Ack! Advice needed please!

TeresaRN2b · Jun 29, 2001

Let's see. I am a medical assistant now although I am not currently working. I am going back to school in the fall for my RN. I have also been in an RN program before, but didn't complete it. I guess to answer your questions yes, I think there are a lot of nursing instructors out there just as you describe. At the same time I don't think it is necessary ever to belittle someone. As far as giving injections, what exactly are you doing wrong? Are you hesitating? You know the truth of the matter is it is very hard to practice on an orange or a fake object. You really can't screw it up as much as the instructors act like you can. As long as you know your sites and have those perfected you will be fine. I think that is really the most important part. As far as the actually injections that just takes practice. I have a diabetic child so I have to give injections every day. Granted they are not IM shots and they are a little different to give, but still. Your instructor is partially right though, if you want to be in nursing you will have to get over your fear of needles. One of the biggest things I learned from my last experience in nursing school is confidence. That is what they are looking for more than anything. Even if you are nervous and don't think you know what you are doing you have to do your best and show confidence in yourself. The reason this is so important you will find out when you go to do real patient care. If you walk in showing that you are not confident in yourself you will make your patients very nervous and uncomfortable. On the other hand if you walk in like you know what you're doing patients will have your trust and you will succeed. I will give you an example. I got hired on as a phlebotomist. I had never drawn blood on a child I was scared out of my mind. I knew what to do, but I had never done it. I didn't hesitate for a moment and acted like I was a pro and had done it a zillion times which put the parents at ease. I actually had to poke the poor kid twice, but because I acted confident the parents remained calm and just assumed that I had just missed the vein. Anyways, in my long ramblingness I am trying to say that the biggest thing you need in success with this is confidence.

I hope that helps some.

Teresa

janleb · Jun 29, 2001

Hi Jessica,

boy to bad you can't stick her in the gluteal!!!!! Enough of that, take your punishment 3000 words and all. Even though you don't deserve it. Going into nursing that is the number one fear......giving injections but I can guarantee as soon as you give one or two injections it will be fun. Tomorrow is a new day, you are going to walk in there and give this injections like you have done it before. Just realize that whenever you do something new it is a little unnerving. (for everyone) Just focus on what you have to do, do pay no attention to the people around you. I can't believe fellow classmates were laughing, shame on them. Whenever I run into qualities that I don't like in a nurse, instructor, ect...... I don't say anything but I put it on my list of how I don't want to be. I can control my actions but not others. Get a good nights sleep, and remember it is just a little shot:) Not surgery!!!!Try to keep it in perspective.

Nursing school for me has been a very positive experience. I made myself volunteer for skills during clinicals,and labs instead of trying to hide. The instructors I had were demanding, but compassionate. In the beginning I could not imagine myself giving a shot, starting an IV but the funny thing is when you do it your ready......you'll see!!! Just go in there and act like you have done it a hundred times, YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!!

JessicaP · Jun 29, 2001

You know the truth of the matter is it is very hard to practice on an orange or a fake object. You really can't screw it up as much as the instructors act like you can. As long as you know your sites and have those perfected you will be fine.

I don't think I would have minded practicing on a orange or a fake object. If that was the case or if that was how we started I dont think I would have been affraid at all. I think my fear is hurting my partner who is standing there shaking and saying "Just do it.. no dont do it.. ok do it.. squeeze my arm harder"

I do have a great partner though. Wich Im really greatful for. I get hesitant and she says "Just wait till I stick you with your injection"

Thanks for the great advice gals.. I really needed it.. Tommorow is another day..

janleb · Jun 29, 2001

When I give an injection I always let the pt know it is coming. Just get everything you will need set it up. alcohol pad, bandaid. I always say stick and give the injection then. keeps the person from jumping from surprise. Also my instructor came into lab and said we were going to see a movie and then practice starting IVs on each other.......well we thought he was joking........he was not joking:) He was a real good sport, we got to use him too. We were very fortunate we had an emt in our nursing class so he had started tons of ivs.

