Crazy question....

stpauligirl · May 16, 2006

This might sound like a crazy question, but does anyone besides me have a fear of needles or get a little light-headed when they see blood. I know you guys will probably think that I have choosen the wrong career path, but I REALLY want to be a nurse someday soon. Can anyone help me out with this?

You'll laugh but I passed out when they took blood from me at one time....also after my thyroidectomy I needed to have my blood checked frequently...after so many times I went on strike because they stuck me so often and painfully I couldn't take it any more. Before my hysterectomy I had a student nurse trying to put an IV into my arm. I was a nervous wreck going into surgery. It failed several times and I finally had an 'expert' completing the task....yes, I am terrified of having needles stuck into me....but I plan to become the BEST "needle operator" in the world so that my patients wont have to suffer like I have The more we will have to do it and the more we are exposed the tougher we will get!!! We will be alright and do well! Just keep telling yourself that you can do it and then just do it!!!!!

firstaiddave907 · May 16, 2006

I am not a big fan of getting needles because i found out that i will have to get a cortizone shot in my knee because i tore some cartalidge in my knee . and i was wondering how painfuil it will be to get one in the knee and how far do they have to go?

Angel 3 · May 16, 2006

Thanks for making me feel better. I didn't want to be the only one. I have been telling myself that I am not the only one, and once we get hands on experience it will be a lot easier for me. Good luck to you, and thanks for your story.:wink2:

soko2002 · May 16, 2006

I have the same fear. I use to always pass out when I got my blood drawn. Then, I had to go through in vitro to have my dd. I ended up having to have my blood drawn daily. After that it wasn't so bad but if I haven't had my blood drawn often I get a little light headed, but at least I don't have to lie down anymore. A big step for me was taking A&P. I use to not be able to even talk about veins (weird I know), but have no problems with blood and guts otherwise. Then I took the class and talking about the vascualar system really helped. Now whenever I talk about veins or look at them I think in my head "red blood cells". I say it over and over. It really helps me just think about what is in them rather than "Veins". Anyway, I know that nursing is what I want to do. The only thing that stopped me when I was younger was my fear of veins. I will not let that stop me because this is what I am meant to do.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · May 18, 2006

don't for one minute ever think that you are alone with this problem. it is more likely to happen to young females at the site of their own blood. the medical term for it is called the vasovagal syncope or response. you can read about it here

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-fainting/fa00052 - first aid for fainting. the treatment is to get blood back into your head by putting your head between your knees or lying down.

pulled up some old threads where people discussed the same problem of fainting. read on.

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/nursing-fainting-long-55523.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f8/help-me-58005.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f18/vasovagal-syncope-126908.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/fainting-during-clinical-142545.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/i-need-little-hope-153151.html

https://allnurses.com/forums/f87/please-chime-152776.html

nursecher · May 18, 2006

You might be surprised when you are on the giving end instead of the receiving end. Putting a needle in someone else doesn't hurt you a bit!

Kare117 · May 18, 2006

Hi,

This is not crazy, in fact it will make you better at giving needles. I am a blood donor phlebotomist, and I hate to be on the recieving end of the needle. My donors tell me all the time that I am the best they have had "didn't hurt at all". So use that fear to learn the skill in the least painful way.

Kare

lisabeth · May 18, 2006

This might sound like a crazy question, but does anyone besides me have a fear of needles or get a little light-headed when they see blood. I know you guys will probably think that I have choosen the wrong career path, but I REALLY want to be a nurse someday soon. Can anyone help me out with this?

I am finding that a lot of what I am having to face in school is making me stronger. I was, and still am a little intimidated by them, but I really think I will be ready for it once I get there. I bet you will be too

cad4296 · May 18, 2006

I had the same concern and was always told not to worry you get used to it. I was sure I would never get used to it. But after performing my very first blood draw, I got over my fear! Now getting through that blood draw was the hardest part! I was literally shaking and scared to death to put the needle in! But with an awesome instructor by my side I did it (even though I swore to her up and down that I could not do this!) After that initial shock of actually doing it, it was so easy after that. I think getting the courage to face your fears is the hardest part.

Angel 3 · May 19, 2006

Thanks for all of your experiences and advice. This makes me feel a whole lot better. It's good to know that you are not the only one in any situation.:icon_hug:

WDWpixieRN, RN · May 19, 2006

Try being a platelet donor for a few months....once you've had that horse-sized needle (or two if you use one for removing and one for return), you'll never ever again feel anything when you have to deal with a regular needle in your veins.....I always hated needles, but was amazed after I became a donor at how little, if anything, you truly feel with the smaller needles....

However....I just had a tetorifice shot, a TB test, a 2nd hep B, and a total of 5 sticks this week....ouch....suddenly I quit feeling quite so brave again!!

Good luck!