Hi everyone! I am a new member here! I would just like to know if there is a type or sub type of nursing that doesn't involve the use of needles or injection? I am not saying this because I don't like the feel of injections on me...I am asking this because I don't like giving one on others! Weird right?! Yep...to be honest, i really can't even imagine how i made it and graduated in nursing..but in all honesty...i really can't administer injections for some reason...I do have an anxiety problem and i think that is where it stems from...i assume it came after i graduated because i did get my diploma somehow, hehehe!
I am a none practicing nurse ever since i graduated. I am now 32 years of age and haven't been able to work on my profession ever since because of this anxiety of mine.
Today...i am thinking of trying again(after a long time) to put to good use my diploma. The problem is my anxiety has gotten worse. So my question now is. Is there a nursing job that doesn't involve giving shots? Just thinking of skin testing and putting up an IV line horrifies me now.
This may be quite bizarre but thank you for understanding!
It’s kind of a part if our profession. I don’t like giving IM injections but subq don’t bother me. But, if I have to give an IM injection, I do it. It’s my job.
Seek help. This is a problem that is actually interfering with your life. This phobia can be treated successfully, then you can look for a job without having to add "but I can't..." or "I won't..." that limits your options.
My D is a clinical psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders/phobias/PTSD. So I know for a fact that they have interventions that can help you overcome this fear.
Specializes in Medical Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplant.
When i worked briefly at an LTC facility, I did not have to do any meds IV (no one at an LTC should be on any IV meds anyway). I occasionally have to give insulin shots, and also morphine for end of life care but this is through a SubQ button.
but seriously, if this is the only reason holding you back from being a practicing nurse, please seek help from a counselor/psychiatrist and figure if there is any pharm/nonpharm that can help you with it. Giving meds is such a big part of nursing that you need to be able to do to participate in the workforce.
When i worked briefly at an LTC facility, I did not have to do any meds IV (no one at an LTC should be on any IV meds anyway). I occasionally have to give insulin shots, and also morphine for end of life care but this is through a SubQ button.
I also had a brief stint at an LTC/SNF and did a surprising amount of IV treatments, usually NS for hydration or ABX for infection. Insulin shots were a huge part of the med pass each day. Also did the occasional IM shot just to keep things well rounded ?
But have to agree with the above posters, the OP should address the anxiety and the rest will be a lot easier.
LovingLife123
1,592 Posts
It’s kind of a part if our profession. I don’t like giving IM injections but subq don’t bother me. But, if I have to give an IM injection, I do it. It’s my job.