Help with fainting please!!

[VN33]

I'm in my 3rd year of nursing school and I start my first hospital clinicals in the fall. I had a couple clinicals at a nursing home last semester, and I came very close to passing out during a simple procedure. I was really embarrassed and disappointed that I didn't even get to see the procedure. I was watching a dressing change on stage 3 sacral pressure ulcer. I wasn't "grossed out" our anything, and I was really excited to be able to watch the procedure. About halfway through I got a big wif of a bunch of nasty smells.. strong iodine ointment, a soiled depends.. all of a sudden I felt very light headed and sick. I tried to tell my classmates I needed to sit down, but I could barely even get the words out. I sat down on the floor because I could tell my knees were about to give out, and one of my friends pulled me out into the hallway. I was very pale and sweaty and still felt lightheaded. It took me about twenty minutes to recuperate. I think it was partially due to being hungry. I've only passed out once before, and that was when I gave blood in the afternoon without eating all day (I didn't realize how silly that was a the time).. I had a bagel for breakfast that morning, but it had been about 4 hours since, and I'm sure my body metabolized the simple carbs quickly. I was also standing very still throughout the procedure, so I probably didn't have very good circulation going on...

I'm really worried this will happen again when I get into the hospital. If I pass out during simple dressing change, how will I make it through any other procedures?! I'm not easily grossed out, I've always been fine with blood and needles, and I've always watched when I've had shots or blood drawn.. but apparently watching procedures on other people makes me pass out. Is this mostly due to not eating, or is it just something I'll get used to? Should I try watching videos of procedures to help get used to them? I know that sounds silly, but I really don't want to pass out! haha. Any words of advice and/or comfort are much appreciated!

[Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN]

Not eating could be a huge part of it if you're not used to it. Be sure to eat a good breakfast before you start your day. Don't lock your knees and remember to breathe! You may have been holding your breath if it smelled bad enough. Sucking on a mint while wearing a mask works for some. A gallon of Vicks up your nose works for others. Find something that works for you to mitigate the smell.

Nervousness in the future may happen especially now that you have a stigma over your head, but repeated exposure to this will get you through in no time! I don't think watching videos will help much, especially since you find this stuff interesting anyway. I think it's being in the actual environment and using all of your senses that took you over. Do strong odors normally affect you like that?

[caliotter3]

Your biggest problem is not eating enough prior to starting your day. Since you have identified that problem, take steps to remedy it and move on. Also consider getting a medical examination to rule out any other medical problems. Best wishes.

[VN33]

Good point about holding my breath because of the smells.. I didn't even think about that, but I probably was! and I'm thinking I probably had my knees locked too. Basically I was doing everything wrong.. hungry, locking my knees, holding my breath. Thanks so much for the advice!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

remember the general adaptation theory? Eventually you learn how to cope. Good luck!

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I used to have the same problem w blood. I never eat breakfast, I don't enjoy food in AM.I am to lazy to eat . When I got to see surgery for the first time, I started seeing double, couldn't stand, I had to sit down. From that day I kept saying to myself i can never be a nurse I have a phobia(blood). The first question they asked me was "did you eat this morning?" I said no, they gave me apple juice and I watched the rest of the surgery. Now I eat breakfast everytime I have clinicals. So I misdiagnosed myself (phobia) looool

[rebecca9341]

Eat some protein in the morning too, not just carbs. Try not to fret or over analyze, you don't want to be thinking every time you do a procedure "i hope i don't pass out". Brings some healthy treats with you to munch on throughout the clinical day to keep your blood glucose in a normal range and GL!

[butterfly134]

I havn't completely fainted.....yet lol but Im a student too and I've gotten that horrible ''about to faint'' feeling. I know I havnt got any advise...but your not alone!!! hopefully we can grow out of it

[Always_Learning, BSN, RN]

If it makes you feel any better, I've always found that I have a greater likelihood of feeling woozy when I'm watching a procedure versus performing one. I don't know if it's because I'm focused on the patient or what, but it really does make a difference for me, and I've heard other nurses say the same thing. Sometimes just watching is the hardest thing you can do! And don't worry...most nurses have almost fainted at one time or another.

[JROregon, ASN, BSN, RN]

Eat and remember to drink also. Fluid is so important in keeping that blood pressure from getting too low. I've witnessed 2 surgeries and did just fine, even a few feet away but watching a patient have a NG tube placed by a radiologist nearly put me down. I was wearing a heavy hot lead apron and then the doctor got the tube in the airway accidentally and that was all it took. I think it will get better. Maybe you can ask to change the dressing next time.

[4_Sq]

Been around the OR for some years now, lots of surgeries & never fainted.. I think it is harder watching than when you are participating... I get sick watching surgeries on TV.. never when I am in the "Real World":anmllvr:

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I have the tendancy to faint a lot. Ever since I was a little kid. It's landed me in the ER before when I awoke in an ambulance while pregnant. I fainted 3x and knocked my head on the corner of a metal table each time.

I have gotten better at knowing when it's coming on though. I could never be an OR nurse. It's not the procedure itself that gets me, it's standing there and getting hot and stuff. Keeping yourself nourished I think is huge. Even if it's a nutri grain bar. Don't go long periods without eating or getting dehydrated. I have caught myself in so many instances where I felt it coming on and I had to get a snack quick. I get low blood sugar too.