Also my sister is an rn and brought home a IV set and let me practice on her:) Is that a great sister or what. I also remember writing this bulletin board and getting advice on injections because I was afraid......that was prior to even trying. But like I said once you get your first time under your belt, it will be a piece of cake.

One technique I was thinking might help. Pretend you are an RN and you have to give your pt a injection. example:

"hi Mrs Smith I have an tetnus shot for you today" just role play " I'm going to give this to you in your deltoid(upper arm). get all of your supplies ready ect and just do it.

EveryRN and student nurse has been in your shoes, but they all get over it and you will too. Keep my finger crossed for you

Rileycat · Jun 29, 2001

I think most people are afraid to give their first shot. The only way to get over the fear is to practice. Here is a tip: When giving injections...make sure you use enough force. It may seem like going in fast would be painful, but it is not. If you go too slow, the needle will either bounce off (and you will have to stick your partner a second time) or it will only go in half way. The worst thing is to push the needle in slowly. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Just take a deep breath and you'll be fine. Good luck.

BrandyBSN · Jun 29, 2001

I was terrified about giving a shot, so i gave one to myself first, it was just saline. I also started my first IV on myself, because i was scared of hurting someone else. It is not bad at all, just take a deep breath, and do for it :)

JessicaP · Jun 30, 2001

Well..

I tried and tried and finally got it in. But, because I was still a little affraid today my teacher told me he does not want me in his class and has placed me on on academic leave.. pending a meeting with the dean of admissions.

Yes, Im gettiing kicked out.. (He told me to bring all my uniforms in on monday as well as books and locker lock to turn in)

This makes no sense to me at all.. Im paying 10 thousand dollars so they can TEACH ME...

This is only my SECOND time doing this.. My SECOND INJECTION I HAVE EVER GIVEN. I asked for a tutor I asked if they had a "open" lab time where students could come in and practice or extra classes.. he said newp.. Monday will be my final day.

Oh and no refund meaning in shit out of luck in seeing any of the 1,000 I put down.. Meaning I just paid 1,000 for 5 days of classes. You would have thought with what Im paying they would have taught me something.

I feel like I failed. I wanted this so bad. If Only I could have been given the chance to actually practice that would have made me more non-hesistant..

I have no idea what to do now.. Ok Im going to go throw up..

:o

mcruss · Jun 30, 2001

Wow,

I don't start LPN school until the Fall, but now you have me scared !! What a horrible and humiliating experience to go through. Although it sounds like this professor is being very unprofessional about the entire thing. When I was getting my BS degree(granted it was social work) we were given plenty of opportunities to have "extra" help/study time.

I wish you the best of luck, and hope things turn around for you.

Tricia

BrandyBSN · Jun 30, 2001

I cant believe they can do that! How awful!

I would protest! They should let you have time with a tutor and let you try again!

TeresaRN2b · Jun 30, 2001

I would scream and shout and protest!!! I would not put up with that. That is the most ridiculous and absurd thing I have ever heard. I would request another teacher. I would do whatever it takes. When you go in for you meeting you will have to go in with confidence though and not back down.

Teresa:(

essarge · Jun 30, 2001

Jessica,

I agree about protesting!! You are right, you paid to be taught these skills.

A few questions come to mind:

1-Is this school accredited? If it is you may have a recourse with the accredidating institution (ie. dept of education etc.) see what advice they have.

2-This is not a preceptorship therefore, your instructor should have taken the time to help you understand the procedure and work with you in a calming, constructive way. I would consider filing a formal complaint against this instructor.

3- DOCUMENT everything that happened with this instructor, days, times, and especially what was said.

4-DO NOT stop going to class until an OFFICIAL decision is made. Don't let this instructor bully you because if the decision is in your favor, then he can say you missed too many classes and are out anyway. Don't play his childish game. Go to your advisor, and all the way up the chain of command. If the Dean doesn't make the decision in your favor head DIRECTLY to the president's office and APPEAL.