How to deal with blood and guts

[Melly01mel]

Hey out there!! I'm fixing to start nursing school soon, but I might have a problem: I grew up on a farm and I've seen some pretty gross things, but that was 10 years ago. Last winter my fiance ripped his finger nail completly off his finger (full nail abrashion) when the dr came in to take the rest of finger nail off I thought I was going to faint. I've not really acted this way toward this type of thing, like I said we are from the country I've seen animals dressed and cleaned and many more things I won't mention. So, is it going to be this way because it's human not animal or was it just because it was someone I care about??? I'm a quick thinker and fast on my feet I was hoping to work er How will I be able to handle it when someone comes in real bad shape?? Not really asking for anwsers more for advise!!!!! thanks:)

[lillymom]

It was more than likely because you were worried about your fiance. Just make sure that when you are in clinicals that you do not lock your knees and that you remember to breathe. Also remeber to eat breakfast with protein in it to help fuel your body.

Most of the time when people get faint in these situations they just forget to breathe and they tense up and it makes them lightheaded. I wouldn't worry about when you start working because eventually you will get used to almost everything, hopefully through clinicals, and you will also be running around not just standing and watching.

[Melly01mel]

Thanks that is a very good tip, hopefully I'll be quick enough to think of it when the time comes lol:)

[MidnightAzalea]

Try not to stare at whatever it is (outside of an impersonal clinical assessment) and try not to think too much about how you would feel if it was you. I find staring at blood is a sure way to start feeling off about it no matter how used to it you are.

Good luck!

[jtwing]

It takes some people time to get adjusted to the scenery in the clinical setting. However, your case seems like you were worried. It's much harder to deal with a situation when it involves a loved one. Don't let it worry you. Go in confident and know what you are there to do.

[pitaya]

I almost fainted about a year ago when I saw an NG tube being put into a close relative.

Today I put an NG tube into a patient and was nowhere close to fainting. :)

Also, for months, I thought I was too weak to be a floor nurse because I would feel faint easily. I've never been a breakfast person so I wouldn't eat much before spending 5 or 6 hours on the floor before lunch. One day, I decided to try eating a large breakfast. It worked. Ever since then, I feel like I can handle anything. Just standing up and/or walking all day seems to burn a ton of calories...I feel like I could eat nonstop all day, but I don't feel weak or faint!

Also, I've noticed the heat makes me feel faint easily, so I never wear a jacket on the floor or a long-sleeved shirt under my scrubs. I'd rather be cold than get too hot.