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

azhiker96, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

Here's my two cents. To a certain extent I have to separate the person from the procedure. I can best help my patient by concentrating on what needs to be done and then perhaps relax later and de-stress. I've assisted with many procedures; repacking a deep 8-10" abdominal wound, bone marrow aspiration, IJ insertions, bedside decompression of a postsurgical hematoma, codes, rapid intubations, moving level 1 traumas from ER to OR, wound debridement, etc. However, there was one procedure that made me quesy.

My wife needed a blood patch for a lumbar dural leak. I held her shoulders as she leaned forward so the MD could insert a long needle into her back. I nearly threw up and passed out at the same time. If I had not been holding on to her I'm pretty sure I would have hit the floor. There was something about her being my wife that didn't let me separate the procedure from the patient.

Some things are gross but you don't dwell on that, you just get the job done. It's like changing a diaper on a baby. Sure, it's gross and smells bad but the infant depends on you to focus on the task and make them clean and giggly again.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

I start nursing school this August, so I've been watching YouTube videos, looking at posts from other nursing students on Instagram and fb.
I can't help but wonder was there ever a point where you just don't get dizzy from seeing traumatizing things like arms cut in half, lips hanging by a strand, maggots in wounds? I can see a nose bleed and I get dizzy. I see some people say "well then nursing isn't for you." Well, that's not fair to say because I have a deep deep love and desire for nursing and for caring for people. And I want to be the nurse that can handle seeing things like that. I don't chose to black out at the sight of blood, it just happens.
So my question is, how do I stop this from happening? Do I just get over it after being exposed to situations? Do I just pass out a few times?
Did you have to get over dizzy spells or did you just never have to deal with that? Have you seen people suffer with this and get over it? I'm really nervous about this and hope someone can give me a good tip. Haha. I try to watch as much gross videos and look at the grossest pictures I can find to try and prepare my brain. Haha. But I just dont know if that's really doing anything. People have told me that I'll just figure it out when the time comes.
I just would love to hear if someone has actually had to deal with this. I can't be the only person that is going into nursing with a weak stomach. Well, I actually just get dizzy and black out. Usually if I splash water on my face, it'll go away. I've been in a few situations where this has happened to me.
Thank you for your responses

Two of my sons and their father all have vasovagal response to the sight of blood.

Dizziness, sometimes syncope.

I have focused on getting them to sit down when it happens.

Since you want to be a nurse you should see if you can prevent it from happening in the first place.

I would make an appointment with your doctor, and also a psychologist who specializes in CBT.

Good luck

RNtobe17 · Jul 28, 2015

I hate needles. I can't watch an IV go in my arm, and I would sweat like a menopausal woman in 100 degree heat when I had to insert an IV. I would cringe for the patient when I pierced the skin, apologies running from my hoorifice, dry mouth.
That was a year and a half ago when I was able to start IVs as a nursing student. Eventually, those feelings subside and you realize it doesn't bother you anymore. Regardless of what environment you're in, you'll get used to what you see on a daily basis. Don't turn down an opportunity to do a skill because it makes you uncomfortable, take the opportunity because it will eventually seem like the norm.
Best of luck in school!

I love this advice thank you so much.

RNtobe17 · Jul 28, 2015

I managed to catch a fellow student nurse who passed out during a circumcision we were watching, our second semester of school. She went on to be one of the top students and a great nurse!
As for me, growing up, I was the softest-hearted person and had trouble frog-dissecting in school, all the things like that. It became a matter of determination. I wanted to be the kind of person who could help someone, despite blood or other trauma. As I went through school, I sought out every "gory" situation I could find. I practiced walling away my empathy with practicality. It doesn't mean you can't sympathize with your patients--it just means that there is a job to be done and they need you to do it.
Now I work in Labor & Delivery, arguably one of the bloodiest fields! It's just another bodily fluid to me now, and only remarkable if I see a lot of it. (Now sputum, that still makes me gag--so I didn't go into a specialty with trach care!)
One quick tip: Keep a couple alcohol pads in your pocket and take a breath with one under your nose if you're getting queasy from smells and sights. It helps to distract your senses and keep you going! Remember when things get bad, focus on just the problem at hand and what needs to be done to fix it.
Good luck--give yourself time and compassion.

Thank you so much.

I will definitely keep some alcohol pads on me at all times.

I know I'll be fine. I've never actually hit the ground. I've always known to get to the bathroom quick and get it under control. Once I stuck my whole head under the running bathtub water bc I couldn't see and needed to help someone. So I know when the time comes I'll toughen up and figure it out.

I just really love to learn from other people. So all of these tips, encouragement, and stories I'll keep with me throughout nursing school.

Thank you guys so so much.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Jul 28, 2015

Some things you will find are one and done when it comes to reactions.

The first time I saw a LP while I was in clinicals in school I almost passed out. That huge needle is going WHERE? Something about needles and spines freaked me out. I had gone into nursing school wanting to be a CRNA, so it was very painful when I realized I had problems with sticking needles into backs. In fact, I worried about it way too much.

First time I saw a LP at my job? Piece of cake, didn't even flinch. I even parked myself by the IV pumps so I could be the one bolusing the patient as needed - but also because the only person closer to the action than me was the physician doing it. I love watching procedures. Even the ones that freaked me out at first. Sometimes it's just that shock of seeing something that first time, and then the shock melts away and you are fine.

katie115 · Jul 28, 2015

You're getting great advice in this thread!

Whenever I had to manage anxiety in clinical (because I forced myself to get thrown into uncomfortable situations) I would do measured, counted breaths (inhale [2...3...4...] hold [2...3...4...] exhale [2...3...4...]) this is a proven technique used by the military and police!

You'll also learn in nursing school that the 3 pumps in your body are your heart and two legs. So pump those legs to get the blood flowing! Squeeeeeeze those quads and tighten 'em up, hold, and release!

You're gonna do great and you'll get more used to procedures. Best of luck to you! :)