Secondly, I wanted to share a disheartening experience. Last week, I was getting my vaccinations done so that I can start my clinicals, which start next week!!! I can't wait, and I am so excited to start my path to becoming an RN. Anyway, I was in the office getting the shots, and I got a little nervous, as it has been a while since I have had any kind of injection. the MMR killed, and I kinda said "ouch" or something. I also got a little sweaty and weak. The nurse was so mean to me! She said "YOUR going into nursing!!! I hope that you're going into research." I couldn't believe it! I have been working so hard in my classes and putting my whole being into becoming an RN and this witch just says something like that! So I started to cry, and the she started lecturing me as to why, I guess because I was crying, that I would be too sensitive to be a nurse! I was so discouraged! I feel better, now, but I just couldn't believe her attitude. (I had also had a terrible day that day, so it didn't help!)
Plus there is a big difference between getting a shot & giving one!! In our clinical we had to give ourselves our first shot. Just a small needle with NS in it ... we had girls that were shaking & crying ... but we all did it! Everyone in my clinical group have made it so far.
One person's comment does not mean anything. I think that if I had listened to people and their comments, I would not be in the good place that I am in at this point. We all meet people that are memorable, for good or bad reasons. You have just met a bad example of nursing, there are going to be many more positive experiences out there for you. As nurses we often forget what it is like to be the patient. I too get very "wimpy" when I have to get an injection or a PPD. I am the biggest baby I know. That did not stop me from going into this profession. Keep up the good work and look for those positive role models, like some of my colleagues that have already responded to your inquiry. Good luck, joenp
I recently ended up in urgent care for having a severe allergic reaction to hair color (just my luck!!)
I could choose an injection of a steroid and gain immediate relief, or 6 days of steroid pills which would mean several more days of itching, weeping skin.
Hey there!!! Welcome!! As you've probably already guessed, there are LOTS of needle phobes that are nurses, and some of the biggest chickens hang out here!! :chuckle
I am one of 'em, and believe me, when I was turning green with my head between my knees in clinical from a FINGERSTICK, my instructors were laughing their BUTTS off!!!
Don't sweat it. So, you got nurse ratched for your immunizations. She's just crusty and crabby and her support hose are obviously too tight. And hey, from my experience and my patients' experiences, that MMR shot hurts like hell.
You are not a weenie or a freak. Okay, well, maybe you're a weenie.......but you've got lots of company here!! Needle weenies unite!!!!!!!!
ok! You guys really cheered me up! I'm glad I posted, otherwise I would still be thinking that I am the only one.. Well, off to school... Have a great day. Thanks!
It is always harder to be a patient and it is ok to cry if you want to. I wonder if she was a nurse or a medical assistant I think she needs a course in compassion and I would definately mention to your doctor her lack of bedside manner. The last thing you need when you are frightened is someone lecturing you. Don't let one bad apple spoil your plans for nursing, good luck.
Heather, some people just like to see if you're "tough enough" to be a nurse. Phooey. Like most of the people responding I hate being on the receiving end of a needle (have any idea how much dental work you can have done with novacaine? I do.) Hating getting a needle can make you very sensitive to what patients are going through, their fears and anxieties about needles and other things. It can also inspire you to get really good at injections, blood draws, etc.
Now, the really hard thing about starting clinicals: they expect you to talk to naked people.
Like anything else that's new, you learn how to do it, you practice the skills, you get better at them. You eventually become an expert.
I let the dentist use it once and will never let that happen again. It was worse being numb than dealing with the pain--I'm real good at self-hypnosis fro pain control.
Heather, I am a nursing student also. In one of our theory classes last semester we had a tough class, listened to some stories about people with chronic illness.....some real sad stuff. I felt weepy but tried to contain it, at break one of the girls was just breaking her heart (incidently the teacher was all red eyed and she had heard the story how many times?), anyway the teacher told the student that she would be A BETTER NURSE with the compassion and sensitivity she has. I do think it is different when you are on different sides of the chair. I used to be a dental assistant, didn't bother me one bit when the dentist was giving local except when it was me and then I'd turn a nice shade of white!! Good luck in your clinical.......I am a little nervous too about my upcoming clinics as I will be getting into injections etc.
heather, i am a nursing student also. in one of our theory classes last semester we had a tough class, listened to some stories about people with chronic illness.....some real sad stuff. i felt weepy but tried to contain it, at break one of the girls was just breaking her heart (incidently the teacher was all red eyed and she had heard the story how many times?), anyway the teacher told the student that she would be a better nurse with the compassion and sensitivity she has. i do think it is different when you are on different sides of the chair. i used to be a dental assistant, didn't bother me one bit when the dentist was giving local except when it was me and then i'd turn a nice shade of white!! good luck in your clinical.......i am a little nervous too about my upcoming clinics as i will be getting into injections etc.
welcome and all the best to you in your endeavors!
2. I haven't had an injection since they had to drag me screaming and kicking out from under a table at age 5. :chair: How did I get into nursing school without my shots????? I told nurse #1 that nurse #2 already gave me my shots, then I told nurse #2 that nurse #1 had already given me my shots! :roll
And hey, from my experience and my patients' experiences, that MMR shot hurts like hell. 
kittyw
312 Posts
Hello there Heather!!
What a b%^!! Just ignore her.
Plus there is a big difference between getting a shot & giving one!! In our clinical we had to give ourselves our first shot. Just a small needle with NS in it ... we had girls that were shaking & crying ... but we all did it! Everyone in my clinical group have made it so far.
Have a great year!!