Needles

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Ok, this may sound ridiculous coming from a nursing student, but I just started my first nursing semester and I have this huge issue! I get light-headed and feel like fainting when I see needles. I do not have a problem with needles on myself, but when I see it on others, I freak out for some reason. When I had my TB test, I fainted about 10 mins afterwards, but I was not bothered by the test at all. I even helped my nurse draw my blood the last time I was there. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to get over this phobia?

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Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Well if you are worried about needles that you will be using as a nurse; Number one: most things are needeless now except for drawing it out of the vial. Number two: your not GETTING the needle the client/patient is.

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maybe more opportunities to practice?

is it the sight, is the thought, wonder what it is?

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I figured out today at clinical that it isn't needles really, it is the IV site. I think the thought of something being stuck inside freaks me out. I confessed to one of my clinical group mates and she feels the same way! I feel much better about it, but is there any tips for overcoming this fear?

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Specializes in Oncology, Med-Surg, Nursery.

When I have a fear of something, I find just exposing myself to it over and over helps me get over it. I don't have the fear you do, so I really don't have any grand advice. :( I have a fear of starting IV's so my goal this year is to jump at any opportunity to start one. Maybe the same could work for you? Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

This might sound really ignorant, but when I learned that the only thing left in the vein after an IV insertion was a PLASTIC TUBE, I couldn't believe it. That made me feel so much better (probably from a personal point of view as I have always hated needles!!)...I still felt so freaked out dealing with them on a pt's arm and I was so afraid of hurting them, but then I did an internship in an ER this summer, and believe me, after dealing with 10 or 12 in a day, you get over that fear pretty darned quickly!!

I don't have any other words of wisdom; hopefully time will help this take care of itself!!

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Ok, this may sound ridiculous coming from a nursing student, but I just started my first nursing semester and I have this huge issue! I get light-headed and feel like fainting when I see needles. I do not have a problem with needles on myself, but when I see it on others, I freak out for some reason. When I had my TB test, I fainted about 10 mins afterwards, but I was not bothered by the test at all. I even helped my nurse draw my blood the last time I was there. Does anyone have any suggestions for me to get over this phobia?

We have a large marine in our nursing class. To look at him you wouldn't think anything phases him. However, needles lay him on his back, literally. So, one of our instructors, who was also in the military, suggested this student get a syringe and some grapes or oranges and practice sticking them. Sounds kinda silly at first but he has been doing this for a month and he can now actually stay upright when a needlestick is done. He can't do one himself yet, he is getting much better. GOOD LUCK

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my fear is tghe same...i watch it over and over and i think if i do it over and over i will have to get used to it. b/c i have a pretty bad phobia, even reading about it smetimes makes me cringe, nothing else bothers me but IVs in the arm and wrist . any more advice of how to overcome

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