I have a question. HELP!

[LindseyAF]

Today was my first day of clinical with an actual patient. I was blessed to have such a wonderful patient. I did my am care and charting and was fine. I have a problem though. I was able to watch my patient have staples removed from her abdomen. I think it is so interesting to see something like that! Blood has never bothered me, one bit. But when I was standing there watching the MD take the staples out I felt like I was going to pass out. I've had this feeling before, when I am giving blood, and once when I saw my dad in the hospital. It does not gross me out one bit, but I still feel like I'm going to pass out. My question is, has anyone ever felt this way before and gotten over it? Or is this something different, like low blood pressure or low blood sugar. I felt like if I were to sit down and watch the procedure I would have been just fine. I am so worried, because I've wanted to be a nurse for so long, and I love helping people. I'm so upset I feel like crying. Thanks in advance for any help!

[Jules A, MSN]

I've been told that even seasoned OR nurses have hit the floor at times so I wouldn't be too upset. Try to get plently of sleep the night before, eat breakfast, bring halls cough drops in case the odor is offensive and keep your blood circulating by pumping your legs. If you feel light-headed definitely go sit down rather than passing out. Good luck!

[LindseyAF]

Thank you! that really helps make me feel better! I will take all of your advice and use it next Friday!

[Brookes1129]

I have been told by my clinical instructors to get the 8 hours you need to sleep the night before, eat a balanced breakfast and do not lock your knees! But, I think all of us have had a time where we were like, "Oh my god, I think I am going to pass out!!"

[ADPIE10]

I have been told by my clinical instructors to get the 8 hours you need to sleep the night before, eat a balanced breakfast and do not lock your knees! But, I think all of us have had a time where we were like, "Oh my god, I think I am going to pass out!!"

I think that "do not lock your knees!" is a great advice. Also, people have a tendency to hold their breath... remember to breathe.

Hmmm... I also think that it's important that we remember that we aren't the ones experiencing the procedure. Sometimes we're so empathetic that we end up being the patient in our own minds. Without actually experiencing the sensations, we may imagine experience something totally different than what the patient is actually experiencing.

The patient's experience may include anxiety, fear, drugs, pain... many things that observers don't experience.

Hope this helps.

[bekindtokittens]

I find this happening to me sometimes, but it's not blood or smells, it's because I have been standing in one place too long, not moving. I get so engrossed in observing interesting things that I become a statue.

I'm not sure what causes it, but once I remember to shift my weight from foot to foot, and swing my arms just a bit, I feel fine.

[LindseyAF]

I just want to thank everyone for helping me out last week. I took everything you each said and tried to put it to use during my clinical last Friday. I am almost 100% sure of why I felt like I was going to pass out. I went to an ultrasound with my patient on Friday. She has a fractured hip. The ultrasound lady went to do a PVR test on my patient's leg and lifted it high in the air. I guess she didn't realize it was the fractured side. My patient screamed....and I felt that feeling of wanting to pass out again. I believe it is because I empathize too much. In a way I'm glad I know what it is now, but I'm worried about trying to figure out a way to break that "I feel your pain" thing. But again, thank you all for your help! I appreciate it VERY much! :)