Should I go to nursing school if I have a blood phobia?

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2009

I don't quite understand.

Why would you return to school, not having been able to do it before, knowing full well you have a blood phobia?

Having said that, if you have your mind set on it, the best person to ask would be a therapist as I am going to be very straightforward and probably tell you to not waste your time.

Go see a professional. In all honesty, what really are you expecting us to tell you?

Jo *shaking head*

Emergency RN · Dec 9, 2009

The problem here is sometimes our bodies have responses that we cannot control. In you, seeing blood or bloody messes triggers a sudden drop in blood pressure and you'll pass out (psychogenic shock). This isn't a matter of will or concentration, it's a conditioned response.

That said, there are therapists that work to decondition patients from phobias. In a controlled setting, you're introduced to events that your brain finds objectionable slowly over time, but repeatedly, until you're able to tolerate dealing with whatever it is that triggers that phobia (much like how an allergist desensitizes a patient to an allergen). How long it takes to rid yourself of this phobia is really an individual metric; ie. it will take as long as it takes. Speak with your doctor, who might then be able to find a psychiatrist or psychologist suited for you.

I admire your courage and perseverance. Good luck.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2009

I used to hate veins before I started NS. Now I find it very gratifying to feel that "pop" and see the flash when I have successfully cannulated one.

It really depends on how severe your phobia is. If it's a full-on activation of fight or flight, then I would recommend getting some help to overcome your phobia. If it's more of a mild aversion, then I think it's entirely possible that repeated exposure can result in desensitization. And of course, there are varying levels inbetween.

worldnurse2000 · Dec 9, 2009

I think you can help yourself to answer that question by deciding not only what it is about nursing that appeals to you, but also if the cost (emotional, time, and financial if counselling is involved) of working through the blood phobia is worth working in a professional with a relatively high potential for exposure to blood. If you have not already done so, you could help the decision making process by researching and interviewing nurses in different specialty areas and professionals in healthcare or other jobs that require compassion and caring but have less potential for exposure to blood. Good luck in your decision making process.

Tait, MSN, RN · Dec 9, 2009

Titled edited. :)

Tait

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Dec 9, 2009

Pixeee,

I find that I am not fully in agreement with previous posters. A true phobia is associated with dramatic autonomic resonses that are unreasonable and out of proportion to a situation -- such as overwhelming panic and fright associated with butterflies. These usually trigger full-blown panic attacks.

What you describe are perfectly natural responses to distressing experiences. Human beings normally have an empathetic response whenever we see anyone suffering or in distress - sociopaths excluded. Nurses should NEVER be insensitive to the pain or discomfort of their patients. However, this response recedes as we become more familiar with an experience or event. Basically, you "get used to it" over time. This does not mean that you become less empathetic, only that you get more and more control your own responses. Unfortunately, some (burned out) experienced nurses (of both genders) seem to enjoy creating a "macho" environment in which any sign of frailty or weakness is not tolerated. ... 'eating their young'.

In all honesty, I am sure each of us has experienced the same symptoms at least once. As a new nurse, I very nearly passed out while observing my very first surgery. None of the experienced staff in the OR over-reacted. They were very supportive and just directed me to an area where I would not contaminate anything - LOL. I also recall experiencing the same sort of reaction to most of my 'firsts' in nursing - first major dressing change, wound packing, suture removal, lumbar puncture, etc... I assure you I was not the only one 'putting my head down' and 'taking deep breaths' -- most of my fellow students had the same type of reactions. I have never gotten over the 'squidgy' feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I must cause discomfort to a patient - if I do, I will know it's time to hang up my stethoscope.

Accept that you are going to have them - and learn to recognize and manage your 'woozy' spells. Take deep breaths, sit down, put your head down, etc. Hang in there - don't be ashamed of being a sensitive and empathic human being.

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Dec 9, 2009

Pixeee,
I find that I am not fully in agreement with previous posters. A true phobia is associated with dramatic autonomic resonses that are unreasonable and out of proportion to a situation -- such as overwhelming panic and fright associated with butterflies. These usually trigger full-blown panic attacks.
What you describe are perfectly natural responses to distressing experiences. Human beings normally have an empathetic response whenever we see anyone suffering or in distress - sociopaths excluded. Nurses should NEVER be insensitive to the pain or discomfort of their patients. However, this response recedes as we become more familiar with an experience or event. Basically, you "get used to it" over time. This does not mean that you become less empathetic, only that you get more and more control your own responses. Unfortunately, some (burned out) experienced nurses (of both genders) seem to enjoy creating a "macho" environment in which any sign of frailty or weakness is not tolerated. ... 'eating their young'.
In all honesty, I am sure each of us has experienced the same symptoms at least once. As a new nurse, I very nearly passed out while observing my very first surgery. None of the experienced staff in the OR over-reacted. They were very supportive and just directed me to an area where I would not contaminate anything - LOL. I also recall experiencing the same sort of reaction to most of my 'firsts' in nursing - first major dressing change, wound packing, suture removal, lumbar puncture, etc... I assure you I was not the only one 'putting my head down' and 'taking deep breaths' -- most of my fellow students had the same type of reactions. I have never gotten over the 'squidgy' feeling in the pit of my stomach whenever I must cause discomfort to a patient - if I do, I will know it's time to hang up my stethoscope.
Accept that you are going to have them - and learn to recognize and manage your 'woozy' spells. Take deep breaths, sit down, put your head down, etc. Hang in there - don't be ashamed of being a sensitive and empathic human being.

