afraid of needles

[daisymae0]

To put it bluntly I'm really extremely afraid of needles. I've practiced a few times at school on practice arms, but every time I was so scared my hands shook. Does nursing school take are of this? Does practice really make perfect or I'm just kidding myself into thinking that I can over come this phobia? Does anyone have any tips to over come this fear? ANY and ALL advice is welcome!!:redbeathe:heartbeat:redbeathe

I've been reading this site for a few weeks and can't get enough of it. Almost every post seems to have useful information in it. Thanks for helping me decide to go to nursing school after all....:loveya:

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

this is one of those if i had a nickle for every post about this type things. With needles, it is better o give than receive and even if you don't particularly like giving - nursing school may desensitize you from it and you'll be just like the rest of us. The trick is to stay calm and don't think too much about the fact that you're giving a NEEDLE just think about the task itself - i'm starting an iv, i'm drawing blood, i'm giving this person a dose of toradol.

[philanurse74]

Practice does make perfect, and eventually you will not be scared of them anymore. Always remember, however, even the best shot does hurt a little bit, and be kind!

[Sw88t Pea]

My best friend was the same way. She couldn't do needles or blood. We now have one term left until graduation. She found she was able to control it when she's doing to others but she still passes out if she receives a shot. Also, she had a bit of an emergency situation at a clinical and did a great job with both! Don't worry, it will come and nurses want to help with that when you go to clinicals anyways.