Fainting during clinical

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OK - so, here I am in the second semester, doing great grade-wise, loving what I do, and I've just discovered that I faint (or come close to fainting) when I see puncture-like stuff -- like, say, when I gave my first Hep B shot to an infant, or when I saw a PAP smear accidentally draw blood.

I am determined to get over this, but I don't know how. I KNOW other folks have had to deal with this, and gotten through it. So -- please don't ask me why I'm in nursing school -- but any suggestions about fighting the vasovagal reaction would be VERY welcome!

Many thanks in advance to all --

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

I don't have any suggestions on HOW to get over it, but you can get used to it. I got my phlebotomy certification last spring and there was a girl in my class who actually went into anxiety-provoked seizures the first 2 times she had to stick someone (thankfully it was in class and not during clinicals!) It was actually worse for her when she was the one being stuck, and I really have no idea why she was doing it. She ended up being one of the best phlebotomists in the class!

I think it just takes desensitization. Maybe for fun you could watch a marathon of CSI! :)

Good luck!

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Specializes in CCRN.

First, make sure you have something in your stomach. Eat a good breakfast before clinicals. I am not a breakfast eater, but I make sure I eat something prior to my clinical day. The only time I got woozy was watching a nurse dig to get an IV started. I really thought I was going down. I focused on a ceiling light and got through it, but boy was it an awful feeling. If it's a smell (for me it's placenta delivery) you can use vapor rub under the nose, but when it's psychological you just need to find a way that works for you. Focus on something else, snap a rubber band on your wrist, whatever. I also think the more times you accomplish a procedure the more familiar you are, therefore less bothered.

Good luck!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry.

Yeah. Always make sure you eat a pretty hearty meal before going to clinical. It's a long day and being hypoglicemic while trying to get through procedures and helping pts is not good. Good luck. I hope it doesn't happen to you again.

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Keep those suggestions coming -- I had a big, hearty breakfast the morning I really lost consciousness (as opposed to just getting woozy). Knew it was coming on, tried to focus on the cheerful poster on one side of the room, etc. BAM! I didn't even have time to get the cold sweats...

Thanks to everyone so far for posting!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Telemetry.

Aw, honey. I'm sorry. I hope that you can find something that will help you. Cuz you can't keep passing out like that. ;) You can get seriously hurt. :eek:

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