VN33

Good point about holding my breath because of the smells.. I didn't even think about that, but I probably was! and I'm thinking I probably had my knees locked too. Basically I was doing everything wrong.. hungry, locking my knees, holding my breath. Thanks so much for the advice!

I'm in my 3rd year of nursing school and I start my first hospital clinicals in the fall. I had a couple clinicals at a nursing home last semester, and I came very close to passing out during a simple procedure. I was really embarrassed and disappointed that I didn't even get to see the procedure. I was watching a dressing change on stage 3 sacral pressure ulcer. I wasn't "grossed out" our anything, and I was really excited to be able to watch the procedure. About halfway through I got a big wif of a bunch of nasty smells.. strong iodine ointment, a soiled depends.. all of a sudden I felt very light headed and sick. I tried to tell my classmates I needed to sit down, but I could barely even get the words out. I sat down on the floor because I could tell my knees were about to give out, and one of my friends pulled me out into the hallway. I was very pale and sweaty and still felt lightheaded. It took me about twenty minutes to recuperate. I think it was partially due to being hungry. I've only passed out once before, and that was when I gave blood in the afternoon without eating all day (I didn't realize how silly that was a the time).. I had a bagel for breakfast that morning, but it had been about 4 hours since, and I'm sure my body metabolized the simple carbs quickly. I was also standing very still throughout the procedure, so I probably didn't have very good circulation going on... I'm really worried this will happen again when I get into the hospital. If I pass out during simple dressing change, how will I make it through any other procedures?! I'm not easily grossed out, I've always been fine with blood and needles, and I've always watched when I've had shots or blood drawn.. but apparently watching procedures on other people makes me pass out. Is this mostly due to not eating, or is it just something I'll get used to? Should I try watching videos of procedures to help get used to them? I know that sounds silly, but I really don't want to pass out! haha. Any words of advice and/or comfort are much appreciated!