Tell me I'll get over needle fear

sfranRNstudent · Oct 3, 2008

I just went back and read all of these, thanks for taking the time to respond. I do feel better. I thought I must be the only nurse-to-be with this problem (or at least, the only one this bad), now I see that's probably not true.
I checked out a phlebotomy book at the library today -- even looking at the stick pictures makes me a bit queasy. I'm going to make myself read it and look at it. Also, when I'm driving with time to kill, I try to visualize myself taking someone's arm, swabbing with alcohol and then sticking them. It's actually helping.
The other stuff doesn't bother me quite so much - I have 2 kids so I've dealt with mucho mucous, poop and vomit. The times my kids needed blood drawn, I left the room (hated doing it, but I knew I would hit the floor and be a distraction!) I realize it won't be my precious kid's vomit or poop, but I don't think I'll faint, just gag!
Again, thanks!

My phobia is just as bad and i visualize, force myslef to watch,and soon im gonna start to practice...there is a way to do anything i tell myself...MAKE yourself get used to it...even reading aboutit sometimes makes me cringe but im gonna keep pushing it on myself right? it will get better?

nurselsteele · Dec 6, 2008

Allright, I really think nursing is for me but I have this real queasiness relating to needles, especially IV's. I have fainted before when they take blood from me. I am OK with other things - I have watched them stitch up my kids cuts and things like that. It's the dog-gone IV's at that tender inner-arm (ouch!) that just gets me. Please tell me I'll get over this and get de-sensitized. I read a previous post that said some schools have a fake arm in lab where you can practice this. Is that a common thing? Cause I think I'm going to need it!
Meredith

When I went to school 18 yrs ago, we practiced on fake arms, & did injections on oranges & the mattress's! hahaha

But I teach a phlebotomy class at work now & we practice on each other!

I am sure you will do fine, once you see something 10000000000 times you become numb to it!

Don't give up on nursing because you pass out! You will get numb to many things in nursing that you never thought you would!

Best of luck

sweetsounds · Dec 6, 2008

It's the dog-gone IV's at that tender inner-arm (ouch!)
Meredith

Better the tender inner arm. It hurts the patient less than say the nice toughened-up skin on the back of their hand. Of course, everyone is different.

Just tell yourself it's something they need to get or feel better.

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2008

I work with a nurse that is deathly afraid of needles. She practically has to be sedated to get her annual TB screening. However, she says she has no problem sticking patients. Perhaps you'll be like her and won't have a problem with needles until you are the one being stuck.

Good luck.

edit: I just realized this thread is over four years old. LOL

luv2yoga · Dec 19, 2008

Yes, it is an old thread and I started it! I was just cruising around and saw it -- wow, I have to say everyone was right. I'm a real nurse now. Did you know that starting IVs is actually one of my favorite things to do? But - ha - I still don't like to be stuck and actually almost fainted a few months ago when I had bloor drawn. The PA that did it was very nice and even told me that some of the MDs do the same thing (this was in Occ Health for my annual physical).

Tweety, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2008

Great to hear from you again! Perhaps this can serve as an inspiration to others. :)

12hrshifts · Apr 18, 2009

I can not even begin to tell you how much your thread has meant to me. To read about your pre-nursing fears and then see how much you've changed post RN is amazing. I just about chucked my nursing dreams afraid I couldn't get over the fear. I'd feel intense dread when thinking about clinicals and didn't know what to do. Now, since your thread, I feel that it really is something I can conquer and not have to deal with my whole career.

Thank You!