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Discussion

Need advice

I am currently a CNA who is looking into nursing school. I have one problem. I cannot stand the sight of large amount of blood. I can watch videos of anything involving blood and be fine with it. I can deal with small skin tears, small cuts, but when it comes to big wounds, bloody noses, or getting blood drawn. I can feel myself get tense up and feel the urge to pass out. I wanted to get over this so badly. I have been a CNA and done home health. I have never told my bosses about this issues and just got lucky I guess. Well I got hired and finished orientation at a hospital. My question is, should I tell my manager, and cross my fingers and maybe she can slowly help me get over this fear. My biggest fear is that they will let me go. I eventually want to go to nursing school. Looking for advice.

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    Most bloody situations are minor and well controlled. Big wounds and bloody noses can be yucky.

    You even feel queasy watching a routine phlebotomy for labs?

    Many successful nurses can tell you about times they almost, or actually did pass out. It's very common.

    I wouldn't tell your manager.

    There are proactive things you can do. Eat well, but not too much. If you feel "the feeling" coming on move around, moving your legs gets the blood pumping to your head.

    Many areas of nursing have little exposure to blood. Think positive that you can get this under control AND there is actually little exposure to yucky bloody situations.

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    Every nurse has "a thing" that bothers them. For many it is mucus. For me it's vomiting. I can't watch a patient vomit without almost joining in. For this reason, I would never work in GI. You may have to avoid areas that will be harder for you, like ER or trauma.

    Also, many nurses have a buddy that will trade duties when possible. I enjoy wound care, so I'm willing to do wound care in exchange for someone doing me a favor.

    Moral of the story is that it might not be as bad as you think, with some options in mind. My biggest fear for you is putting in IVs or giving injections, but you may find that once you do it, it gets better for you.

    I would not bring it up to anyone, just see how things go. Nursing has so many options that you will be able to find a good fit if you keep your mind open.

    Good luck!

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    Nobody likes the idea of blood, poop, diarrhea, vomit, mucus, etc. Almost everyone goes in apprehensive about the idea of these things with a couple of them approaching phobia level.

    As you get educated and learn that it is about someone else, not you, sometimes these feelings get better. If not, you get a little help from a therapist on how to desensitize yourself to it. It is something that is able to be overcome with a little help.

    It certainly should not stop you from a stable career.

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    I’m a CMA but I was always terrified of needles. Then phlebotomy lessons came along, time to deal with it. I was to busy learning to think about my fear. Plus everyday you are getting stuck by your classmates that are all really scared they may hurt you. I knew I had to be calm so I could help give them the confidence they needed. It does get better.

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