I almost passed out.

[HyperRNRachel]

My 9 year old son fell yesterday and somehow ended up with a mega-splinter in his forearm. As much as I tried I could not get the splinter out because it was deep, so a trip to the doctors office was made. While at the doctors office the Dr. tried and could not remove the mega-splinter. She decided to numb the site, but still could not dig deep enough to get it out. It had to be cut out. I was watching the entire process and trying to keep my son calm when all of a sudden......HELLO my world is going black! I knew I had to sit down fast or I was going to be falling to the floor.I actually felt my skin going cold, I was sweating, and I thought I was going to vomit. I left the room, a bit embarrassed, and went into another room. After sitting for a bit and washing my face with cold water I felt much better. Although I did get embarrassed I think it was a good learning experience because I now know how to possibly prevent the situation (eat ) and I know what it feels like to maybe faint (so I can get out of the way if it happens in clinicals) and I made a note to myself to carry crackers and a cool towel in my lab coat ...just in case!

As a side note, the doctor did say this does still happen to her on occasion, and it usually happens when the event has some meaning to you personally.

I am wondering if any current students have any other helpful hints to avoid meeting the hospital floor?

[Altra, BSN, RN]

Originally posted by Julielpn

The only time I ever felt as if I was going to pass out was when I watched the Dr doing a vasectomy on my ex husband.

(I think I was secretly hoping and praying he would slip!:chuckle )

:roll :roll :roll

Can you say "passive-agressive"??!!

I'm sorry - this just cracked me up - thanks for the giggle

Leigh

[Tinuviel]

LOL Im getting all flushed sitting here reading these "fainting episode possibilites". Man, I dont know If I could watch a C section, hmmm.. I guess Ill have to picture myself in a nice sunny place!!

The clinical portion of my program doesnt start till Aug, but I have been in ALOT of yukko situations in the last 12 years as a PCT and CNA, and wearing a mask helps for me, at least I dont have to inhale the odor and can make all the faces I want and the patient wont see me, heheheheh

[iliel]

Originally posted by nursepearl

I almost passed out when i was watching my first bone marrow aspiration....it wasnt the blood or the needles...but the moans and muffles screams that the patient made when they aspirated. It was the first time i ever thought i was gonna faint.

Pearl:)

Moans and muffled screams....this will get me more than blood, puke, phlem, etc. Nothing bothers me more than to hear a pt moan I would much rather them scream and yell and make a big fuss. The very first root canal I assisted on I almost passed out. The pt was writhing and moaning in the chair and I almost lost it. Now I just tell myself it's all in my head and I do start to feel better.

[justjenny]

OOOH! Something I can relate to! At my previous job at a veterinary hospital, I would watch the surgeries being performed. (just curiosity - I worked up front) and I used to get very warm and dizzy. I would take a deep breath and walk back up front and felt much better. As time went on.. I found I could watch more and more and it didn't bother me a bit!

Give it some time..... and remember..... unless you are actually performing the procedure you *can* look away for a moment and take a breath. If you feel faint or dizzy - SAY SOMETHING! When my son was born the RN nearly yelled at my husband to sit down.... he kept mumbling that he was fine - all the while he was white as a sheet!

She said they would much rather have him remove himself if necessary, than rush over to tend to his (potential) injury should he faint and get hurt!

This may sound dumb, but try and "desensitize" yourself a little.... watch the surgeries on Discovery Health Channel or something. The more you see it, the less it will bother you. (worked for me)

Jenny