1st year nursing student with a slight fear of needles

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Hi my name is Rachel and I'm going into my first year of nursing at Ryerson University. I'm really excited to go into the medical field for that's all I've ever considered doing my whole life. I wouldn't consider doing anything else but nursing although I have a big problem. The other day my boyfriend was getting his wisdom teeth taken out and I fainted when the iv was put into him. In the past I've fainted a few times while receiving needles and been a little sqeamish watching other people get needles but I thought I got over it a while ago. I was recently volunteering at a hospital in the ER and nothing bothered me although I didn't get to see too much as I was only a volunteer. I really want to go into nursing and I don't want to worry my first year about passing out in any of my placements because it would be really embarressing as a nursing student. Does anyone have any ideas on how to get over my fear of needles and has anyone else experienced a fear of needles and later became a nurse?? Thanks for your help.

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.

I'm not a good person to answer your question as I don't really have a problem with needles. But I know someone who did and is now a very happy and successful nurse. He passed out giving blood in high school (he actually did not even get to give the blood as he passed out as they attempted to insert the needle in his arm, I was giving blood at the next table and saw it happen). Anyway, he knew this would be an obstacle for him in nursing and I believe he sought out hypnosis. Apparently it worked for him and maybe for you too? Good luck!

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When I was in my LPN program the instructors told us to remember when observing a procedure to breathe and not lock our knees, and, if possible, stand by a wall in case we felt a little woozy. I guess they had students faint in the OR observing surgery in previous terms. I ended up leaving the program after the nursing home clinicals and before I got to see anything in the hospital, so I don't know how much that would have helped.

I think you will get used to it, but of course its a matter of getting through the first few times before you are.

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All I can really tell you is that if you really want this bad enough, you will get over it. :wink2:

Needles/blood stuff like that doesn't bother me. But everyone has something.... For me, it's :barf01: !!!!! I started working as a CNA and I'm not gonna say it was easy dealing with it. But I did it. The first few times I had to clean it up, I though I was going to be sick.. But eventually I started slowly getting desensitized it it. I still HATE it. But now I can deal with it and not get sick myself... :D

Good luck with nursing school!!!

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O2BNRN said:
All I can really tell you is that if you really want this bad enough, you will get over it. :wink2:

Needles/blood stuff like that doesn't bother me. But everyone has something.... For me, it's :barf01: !!! I started working as a CNA and I'm not gonna say it was easy dealing with it. But I did it. The first few times I had to clean it up, I though I was going to be sick.. But eventually I started slowly getting desensitized it it. I still HATE it. But now I can deal with it and not get sick myself... :D

Good luck with nursing school!

Vomit is my problem too. I get sick in my throat when I HEAR the sound of vomit. The smell doesn't bother me it the gagging sound right before the person actually vomits. -shudders-

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Specializes in ICU / PCU / Telemetry / Oncology.
Brikkz said:
Vomit is my problem too. I get sick in my throat when I HEAR the sound of vomit. The smell doesn't bother me it the gagging sound right before the person actually vomits. -shudders-

I think what does it for me is the splatter sound that comes after ...

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Paco386 said:
I think what does it for me is the splatter sound that comes after ...

ditto

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I don't have a fear of getting a needle or watching someone else get one. It's poking someone (and hurting them) that gives me the shakes. As an undergrad I did a fellowship in cancer research and had to give shots to mice. I didn't even like doing it to them and they bite! I don't want to hurt someone during a procedure. And I'm another one who can handle the sights and sounds of ucky stuff, but not the smell.

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Brikkz said:
Vomit is my problem too. I get sick in my throat when I HEAR the sound of vomit. The smell doesn't bother me it the gagging sound right before the person actually vomits. -shudders-

You know it's the noise for me too! The vomit itself doesn't really bother me. Although when you can tell what it is (peas..carrot chunks...GAG) it definitely makes me a bit green. LOL :smokin:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.

I had a big fear of needles--of getting them myself...when I went into my nursing program. Giving them to other people has actually helped me slowly get over my fear of receiving them. I''ve had some patients terrified of getting them, and it helps if you can relate to them & talk them through it.

Now when I'm getting injections or blood draws I usually just close my eyes and I'm fine. Injections are easier for me...blood draws (on myself) still make me a bit woozy but I recover quickly.

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I was in an LPN program in high school - that unfortunately I didn't finish. - & due to my fear of needles, I gave more injections than required. My instructor gave me saline & subq needles to practice on friends so that I wouldn't be afraid when we started giving injections in clinicals. Practice made perfect, it worked. I still get uncomfortable when I m on the receiving end of the needle, & I can't watch it on tv, but when I need to give injections, I can, w/ no problem!

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