What procedures are you curious about?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I may be nuts, but sometimes I almost wish I could "try" some of the things my patients go through. It's almost like I wish I knew what they were feeling (without actually needing to go through it). I wish I could better describe what a bone marrow bx, spinal tap, foley insertion, or central line placement feels like to them. I'd never volunteer for any of these procedures, and hope I never need them, but at the same time, I feel a sense of curiosity about it. Almost like I could possibly talked into trying it.

I dunno. It's hard to describe. And you all probably think I'm nuts now.

Any things you're curious about? What procedures have you had? Were they better or worse than you expected given your nursing career experiences?

Only thing I've ever had was an NG tube, which was about what I expected.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Nope.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Nope.

Nope you're never curious, or nope I'm not nuts?

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I have no idea if you're nuts or not, but no, I cannot think of any procedure that I am curious enough about to actually experience.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I have no idea if you're nuts or not, but no, I cannot think of any procedure that I am curious enough about to actually experience.

Hard to describe, but I'm not talking about actually experiencing it, just seriously wondering what it feels like.

Like I've had patients say bone marrow biopsies are a breeze and they have no problem with them. I've had others say they'd rather die than be awake for another. I know a lot of this has to do with how "hard" their bones are, and the skill of the doctor or NP, but I wonder how much of this is personal perception as well.

I would NEVER want to have a bone marrow biopsy, but I am curious about what it feels like.

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

Hard to describe, but I'm not talking about actually experiencing it, just seriously wondering what it feels like.

Like I've had patients say bone marrow biopsies are a breeze and they have no problem with them. I've had others say they'd rather die than be awake for another. I know a lot of this has to do with how "hard" their bones are, and the skill of the doctor or NP, but I wonder how much of this is personal perception as well.

I would NEVER want to have a bone marrow biopsy, but I am curious about what it feels like.

A bone marrow biopsy is more painful than childbirth. Think of the worst imaginable pain and then some. Not to mention the fact that you are scared to death that you are going to die.

Empathy is fine - but please count yourself lucky that you don't have to feel these things and keep on advocating for your patients. Your desire to understand how they feel is admirable, but not necessary.

Blee

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

I recover people from PTCAs all the time. Some sail right through it, while for some, it is like torture. I pray to all that is good that I never have to go through it.

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

Yeah, I definitely count myself lucky I don't need ANY of these procedures, and never want to have them. I'm just curious about them. That's all.

[jmtndl]

In my experience the central line placement hurt...I didn't know they scraped the bone while deadening the lining of it...or at least that is what the doc said was happening. A foley is nothing. And I will be put to sleep for a spinal or bone marrow, or they will have to find another way to find out what is wrong with me. The only procedure I almost fainted at was a bone marrow....CCCRRRUUUNNNCCCHHH! ICK!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

I've never heard crunching during a bone marrow biopsy. We routinely use conscious sedation for bone marrow biopsies, but I've never seen it for an LP.

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

Pts once healthy like to talk about thier procedures, in fact it is cathartic for them. So ask them ask them anything you want and then listen to what they have to say--use that knowledge in the future with other pts who will be going through those procedures----I have seen enough ABGs to know I hope I never need one!!

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I have had ABG's and they suck. I hope I never have to have one done again.

I had a LP and I felt a lot of pressure when they were doing it. Don't want one again due to the fact that I had a spinal headache afterward. That was awful.

I never want to experience bone marrow bx, or central line, or arterial line placement. I also hope I never need a ventric either. OMG I have to help insert those and I feel like I am going to pass out while watching. I can't stand to watch them drill through the skull. BLECH!