Some facts:

1. She dropped out when done with one semester. Obviously, she has some long-term issue with it.

She needs help. I wouldn't recommend the time until all issues have been reconciled.

I got quesy the first time I saw a morgue body--it was only a picture. After several, I got over it. I never once thought about dopping out. And yes, you attenuate, but she doesn't have THAT issue....she has something deeper...

MHO.

wyogypsy, RN · Dec 9, 2009

I worked with an extremely competent, talented cardiologist who abhorred trauma, and it made him physically sick (he could not stand the amount of blood/guts). Yet he was great with his cardiac patients, could work with the amount of blood we saw in the cardiac cath lab, and helped more patients than we could count. There are fields of nursing where seeing blood is very minimal and maybe you are more suited to one of those specialties, leaving the blood and guts for those that get the adrenalin rush!

Holly041987 · Dec 9, 2009

I would first attempt to get over this issue before attending school again. I was 18 and still crying when I was told I had to encounter a needle or see any cutting or surgery. I was desperate to become a nurse so I researched exposure therapy and started making myself endure the uncomfortable feelings and reminded myslef I'm not hurt I just don't like this. I am not saying anyone should treat themselves if they have a disorder but I knew my reaction was mild and asked a therapist and so I attempted. U should start donating or volunteering at the blood bank and see if you cant suffer through it little by little.

Emergency RN · Dec 9, 2009

Pixeee, I find that I am not fully in agreement with previous posters. A true phobia is associated with dramatic autonomic resonses that are unreasonable and out of proportion to a situation -- such as overwhelming panic and fright associated with butterflies. These usually trigger full-blown panic attacks.

What you describe are perfectly natural responses to distressing experiences. Human beings normally have an empathetic response whenever we see anyone suffering or in distress - sociopaths excluded. Nurses should NEVER be insensitive to the pain or discomfort of their patients. However, this response recedes as we become more familiar with an experience or event. Basically, you "get used to it" over time. This does not mean that you become less empathetic, only that you get more and more control your own responses. Unfortunately, some (burned out) experienced nurses (of both genders) seem to enjoy creating a "macho" environment in which any sign of frailty or weakness is not tolerated. ... 'eating their young'...

Accept that you are going to have them - and learn to recognize and manage your 'woozy' spells. Take deep breaths, sit down, put your head down, etc. Hang in there - don't be ashamed of being a sensitive and empathic human being.

No offense, but "woozy" spells? LOL... That's being sensitive and empathic? I'll tell that to my next orthostatic patient, that they're having an empathetic response. But I guess if one doesn't want to honestly recognize an innate autonomic response that drops their own blood pressure as a serious condition, it's easier to sugarcoat and qualify it as a woozy spell or perhaps, the vapors. But whatever it is, that it is something valorous and not a sign of "weakness or frailty" in themselves. Excuse me, but I've witnessed people who are, IMHO, genuinely afraid of blood. They can't even look at a juicy rare steak without feeling nausea and be suddenly weak in the knees. But I guess maybe they're feeling for the poor cow too, eh?

Seriously, recognizing one's own phobias is the first step to overcoming them. Dressing it up as something heroic may salvage one's psyche and sense of self in the short term. But in the long term, it does nothing for the emotional triggers that induce syncope. Further, it has nothing to do with weakness or frailty, or "eating our young." If one has a phobia, one has a phobia, and that's nothing to be ashamed of.

I've also seen plenty of grown men (and women) pass out from needle sticks too. It's an autonomic response from something that triggered their brain into telling their body to vasodilate or slow down the heart with vagus stimulation. I don't think they feel particularly empathetic as they generally tell me that they have a real fear of needles.

NewNurseyGirl2009 · Dec 10, 2009

I used to have to sit down when I watched an IV being put in. Now I can put them in without a second thought. I also had to leave the room during a throacentesis (still think that one is bad) I scrub for c-sections but the first one I watched I had to look away. Now I can do them without even thinking about it. I also assist with tubals. The first one, I had to leave a throw up but now it's no biggie. What i am trying to say is that all things are possible and once you have been around it a few times it will be second nature and you can empathize with your patients. I understand when patients are afraid of IV's and am all the better for initially being fearful myself.