How do you get over feeling like you'll pass out

DowntheRiver · Jul 27, 2015

You either don't have a problem or you get used to it. It is pretty black or white.

I never had a problem with blood or limbs hanging off but maggots still gross me out. However, I've only seen maggots once. I politely excused myself and puked in the trash can.

I also once nearly blacked out in the Cath lab because of all the layers I had on. I just guided myself to a wall and slid down the wall when I was dizzy.

I do not work in an area where I see maggots and I don't work in a Cath lab so it works out.

RNtobe17 · Jul 27, 2015

You either don't have a problem or you get used to it. It is pretty black or white.
I never had a problem with blood or limbs hanging off but maggots still gross me out. However, I've only seen maggots once. I politely excused myself and puked in the trash can.
I also once nearly blacked out in the Cath lab because of all the layers I had on. I just guided myself to a wall and slid down the wall when I was dizzy.
I do not work in an area where I see maggots and I don't work in a Cath lab so it works out.

Oh gosh. That's funny.

I hope I get over it FAST! I can't help people or learn if I'm trying not to pass out haha.

Thank you for sharing that. I'll keep an eye out for exits, bathrooms, and trashcans.

mrsboots87 · Jul 27, 2015

Not everybody has this issue, but it definitely doesn't mean that you would be a bad nurse. From what i hear, you get used to it as you are exposed. Like drinking beer, it can be an acquired taste.

But side note: watching gory YouTube videos of sever traumas isn't exactly beneficial. The only place you would encounter that is n the ER and the OR. The regular floor and ICU take care of th trauma patients AFTER they have been stiches up a bit. You will likely see a lot of wounds but not actual hanging lips and chopped off bleeding arms b

RNtobe17 · Jul 27, 2015

Not everybody has this issue, but it definitely doesn't mean that you would be a bad nurse. From what i hear, you get used to it as you are exposed. Like drinking beer, it can be an acquired taste.
But side note: watching gory YouTube videos of sever traumas isn't exactly beneficial. The only place you would encounter that is n the ER and the OR. The regular floor and ICU take care of th trauma patients AFTER they have been stiches up a bit. You will likely see a lot of wounds but not actual hanging lips and chopped off bleeding arms b

Thank you so much for this.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 27, 2015

Only after drinking a boatload after a lousy shift.

There was a very recent thread on this that may help you. Deep breaths and employing grounding exercise will help.

Good luck.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2015

Here is the thing....you say you get dizzy on a nosebleed....then you say don't say "nursing isn't for you".

Ok question...would you say someone who gets seasick every time they are on the water should be a crab fisherman?

If you pass out everyday you work then YES..NURSING is not for you.

You need to deal with GI bleeds, C diff, vomit, morbidly obese people who have essentially cottage cheese growing under their folds. Smells that are literally noxious.

Like they say..you can either handle it or you cannot. There is no "secret".

If "nursing is for you" then you will deal with it. If you pass out from a nosebleed then I have no idea how you think you can be an effective nurse. It isn't about you..it is about your patients. They deserve the best care possible. If you are a non hacker then you will be weeded out. If you are ok then you are good to go.

CelticGoddess, BSN, RN · Jul 27, 2015

Yes, you get used to it. I passed out while observing a dressing change on a bilateral Kennedy Terminal Ulcer. The next day, I did the dressing change without any problems. I was so focused on the patient, that I didn't even think about my discomfort. I have done dressing changes on some pretty nasty wounds and I don't blink an eye anymore. I can assist and if I start to feel light headed, I just avert my eyes for a minute and take deep breaths until it passes. You do get used to it. And I find it much easier to handle when I am actually doing the dressing change/wound care.

Now, I can handle nearly anything. Including the patient who bit his tongue in half. (And here is a lesson: Never deep suction a comfort patient. They will clench and might bite their tongue in half.)

RNtobe17 · Jul 27, 2015

Here is the thing....you say you get dizzy on a nosebleed....then you say don't say "nursing isn't for you".
Ok question...would you say someone who gets seasick every time they are on the water should be a crab fisherman?
If you pass out everyday you work then YES..NURSING is not for you.
You need to deal with GI bleeds, C diff, vomit, morbidly obese people who have essentially cottage cheese growing under their folds. Smells that are literally noxious.
Like they say..you can either handle it or you cannot. There is no "secret".
If "nursing is for you" then you will deal with it. If you pass out from a nosebleed then I have no idea how you think you can be an effective nurse. It isn't about you..it is about your patients. They deserve the best care possible. If you are a non hacker then you will be weeded out. If you are ok then you are good to go.

Thanks. I'm sure I'll figure it out. Just figured it'd be easier to figure out if someone that has dealt with it gave me some advice. And thanks to this thread I've already had people message and respond telling me I'll get use to it because they went through the same thing. Just like if someone falls in love with the sea would eventually get use to the motion and not get seasick anymore. :)

07courtney1993 · Jul 27, 2015

No person is born being able to handle projectile vomit, foul-smelling diarrhea, or limbs dangling by a piece of tissue. This is something you will have to deal with when the situation arises and eventually you will get used to it.

When I was doing a rotation in the Operating Room, the first surgery I watched was a total knee replacement. With bone flying everywhere, the smell of burning flesh and the hammering I became very lightheaded and I just looked down at the ground for about 30 seconds and the feeling went away. So you have to realize when it's coming on and either step out of the room or look down and think about something else for a minute.

RNtobe17 · Jul 27, 2015

Yes, you get used to it. I passed out while observing a dressing change on a bilateral Kennedy Terminal Ulcer. The next day, I did the dressing change without any problems. I was so focused on the patient, that I didn't even think about my discomfort. I have done dressing changes on some pretty nasty wounds and I don't blink an eye anymore. I can assist and if I start to feel light headed, I just avert my eyes for a minute and take deep breaths until it passes. You do get used to it. And I find it much easier to handle when I am actually doing the dressing change/wound care.
Now, I can handle nearly anything. Including the patient who bit his tongue in half. (And here is a lesson: Never deep suction a comfort patient. They will clench and might bite their tongue in half.)

Wow. Thank you so much. That's great to hear.

& I'll definitely keep that in mind. Haha

RNtobe17 · Jul 27, 2015

No person is born being able to handle projectile vomit, foul-smelling diarrhea, or limbs dangling by a piece of tissue. This is something you will have to deal with when the situation arises and eventually you will get used to it.
When I was doing a rotation in the Operating Room, the first surgery I watched was a total knee replacement. With bone flying everywhere, the smell of burning flesh and the hammering I became very lightheaded and I just looked down at the ground for about 30 seconds and the feeling went away. So you have to realize when it's coming on and either step out of the room or look down and think about something else for a minute.

When I feel lightheaded to just look away. Breathe. And it goes away. Thanks so much for the advice.