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!
Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.
I agree with the other posters. Don't give up your dream! When I worked in ER as a tech if something was way too gross I generally looked away for a bit so I could reset my brain. And talking to others really helps because you kind of distract yourself.
You know, this might be odd advice but like you, I've always wanted to be an ER nurse, but wasn't sure if I could handle it. A few years ago I found a show called "Trauma: Life in the ER" on Discovey Health...tried watching it (it shows real life trauma patients, very graphic) and sure enough, couldn't handle it and wanted to puke. But I kept watching, and started to get used to it. Now I watch it over dinner! I used to imagine how much pain the person was in, now I focus on "what would I do in that situation, what will fix him".
I realize TV and reality are 2 different things but I honestly feel like it has helped me...when I did my ER rotation in nsg school I was holding a pt's hand while they put in a chest tube, literally inches in front of my face, and was absolutely fine. The tech there told me I had "balls of steel", lol!
On the other hand though, I almost fainted the first time I had to suction an airway...the sight of sputum and the choking/gagging just about did me in. I guess it's just something we all have to get used to. But don't think for a minute that makes you any less of a nurse or that you should give up your dream!
Thank you guys so much for the insight! I just got home from my shift and I was fine. Granted, I didn't watch any procedures but I made it through the day without fainting. Thanks for the encouragement, it means a lot to me.
Faeriewand, ASN, RN
1,800 Posts
I agree with the other posters. Don't give up your dream! When I worked in ER as a tech if something was way too gross I generally looked away for a bit so I could reset my brain. And talking to others really helps because you kind of distract yourself.