ER speedbump

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So, I volunteer in a local hospital's ER (the only level 1 trauma center for 4 northwestern states) and we get some pretty intense stuff through our doors. At first I was nervous about being in the ER, but after a couple shifts I really felt like I have found my place in the health care field. I looked forward to my shift every week and it was always the best part of my week. Long story short, I was watching a resident inject a scalp wound with Lidocaine to prep it for stapling, and I passed out. it hit me so fast I didn't have time to react, leave the room, or say something.

I am having a really hard time getting past this experience, because now I am worried I don't have the stomach to be an ER nurse. I was so sure I found my spot in health care, and now I don't know what is right anymore. I feel like my life has been turned upside down. Everyone I know who is in the health care field is telling me its happened to them, and sometimes they still get sick when a really bad trauma comes their way. These words of wisdom have helped, but its still not enough. Do any of you ER nurses have any advice on how to move on and get my head back in the game? Tell it to me straight up, no point in sugar coating it. Thanks!

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Specializes in ED, Tele, L&D.

Not much bothers me, but the last time I was assisting with a blood patch I almost passed out - fortunately I recognized what was about to happen and I quickly excused myself to go get some air. A blood patch is a pretty benign procedure, but for some reason seeing needles going into backs makes me weak in the knees. The very first time I assisted with an LP 10+ years ago I got very weak in the knees when the CSF was dripping into the tubes. So, that and sputum (makes me dry heave every time) are my kryptonite. Seriously, don't feel bad - it happens to the best of us, especially when we least expect it. It sounds like you love the ER - don't let this discourage you. Follow your passion. Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in med/surg, ER.

I was assisting a doc with a procedure when his scribe passed out cold. Said scribe is now in medical school. Be sure to eat and breath...you'll be fine!

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Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

I passd out cold giving my first injection in nursing school. That was 10 years ago. I'm now a dual-certified NP. Has nothing to do with fainting or not fainting.

Hang in there. You'll be just fine.

And cut yourself some slack, I can assure you you are not the first, and you SURE won't be the last student they ever see kiss the floor.

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Specializes in mental health, aged care/disability care.

Vomit gets me almost every time. I don't pass out but join in with the vomiting.

A lot of people have a little quirk about some part of their nursing duties, so keep your chin up and remember to breathe!

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My sister fainted the first time she gave an IV. Poor patient was shocked but OK. She went into day surgery to get good at IVs. Now she is a certified wound care nurse and is currently in the army. I know a couple of nurses who have their own Kryptonites. We are only human do not let one bump ruin a potentially excellent nurse.

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Specializes in ED.

I would also like to encourage you to continue on with your plan of working in the ED! Before I started nursing school I worked in a phycisicans office, and one day I almost passed out while watching an NP suture, and it just terrified me that I would not be able to be a nurse if I couldn't watch such a common procedure. Then there was the time I donated blood and nearly passed out as I was talking to the phlebotomist about sticking people. I noticed that every time I nearly passed out while watching procedures I was also worrying about upcoming nursing school and whether or not I could handle it. So, try to relax while watching, or doing, procedures!

By the way, I have been in the ED for 3 years now, and I absolutely love it. I have a hunch that you will love it as well! Go for it!

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Can't guarantee this but I've done this in the past.

If I feel I am getting "iffy", I actually say to myself (internal voice) OMG, this is so gross, or, I CANNOT believe I am doing this (snort), or oh ****, ****, ****!!!!, or, UGH lets just do this!!!

I also try to breath deep and exhale too. Seems if I acknowledge to myself that the situation has got to me, and talk to myself as I'd want a buddy to talk to me, to diffuse the situation, I get through it.

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Specializes in Acute Care, CM, School Nursing.

When I was a new RN, I nearly passed out watching a patient have a bone marrow aspiration done. I was standing there, knew I was about to go down, and quickly excused myself to the staff breakroom. I looked at myself in the mirror, and was positively green! I never realized that people could actually turn that color. But, I digress. Also, in nursing school, I had to sit down while watching a c-section. They hadn't even begun to cut into the lady, but the whole atmosphere got to me. Everything started to do black, luckily there was a chair nearby... LOL

I think you'll be fine! Just breathe and make sure your blood sugar doesn't get too low.

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Specializes in M/S; LTAC.

Do not let this stand in your way. I fainted after a toenail extraction. It gets better with time/experience, and if I had bailed after that toenail so many years ago, I would have missed out on some of the most rewarding, wild, and humbling moments of my life. The best way to get back into the game is to do just that. Show up and get back into it. Your anxiety will ease with time, I promise. :)

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Specializes in PICU.

I almost passed out in my Pediatric Clinicals after giving a shot--would had my instructor not realized it and made me sit on the floor with a cold wash cloth on my face. That didn't stop me from being a Pediatric ICU nurse and giving shots/drawing blood/starting IVs on kids regularly now with no problem. Don't give up!

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Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics.

Not much phases me, in fact anything that can and does go wrong with the human body generally fascinates me, in a morbid sort of way. I probably should have been a mortician.

When I was student in my OBS rotation, I was enthralled witnessing a vag birth with another student who was fine when the newborn gushed out but not so much with the accompanying one thousand cups of blood, she dropped like a sack of potatoes. I scraped her up off the floor just in time to see the placenta and... down she went again!

On the flip side, last year a lab tech was taking blood from a very rigid vein in my left ACF (I'm a very hard poke) when I felt the blackness invade my peripheral vision and suddenly her voice sounded far away and.. bam... I was out cold. Had blood draws many times, but why this was different, who knows? :o

Cut yourself some slack! Remember to eat, hydrate and find your happy place during gross procedures.

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