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Discussion

ALMOST PASSED OUT

Not sure if this should go under "student" forum, but I wanted to get some feedback from seasoned nurses. I'm a CNA and on my last pre-req for nursing school. In my class today, our professor showed a video of a reverse vasectomy. I don't know what came over me, but I knew I was going to faint. I was afraid to stand up, but afraid to sit there and faint in front of the class. I did manage to leave (thankfully I was right next to the door), and did the head down/ fresh air thing. I was o.k. after a few minutes. I was then able to sit thru a tubal ligation video with no problem whatsoever. This really worried me, that I became faint. Being a CNA, I can handle the usual (unpleasantries) with no problem. I've wanted to be a nurse for as long as I can remember. Can anyone share a similar situation? I came home feeling pretty upset -- has anyone else overcome/dealt with queasy, faint feelings? Thanks.

Featured Replies

dibbs, once in 1st semester of NS I was going to change the dressing on the stump of an amputated leg. My instructor asked me if the "white stuff" was bone or pus and as I leaned down to look (the patient had severe contractures) I kept on going to the floor. I took a minute, composed myself, thanked god the patient was comatose, and did the dressing change.

You had a "moment" but don't define yourself by that moment. You handled it well and I'm sure you'll handle those to come with the same aplomb. :)

  • Author

Thanks for sharing. It certainly was a "moment"! I need/appreciate the encouragement!:)

It happens.

When I was in my surgical rotation my classmate was getting quite hot. We (the scrub and I) insisted she leave until the queasiness passed. And it does.

Some stuff is hard to take. You get (more) used to it.

:)

  • Author

It wasn't funny at the time, but I can't figure out why the reverse vasectomy got to me and the tubal ligation didn't! .....Maybe because I have 2 young sons at home?! Thanks for the feedback -- it's much appreciated.

I've seen open heart surgeries, hip replacements, brain surgeries, c sections, lady partsl deliveries, just to name a few......none of these bothered me in the least. One day I was watching a bone biopsy with a large needle being inserted into this pts hip, I almost passed out. Couldn't figure that one out.:rolleyes:

  • Author

I have a 25 yr old cousin battling leukemia -- I've heard that needle bone biopsy is a nightmare. Thanks for sharing and your support.

  • Expert

It happens. Even a seasoned OR nurse can take a dive. Before clinicals I always made sure to eat breakfast and if you are standing for long periods pump your calves to keep the blood flowing. Also if you think you might be feeling faint get away from anything you might contaminate and find somewhere to sit down immediately. There seems to be a very short window between "feeling" and konk. :)

  • Author

Thanks for the pointers. I'll try to avoid "konk"!:chair:

This was before I was a nursing student, but I did ride-alongs with a local ambulance company and we dropped a patient off at the ER. The nurses asked if I wanted to watch an NG being put down so I took the opportunity. Next thing I know, I'm feeling hot and then went down when the patient started gagging on the tube. Luckily, one of the paramedics caught me before I hit the floor.

Funny thing, though, now I put NG's down without feeling that way, even if the patient does gag on the tube. I suppose watching it and actually doing it makes a difference.

  • Author

Thanks for the story! This is the greatest website.....I'd be lost without it!

Once when I was in my first semester of clinical I almost fainted watching an IV start. I know right? Anyway, I start them all the time now with no problems. Sometimes things just hit a nerve wrong or something. Don't sweat it, I'm sure you'll be a great nurse!

I've seen open heart surgeries, hip replacements, brain surgeries, c sections, lady partsl deliveries, just to name a few......none of these bothered me in the least. One day I was watching a bone biopsy with a large needle being inserted into this pts hip, I almost passed out. Couldn't figure that one out.:rolleyes:

Same here with all the surgeries... give me blood and guts and I can handle it..but I CAN NOT do lumbar punctures!

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