Feeling Faint

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I just had to share my personal experience with all of you or encourage anybody who has the same fears as myself to hang in there and don't be afraid to try.

I just read someone's post about not being cut out to be a nurse because of showing emotion and that made me think of my own experience. For the longest time I didn't think I was cut out to be a nurse because I figured I would not be able to handle seeing everything we as nurses see. I have a history of fainting and I thought the first time I would give a shot or see blood I would faint. So I was very reluctant to go into the nursing program. With some encouragement from counselors, profesors, and family, I decided I would try it. If being a nurse and working with patients didn't work out I figured there was plenty of other things I could do with my nursing degree.

Anyways, I just started my first semester in clinicals, and the first day was HORRIBLE. I was so upset because I saw a circumcision and I almost fainted after that experience I couldn't tolerate anything for the rest of the day. I saw a dressing change after that and I thought I was going to faint again. I got so FRUSTRATED. But I stuck in there. Since then I have only felt faint while watching an epidural but I bounced back quickly. I have now seen plenty of shots, a C/S, and a lady partsl delivery and another epidural and throughout all that, I felt fine, not light headed at all. Everyone assures me that my fears are normal, and that I will get used to things. I think I am going to make it, I am much more confident in myself than I was two months ago.

My advice to anyone who has the same problem I have:

1) eat a good breakfast (not cereal!! I'm talking about eggs and bacon)

2) pay attention to your body - - remember to breathe - don't hyperventilate though

3) keep drinking water and keep a pack of crackers with you

4) if you feel faint sit down immediately- even if it is in the middle of the floor

5) and finally don't fret - everything you are going through is normal and with some practice and exposure you will be ok.:D

gwenith, BSN, RN

3,755 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

6) And remember that you will adjust and eventually be able to walk through ground zero eating a sandwich whilst giveing assitance, comforting someone etc etc.

Welcome to nursing - we are special people:)

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