I can't figure out how to get over my anxiety ...

stpauligirl · Mar 6, 2006

of my anatomy class I am taking this fall. Normally things like this don;t bug me but I am having a hard time with the thought of dissecting a cadaver. Has anyone else had this same fear and how did you get over it. I have loved every other class but this seems so strange to me and I can't get past it. I am almost afraid that it may cost me my nursing degree.
Any ideas would be appreciated. Who knows, it may just be the fear of the unknown....
Megan

We didn't handle any cadavers in A&P1, but will handle a fetal pig in A&P2, that's all for us as far as dead things!

You might do better with it when it is REAL and your grade depends on it. Good luck

TexasPediRN · Mar 6, 2006

I have never dissected the cadaver either. We did have one day where we went to the cadavar lab to look at one, but we didnt touch it.

The cadavers at my school were reserved for other medical students, not nursing.

I did however dissect a cat. It bothered me at first and I think I cut through every muscle I wasnt supposed to at first, but after a while, we all just had fun with it and that was that. Made learning easier.

good luck :)

-Meghan

Bumashes, MSN, APRN, NP · Mar 6, 2006

Wow! I've never heard of an A&P class, level one or two, that lets you actually dissect a cadaver! For me, it would be great. I have no fear of dead human bodies. My only thing would be messing up. I mean, that person donated their body to science, so I'd want to try real hard to do everything properly. I really envy your ability to get elbow deep in something a lot more advanced than a cat or pig. It will probably help immensely in your anatomy understanding. Anyway, I'm sorry to hear that you're apprehensive about it. Maybe you could partner up with someone more daring or experienced? Perhaps ask your teacher if there's any way to see the cadavers before they're brought in to class in order to get over the initial shock:barf01: . I wish you luck on this, and I envy you greatly. :bowingpur

Lori RN_09_2b · Mar 6, 2006

Hi, Megan,

If it's any comfort, you won't actually have to dissect the cadavers, just observe them. I was a little worried about it at first, too, but within just a few minutes got really comfortable (the worst part is the smell--some people put Vicks or something under their nose to help combat the odor). I feel really fortunate to have worked with the cadavers--it made learning anatomy a whole lot easier for me. And out of our whole class, not one person fainted.

So don't worry too much--you may find it's pretty cool, just like I did!

Lori

doi · Mar 6, 2006

I haven't yet dissect a cadaver. I would like to though. What I did dissect was a brain of an animal. It was quite an experience. I was so excited. Wanting to become a nurse more than anything in the world, I am willing to dissect anything and do whatever I am told to do eventhough it bothers me. I have an enormous amount of determination and ambition. Although it is difficult for me to grasp the biology aspect of nursing, I will succeed. Please someone comment or reply. Thank you

doi · Mar 6, 2006

Is there anyone here who's having problems with biology? If so, please elaborate.

nursecher · Mar 6, 2006

I have not had to dissect a cadaver but I think just like everything else in nursing you have to look at it in the right frame of mind. As a nurse you will have to handle alot of situations that most people will never see or have to deal with. You have to look at it in a scientifical, interesting, text book sort of way. Try to seperate yourself from the "dead body" way of thinking about it. Look at it as a learning oppertunity. Get through it the best you can, and move on.

Rohan · Mar 6, 2006

We don't have to dissect anyone. They are already dissected and we just go through the different parts/areas. No one has to touch the cadavers or even get too close to them. Plenty of people left the room when we had our first one on Friday and they came back in when they could. Good luck! You might surprise yourself when you get in there too.

Wishonastar · Mar 6, 2006

It is not that I won't do it because like a lot of you I would balence a ball on my nose if they asked me to :clown: . In my program we do actual dissection. We have 3 cadavers and each team dissects a certain part. I guess I am just afraid of the unknown and it just seems so bizzare that I am doing this on a human for some reason. I could watch surguries all day but for some reason this if making me so anxious!

Thanks for your kind words, I know I can get through this. Any tips for psyching myself out :lol2: ????

beepeadoo · Mar 6, 2006

It is not that I won't do it because like a lot of you I would balence a ball on my nose if they asked me to . In my program we do actual dissection. We have 3 cadavers and each team dissects a certain part. I guess I am just afraid of the unknown and it just seems so bizzare that I am doing this on a human for some reason. I could watch surguries all day but for some reason this if making me so anxious!
Thanks for your kind words, I know I can get through this. Any tips for psyching myself out ????

Well, my first question is, have you ever seen a cadaver? Cuz they're not the same as a "human." I mean yeah, they're human and all, but it's not quite the same. I think the suggestion of seeing if you can get in for a preview is an excellent idea.

Second, I psych myself out by telling myself it's not real. I'm on the set of a really good episode of CSI or ER or something like that, and this is all a movie set and this is a movie prop made to look really really real but it's not, it's just foam rubber and plastic and fake. Call me silly, but it works for me.