Am I not cut out to be a nurse? Please Help!

Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2009

I've been a nurse for over 20 years. And I still nearly hyperventilated on the OR table during my most recent surgery.

One nurse I work with will pass out if you ask her to help with a catheterization. She can do them - she just can't watch. I had her hold a flashlight for me once before I knew this. She started out fine, then suddenly the light was moving around, hitting the ceiling. And I'm like- um yoo-hoo, Jane, I need the light here not on the ceiling. I looked up and got her on a chair just in time. :)

Sparrowhawk · Sep 17, 2009

I hate needles...close my eyes everytime they're around me...but when I have to use them..no big deal. You'll be fiiiine. :)

groanup · Sep 17, 2009

Run while you can!!

No seriously, like others are saying, it could have been related to other factors.

I've mostly loved my career. If Nursing is what you want to do, pursue it.

interleukin · Sep 18, 2009

If I didn't now better I'd say you stole my experience

That's exactly, and I mean exactly what happened to me!

I have been a critical care nurse for 14 years.

Your experience should have no effect whatsoever with becoming a capable nurse.

I can give 'em, but if I look at a needle entering my body I'm a goner..especially if they start fishing for a vein...

and they always have to fish 'cause the moment I sit in that chair I'm clammy and clamped down like a stuck pig.

nrsman1 · Sep 18, 2009

Ok ive got a good one. I AM a nurse and passed out after watching my wife get stuck five times before they got blood. Mind you she hates getting stuck. I guess I was feeling her pain. btw I have no probs sticking people.

esthomprn · Sep 18, 2009

There is always something a nurse can't handle. Its natrual. i couldn't handle seeing an epidural. I almost passed out. The good thing is that what you can't handle another nurse can and she can do it for you while you do what that nurse can't do. That's why we work in teams

Markis · Sep 18, 2009

I am a pre nursing student who is very excited about nursing. Yesterday I went to the doctor and had to have some blood drawn. I decided to watch this, being that I am going into nursing. The nurse was having a hard time finding a vein and was moving the needle around in my arm. It was uncomfortable, but not painful. All of a sudden I started to pass out. My mouth got dry and I was wet with sweat, and my hearing started to go. The rushed me over to the table and gave me water. I started to feel better and the doctor drew blood from my hand. My question is, Am I not cut out to be a nurse since I can't even watch them draw my own blood? This has never happened to me before, but I usually don't look. Please help!
Thank you!

I am a nurse and I:

1) Can't watch sticks or surgeries (anything with blood + pain) on TV

2) Pass out (you know - smelling salts) every time I get stuck

3) Get grossed out by my dog's poop

4) Cant's watch scary movies :no:

I have no problems when my patient's needs are on the line. I love nursing, and while I may be a baby off the clock, I am a beast at the bedside. You will amaze yourself as to what you can overcome when your passion to help those who need help is driving you

belgarion · Sep 18, 2009

I can stand to do or watch just about any kind of needle stick you care to name on myself or someone else but watching the vet give my pets their shots makes my knees shake and my mouth go dry. Who knows why some things get to some people more than others? Stay with your dream, you'll be fine.