Need help making this important decision

jjensen · Feb 9, 2009

This is a tough one... I don't necessarily like needles, but I do like starting IV's and giving shots... I think that maybe with continued use of needles your phobia should be a bit better. If not, this may be the wrong profession for you... Sorry, but using needles is a daily occurance multiple times...

fuzzywuzzy, CNA · Feb 9, 2009

I have a problem with blood, and clenching my thigh and butt muscles helps me to... not pass out. lol

Equinox_93 · Feb 9, 2009

Hello everyone.
I have been seriously considering going to school for an LPN license. I think being a nurse will be a great rewarding career, however there is one problem: I have always been extreemly affraid of needles, to the point where i would pass out every time I get my blood taken. Can't watch it when other people get their blood taken either. I seem to have gotten better with this problem however it still exists. What do you guys think, is this something that one can get over? Has anyone had a similar problem ( phobia) and overcame it while in nursing school? Please advise. I look forward to your input.

... There is a HUGE difference between getting needles in yourself versus putting them into someone else :) No worries :)

WalkieTalkie, RN · Feb 9, 2009

I know a phlebotomist who is deathly scared of getting her blood drawn or getting a shot, but she pokes people for a living. LOL!

dolphind · Feb 9, 2009

My mom used to faint at the sight of blood. She went on to be a successful nurse. I think that if you want it enough you will be able to get over it and do well.

eriksoln, BSN, RN · Feb 9, 2009

A lot of people work as a CNA before/during nursing school. If its possible, give that a try. It'll give you an idea of how often you'll see things you are not........in love with. And, you'll get to see if you can "get over it".

Rhone · Feb 9, 2009

I'm currently an LPN student, and needles were one of the things I was worried about before I started school. I have no problem getting needles myself, but had some apprehension over the idea of stabbing other people (or doing anything that causes others pain, really).

My way of handling this was to study injections extra hard to make myself an expert. When my first-semester clinical instructor unexpectedly set me up to give my first couple injections, I actually felt very calm and did it with no trouble.

Face it head on, and you'll be fine. :) If you do feel anxious at first, keep in mind that the more you do it, the more comfortable you will get with it.

swimincatz · Feb 9, 2009

My best friend who is now a nurse (and is now getting her masters) was afraid of blood. I thought it was a mild phobia but when I took her to get her blood tested before the nursing program started she passed out right there after having her blood taken. The phelobotamists had to come to her rescue! She told her instructors about her intense fear of blood and they worked with her to get over her fears. They even let her take a fake bag of blood (made to look just like the bags of blood used in hospitals) home to get used to the idea of it. She has a few near passing out experiences when she first started clinicals but with time it gets better. Not sure if this would help with a needle phobia but whenever she felt like she was going to pass out she would put the alcohol hand disinfectant on and breathe in the intense scent, this would wake up her senses and she wouldn't pass out. If you want to become a nurse don't like this stand in your way! Good luck!