Fear of blood

wonder · Jan 20, 2004

Be prepared for the unexpected when doing clinicals. Maybe, you can talk to your instructor or someone that can help alleviate your fears. Good luck :)

PJMommy · Jan 20, 2004

What is it about blood that you fear? Is it just seeing your OWN blood? I had a classmate who graduated with honors and will be a terrific nurse but she would nearly pass out if she saw her OWN blood and couldn't stand to be stuck...but could see other people's blood with no problem at all.

Is it just the act of DRAWING blood?

If it's *seeing* blood, you'll see it a lot and not just in drawing blood. You'll see lots of wounds and drains with blood. And yes, you'll draw blood. Even if you have a phlebotomist onsite, the RN usually has to be the one to draw from central lines and do arterial blood draw sticks. Even putting in an IV can be...uh, messy...at times.

latinanrswanabe · Jan 20, 2004

Well, I pass out and get lightheaded when i see it. I'm a woman though and can stand seeing my own blood every month as gross as that sounds. I just break out in a cold sweat and feel like fainting. It's wierd. My first day of anatomy I passed out due to a video that was being shown. It was pretty graphic......I really want to overcome that fear because I knkow I can be a great nurse

RNSuzq1, RN · Jan 20, 2004

Hi Latin,

Have you thought of a career in Hospital Administration (no blood involved)? Besides the Admin. part of Nursing - you will be dealing with blood in one form or another - along with all other bodily fluids. Perhaps it's something you really need to think over.

alicec1 · Jan 24, 2004

I was just like you when I was younger. I volunteered at a lab where a friend worked after explaining my situation. It will go away if you want it to go away. When I felt comfotable enough I took the phlebotomy course at my local community college. I can now say that blood doesn't bother me much. If you set you set your mind to it you can do it.

Good luck,

Alice

Kora0880, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2004

If you are serious about nursing this one thing should not discourage you. Anyway, instead of worrying how to get arround it and avoid it you should look for opportunities to work on this issue, approach it and do it few times. Not only most likely will you get over it but also with time becom good at it.

DO NOT COUNT ON OTHERS TO DO IT FOR YOU

Altra, BSN, RN · Jan 24, 2004

De-sensitization over time may work for you ...

After spending time on this site I've read a lot of posts about having to overcome the sight/sound/smell of some of the messier stuff, and most people say that over time, you get used to it.

I worried about this stuff too before starting school too. I made myself watch some of the shows on TLC and Discovery Health - I now think surgery is cool.

LauraLou · Jan 24, 2004

Originally posted by MLOS
I made myself watch some of the shows on TLC and Discovery Health - I now think surgery is cool.

I agree with MLOS, watch the real-life medical shows on tv. I was fine with blood but couldn't stand seeing internal organs or someone being cut open. I made myself watch surgeries on tv and I have gotten so it doesn't both me very much. I doubt I will ever be an OR nurse, but at least I won't faint when I walk into a patient's room!