Blood Queasiness Issues

[cwatt7]

Hello all,

I've been in college for 7 years now and have moved around in areas of study quite a bit. I've spent a lot of money to figure out what I didn't want to do. I've decided that the nursing field is one that is rewarding, pays well, and will always be in demand. I'm taking pre-nursing classes currently and did well in my first semester.

In high school, we had some folks come in for a presentation to the entire class, to properly scare the hell out of us to not drink and drive via the goriest and bloodiest slideshow ever made. Up until that point, I thought I could handle a lot of blood, having hunted and cleaned animals for most of my life, and having seen many bloody war films. Well, I became sweaty, white, lost my hearing, and started to get wobbly and lose my vision at these images. I didn't pass out. I made it to the hallway and then the restroom to have a seat on the floor and chill. I learned there that apparently I have an issue with bodily fluids.

I've lived and worked on a farm my whole life. I've seen death. I've seen wounds. When I'm in that environment and smash or cut my finger, for instance, I'm totally fine. I'll often just wipe it on something and continue my work. When I enter a clinical environment with needles and the scent of alcohol pads about, I just start to lose it for some reason.

Yesterday morning in an anatomy and physiology lab, we were taking blood samples from ourselves to analyze blood types. I dreaded it a bit and was in the middle of the line with my partner, a paramedic. He was enthusiastic about it and I filled him in with my concerns. Sure enough, while not fainting, I had to step out twice. Once was before it was my turn and once after I had decided to man up and give it a shot. I was pricked, tried to hold it together, and then shamefully told him I'd have to go for a walk.

I've seen this topic addressed here before and have read a few threads on it, but my question is a bit different than others. I know this problem can be (and has been) overcome by many in this field. The kind replies people make are often that "you'll get over it with experience" or "it will pass." I'm curious as to how, or if, I can address this issue outside of the classroom. I'd like to get over this as soon as possible, so as to not be further embarrassed. I know there is no rational reason to dread the sight of blood. I know what it is, what it does, and that losing the volume necessary for a blood test is not dangerous in any way. My queasiness is totally illogical and involuntary.

Does anyone have any insight? Thanks in advance for all responses.

[RunBabyRN]

It might be good to try to keep exposing yourself to work through it. Inevitably, you'll be in contact with blood sometimes in most areas of nursing. That said, my FIL's home health nurse faints at the sight of blood (then again, she wants to get out of nursing after this job). But work through it- you can do it!