medical advice per TOS. Could it be something as simple as not eating a decent breakfast? Sure, but it could just as easily be the scenario my young, not even old enough to drink coworker found herself in- a congenital condition that caused complete heart block, causing her to suffer near fainting, dizziness, and other symptoms. So get yourself checked out by those who are best suited to do that- a medical professional, not an anonymous message board.

[Lori215, RN]

Have you had a physical done recently where you specifically mentioned these symptoms? You really need to see a medical professional about this issue as we cannot provide any type of medical advice per TOS. Could it be something as simple as not eating a decent breakfast? Sure, but it could just as easily be the scenario my young, not even old enough to drink coworker found herself in- a congenital condition that caused complete heart block, causing her to suffer near fainting, dizziness, and other symptoms. So get yourself checked out by those who are best suited to do that- a medical professional, not an anonymous message board.

Thank you, I more so was putting out my feelers to see if this is relatively normal as a new member of the healthcare industry than actually seeking medical advice. It really doesn't happen frequently but then again, I am not exposed to high stress situations frequently. I will see my doctor, thanks!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Some of us have a hyper-vagal response to stress... it's purely autonomic, we can't do anything about it & it's difficult to predict the types of things that will trigger it because we may not actually "feel" stressed or anxious. I've had it all my life. As a kid, I passed out after vaccinations even though I was not visibly upset or anxious - my poor mom. I also trigger with physiologic stress due to fever or painful stimuli. If this is the case for you, all you can do is learn to identify early indications & take action to prevent syncope. In my case, if I can sit down & lower my head, it passes quickly.

Very early in my nursing career, I was triggered by the usual things. As time passed, I became de-sensitized and they didn't bother me at all. So hang in there. It will get better. Based on my own experience, I do want to caution you against passing out in any environment in which medical interns or residents are present.... they WILL want to "leap into action" and "save" you. It's best to remove yourself to a private area with a trusted colleague who is not going to try to insert a subclavian - LOL.

[soph85]

Have a chair behind you if you're watching a procedure so you can quickly rest and recover. For me, just knowing the chair is there if I need it takes a bit of the stress away. Nurses have said you become desensitized to the sights and smells after time.