Fainting with venipunctures

Published

I am a first year nursing student and have been having problems with vasovagal syncope when I watch venipunctures on adults. I got to do an ER rotation yesterday and it was great except for the simple venipunctures. I helped stich a man's face that had puerile deep lacerations, and I did fine. It's just watching venipunctures that makes me pass out. I'm able to stop the episode before it happens, and I'm trying to watch as many as possible to get myself used to it. Any suggestions? I really want to get over this probl ASAP. By the way, I can watch them in babies and children, just not adults. Strange right?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like you will make a wonderful Newborn/Neonate/Pediatric nurse!!!!

There is a girl in our class that has, or rather had, the same issue. She just kept at it until the issue resolved itself; she actually went to a piercing shop that her friend owned and stayed there to watch for a few days....says it didn't help much but her clinical rotations got easier with the venipunctures as time went on.

Best of luck to you!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
I am a first year nursing student and have been having problems with vasovagal syncope when I watch venipunctures on adults. I got to do an ER rotation yesterday and it was great except for the simple venipunctures. I helped stich a man's face that had puerile deep lacerations, and I did fine. It's just watching venipunctures that makes me pass out. I'm able to stop the episode before it happens, and I'm trying to watch as many as possible to get myself used to it. Any suggestions? I really want to get over this probl ASAP. By the way, I can watch them in babies and children, just not adults. Strange right?

Very strange. My advice is to go to youtube (or another similar site) and watch a variety of venipuncture videos. Maybe this method will help you overcome your venipuncture-phobia.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yeah I've been doing that and I'm perfectly fine with it. Hopefully i can just get used to it in clinicals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

Interesting! My problem is that I tend to pass out when the needles are directed toward me. I can do IV's and venipunctures or I can watch them on anybody, but don't you try to stick that needle in me!

Have you tried doing any venipunctures yet? Sometimes it's helpful to focus on performing the task rather then just the situation. Here's a few ideas:

1. Focus completely on what the nurse is doing. Don't think about the patient, just pretend it's a video or pretend that it's a fake arm. Pay close attention to everything the nurse does. Keep your head involved in learning the skill, not the situation.

2. Watch the procedure out of the corner of your eye. Look away as soon as you start to feel weird and think about something else. Then glance back for as long as you can.

It will get better in time. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Thoracic Cardiovasc ICU Med-Surg.

I almost fainted the first time I saw a nurse put an IV in. I left the room and told my instructor I was about to throw up or faint. She looked me up and down before asking "What happened." I was embarrassed but told her. Fortunately, she clucked her tongue at me and told me to have a seat and put my head down for awhile, and then go find some other nurses putting in IV's and try to watch all I could find.

The next clinical day I was able to watch without feeling faint.

I've been a nurse for ten years. You will be fine, you just need more exposure to these new experiences.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try to reassure yourself that you are okay when observing. Have you actually tried to do one yourself yet? I lost sleep the nights before my first clinical week. I was terrified of doing one myself because it wasn't making me feel good. So I started to eat a good size breakfast (cereal or oatmeal is my favorite) and I take a multivitamin and a B12. I also practiced on an orange and then on my mom. The first time I was able to do an IV in front of my instructor I felt completely prepared. Maybe, it's not the blood and the needle stick thats making you faint maybe it's the fear that you will have to do that by yourself soon. Assisting is one thing but actually doing your own can make you sick.. I felt so sick the night before knowing that I might have to do one. I hope this helps. I've just learned that whenever your teacher says "do you want to go start an IV?" go for it! Oh, maybe sit down and get comfortable when starting one (my teacher taught me that one).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ashley,

not sure if this is dated but I'm a first year Nursing student in BC Canada and hoping my vaso vagal syncope caused by needles coming at me is where it ends...had 100's of needles 4 years ago over a 6 month period, never had a vaso vagal response, but had a TB skin test a month ago and blood drawn today, first time I looked, second time I didn't, both times fainted, weak, sweaty etc...so I guess I somehow fear needles penetrating my vein now, which is strange as I don't believe I consciously fear them or think they're painful. Arm injections seem fine, but penetration of my vien, whether I look or not seem to induce fainting or near fainting...nice to know I'm not alone in this very specific "VEIN" of vasol vagal syncope, pardon the pun....Truly hope watching it with someone else doesn't induce this same reaction...but I'll see I guess....hoping as it only affects you when it involves you, means it might be the same for [email protected]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Remember to breathe....don't hold your breath.!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment