Blood and needles

[greenfalafel]

I want and have always wanted to become a nurse. Starting next year, I will be enrolling in nursing school. The problem is I can't stand the sight of blood or needles. When ever I get a shot I have to lay down otherwise I pass out and end up on the floor having a "seizure" of sorts. Also, whenever I see blood I get light headed and on a few occasions have passed out. I was just wondering whether or not any one else has had this problem. Does anyone know how I can "cure" this aversion to blood and needles. I am afraid it is a weakness I will never over come complicating my career choice.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

grenfalafel,

I think all of us get a bit "squingy" when things are happening to ourselves - painful, icky, etc. But as you go through your educational process, you will begin to think of blood, needles (and other things) in a different light. Repeated exposure also serves to decrease the shock to your system. That's not to say that some things will always retain a high yuck factor for you. In my case, it is oral suctioning..... sheesh. Never have been able to do it without a bit of the 'heaves'.

Ultimately, you may even end up in an area like Informatics, in which you never encounter a needle. So, keep charging ahead with your goal.