Hi everyone, I am pursuing a career as a registered nurse, my unquestionable purpose and passion :)
I've had a lot of hands-on clinical experience at the bedside and in the hospital. I've watched colon-, endo-, and broncho-scopies as well as many IV insertions, up close wound care, bodily fluids, etc.
However, when it comes to seeing a surgeon or physician cut into a patients body, with a knife for example, I get whoozy. Not long ago I actually observed the insertion of a central line (into the neck) and was up close observing every detail of it, every tug and drop of blood. Didn't realize until the end that I was actually feeling faint. Had to eat something and sit down to regain myself.
Right now I am an intern in OB, first week! And we have the opportunity to observe lady partsl and cesarian births. lady partsl births I'm excited about. Because it's a relatively natural process, if that makes any sense. But C-sections, I want to watch because it's a great opportunity, BUT, I am afraid. As soon as I see the doctor cut into the belly, I can almost FEEL the incision and it makes me feel sick just imagining it. I think my problem is that I think too much and put myself in the shoes of the skin/body.
Do you have any suggestions on how to overcome this fear, and whether or not you think this will hinder my ability as a registered nurse in the future? I don't intend to be an OR nurse, but I really love ICU. Any input is greatly appreciated! God bless :)
Do not hold your breath. That's a natural and generally unconscious reaction to something unpleasant, but it increases the vasovagal effect, which slows your heart rate and decreases your venous return (bad idea if your goal is to maintain cerebral perfusion). BREATHE. Avert your eyes for the few seconds it takes, while breathing calmly and slowly (you don't want to hyperventilate either).
When you watch the YouTubes, every time you see the initial incision immediately and forcefully think of something you really like-- the lusciousness of your grandmother's chocolate cake, the way the minnows nibble on your toes at the pond, the smell of a newborn, the opening chime on your Macintosh, whatever. Every time. That will blunt your physiological reaction, too.
nurseprnRN, BSN, RN
1 Article; 5,116 Posts
Do not hold your breath. That's a natural and generally unconscious reaction to something unpleasant, but it increases the vasovagal effect, which slows your heart rate and decreases your venous return (bad idea if your goal is to maintain cerebral perfusion). BREATHE. Avert your eyes for the few seconds it takes, while breathing calmly and slowly (you don't want to hyperventilate either).
When you watch the YouTubes, every time you see the initial incision immediately and forcefully think of something you really like-- the lusciousness of your grandmother's chocolate cake, the way the minnows nibble on your toes at the pond, the smell of a newborn, the opening chime on your Macintosh, whatever. Every time. That will blunt your physiological reaction, too.