Dont like the site of BLOOD!!

NurseDennie, BSN, RN · Feb 11, 2002

I'll tell you my little problem with blood - it's embarassment. Can you believe that? I was brought up quite stodgy and uptight. Bodily fluids should be kept to one's self.

My boss was struck by a car last week in front of our office (she had to have an ORIF of the tibial head) and is home now, but faces a long convalescence - 6 to 8 weeks of non-weight-bearing). I feel guilty because I've often semi-joked that I ALWAYS cross with the light at that street - not that I think the light will protect me - but that my family will prevail in the ensuing lawsuit. I never thought it would be HER to be hit - I thought it would be ME. I'm old and short and slow and I limp -- and she's tall and FAST. Just goes to show you, doesn't it?

But in thinking about the possibility of such an accident involving me: I only hope if I ever get hit by a car, it knocks me completely out, or else I will surely die of embarassment.

*sigh*

Love

Dennie

KC CHICK · Feb 11, 2002

Some advice....when you're going through your Surgery rotation...eat breakfast and ASK FOR A CHAIR!! About a month ago we had a visiting student pass out in one of our OR's. She was promptly provided with a chair to sit in while observing for the rest of the day.

"Tis better to prepare for a dizzy spell than to land on the OR floor."

Good Luck in school,

Anne;)

Don't feel bad...I can give shots, but have passed out in my Doc's office after receiving one. It happens.

bassbird · Feb 11, 2002

Hi Ginger, you are not alone!!!

I'm graduating in 3 months and still have a problem with "certain kinds of blood". When I am doing something and blood is involved, I don't have a problem. In fact when I observed orthopedic surgery I didn't have a problem. But there is something about suturing that gets to me. I walked in to the room right after a women delivered her baby last week and there was lots of blood and I was fine. Then the doctor started sewing her up and I had to leave. My ears start to ring and I feel like I feel somewhat dizzy too.

I think it will get better, that you and hopefully I, will be desensitized. I've come a long way already since starting nursing school. Don't let the blood thing scare you. :)

P_RN, ADN, RN · Feb 11, 2002

We all have our UGHS.

I can pack a huge wound, watch sutures, see steinman pins inserted and it not faze me....

Last week my husband had a small benign growth removed from his arm. When he took off the bandaid.....I got the willies and almost fainted......

Chair, breakfast, yep that's about right.

:rolleyes:

Jenny P · Feb 11, 2002

Me, I can't stand vomit! I upchuck with the patient just about every time! But I warn them of it, and make sure they know enough to ask for meds if they are a bit WHOOPSY! I also work CV-ICU where all body fluids are supposed to be in TUBES! :) :) :)

mario_ragucci · Feb 11, 2002

It's just a type of connective tissue that keeps O2 flowing through us. Whats the big deal? I'm kidding:) I know some folks get all wigged out by the sight of it:imbar It's a pretty cool substance when you think about it, right? Yeah - it's supposed to be within us, and perhaps its a reflex to be uncomfortable with its sight out of the body, because that could only mean trouble. Make the distinction.

Just think of blood as the medium of life, and know that it is. Try to over-ride the part of you that becomes distressed - I think you will be okay.

Personally, I have no trouble with blood, as long as it is not mine. I have tried to give blood several times over the course of my life. I faint EVERY time. Me-a dude with plenty of blood to spare. When my body detects the loss, it shuts down, even though I am in the care of pro's. It's a wild feeling. I get this very warm and comfortable feeling, then I hear this beautiful trumpet start to play as I lose consciousness. It abruptly ends with the nurse slapping my face telling me to wake up. I can't give blood.

I have mentioned before that what makes me uneasy is when someone starts coughing and wheezing openly. I guess the microbiology class really made an impression on me when it came to spewing droplets into the air from your lungs. I keep thining I am gonna breath in someone else's virus from hell:devil:

SharkLPN · Feb 11, 2002

Blood? No problem. Sputum? Wanna see what I had for lunch?Nothing like tenacious sputum to keep those pounds off!

Seriously though, I used to get a bit lightheaded with blood. Hopefully with exposure you'll be able to work through it - no pun intended. Small doses at first if you can arrange it.

And I seriously think that the reason so many of us faint or almost faint on our OR rotations has much to do with having to wear the surgical mask for such a long stretch. Lack of O2.

Franca · Feb 11, 2002

Ginger,

Thanks for asking that one! I watched a hair transplantation on the Health Network last week. Upon seeing the initial bleeding when the doctor harvested the autograft from the back of the patient's head, I wasn't exactly turned on (understatement), and I asked, "And you're going to be a nurse!"

While continuing to watch it, I worked on reframing my thoughts in order to change my gut's response. I redirected to the fact that I will be helping a person/patient, to the outcome, etc. However, my recovery wasn't 100% when using the technique, I'll need to practice it. I'm glad to hear the advice given and the encouragement. Too, remembering to breathe helps combat nausea; a nurse taught me that when I was postsurgical last year.

:)

Paprikat · Feb 11, 2002

I am still queasy with the sight of MY OWN blood!

Blood used to bother me and was one thing I was afraid of in nursing, but I got used to it. You get almost "desensitized' to it.

My instructor said that the poeple who were "macho" were usually the ones who passed out!

I think it may take some time but as one of the above posts said, ask for a chair if you feel queasy.:)