You may think this is stuipid, but I'm need advice!

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I recently graduated in May, 2009. I am waiting on my NCLEX results as we speak. I have not started working as a nurse yet. Here is my dilemma: I am afraid I may pass out whenever I start working and have to start an IV!!

The whole time I was in nursing school I never had an opportunity to start and IV with my teacher. I almost did...and I felt fine. But every time I go to the doctor and they draw my blood I get super dizzy and almost faint.

I sorta feel stupid. Every I talked to in person asks me why did I become a Nurse if I don't think I can handle this. Truth is, I thought I could over come it. But Iv never had the chance. And now I'm afraid that when I start my first job I'm going to make an ass of my self.

ps. I'm not afraid of needles. I have gave a ton of shots. Maybe its the vein I hate so much!

ADVICE PLEASE!!:chair:

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I think what you hate is being stuck! You'll be fine! I have no problems sticking people but I get a little light headed when I am getting blood drawn too! Don't worry you'll do great!

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Specializes in Vascular Access.

Well,

Don't be disheartened... I am a Vascular Access Nurse Educator (IV nurse) and have placed thousands of Lines in the course of my 20+ year career, however, I too was the first one to pass out when they did it to me. I am such a control freak, (or CF as my husband says) that if I don't think you know what you're doing.. You "'ain't" doing it on me!

Seeing other peoples blood isn't a problem, it is seeing my own. Becoming proficient at start IV's will give you the confidence you need because you know you'll be doing your pt a favor with your skills.

Don't personalize the process. just like when you give an injection, know that you are helping the pt get well. As far as your own troubles when getting stuck, you will grow out of it.. you are very young. It will get better.

In my younger years, I used to be the first one passed out in the pew after a TB tine test.. And look at me NOW!!! Don't let others persuade you that you made a wrong decision by going into nursing. I did it... You can TOO!!!

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I think what you hate is being stuck! You'll be fine! I have no problems sticking people but I get a little light headed when I am getting blood drawn too! Don't worry you'll do great!

Aww thanks. Druing clinicals I have watched surgeries and such with no problem. Idk tho. For some reason I am just extreamly afraid that when I start working I will pass out and look like an idiot in front of the patient or co workers. haha. I hope you are right. I'm scared!!

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Well,

Don't be disheartened... I am a Vascular Access Nurse Educator (IV nurse) and have placed thousands of Lines in the course of my 20+ year career, however, I too was the first one to pass out when they did it to me. I am such a control freak, (or CF as my husband says) that if I don't think you know what you're doing.. You "'ain't" doing it on me!

Seeing other peoples blood isn't a problem, it is seeing my own. Becoming proficient at start IV's will give you the confidence you need because you know you'll be doing your pt a favor with your skills.

Don't personalize the process. just like when you give an injection, know that you are helping the pt get well. As far as your own troubles when getting stuck, you will grow out of it.. you are very young. It will get better.

In my younger years, I used to be the first one passed out in the pew after a TB tine test.. And look at me NOW!!! Don't let others persuade you that you made a wrong decision by going into nursing. I did it... You can TOO!!!

I hope you are right! I have watch a ton of videos on starting IV's to try to decinsitize (sp) myself from this. I just remember when I first started nursing school about 2 years ago, I had to do this clinical rotation in the lab. After watching so many sticks I felt fine. But then, for some reason... out of the middel of no were i got dizzy. (of course that was 2 years ago, and I have grown as a nurse since then) For some reason this fear has stuck w/ me...I just hope I can over come it.

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Don't despair! I felt the same way when I began EMT-I classes (before nursing school). Up to that point, I fainted/hyperventilated etc. just thinking about having to get shots or blood draws, not because of the pain, but just because the thought of a needle going in to me really freaked me out.

After being an EMT for a little while, I knew that I wanted to gain more skills to help my patients and I knew I would have to practice IVs and shots in class....it was really tough having others practice on me (LOTS of deep breathing exercies, laying flt on my back in case I fainted...;)) but guess what? I ENJOYED giving shots/starting IVs on my pals...and I'm really good at starting IVs! I can now watch procedures, etc without freaking out but I still make my boyfriend come hold my hand when I have to get blood drawn. I'm such a baby. But my patients can't tell! If you really want to be a nurse, then you will find a way to manage your fear. Good luck!

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Specializes in home health, dialysis, others.

Your post made me chuckle! As a student, I nearly passed out watching a med student jab an elderly woman 4 or 5 times to start an IV. So my 2nd job was on an IV Team!!! Why watch other people botch it when you can become an expert yourself.

I still don't watch when someone sticks me for any reasom, and I don't even like to watch ME give my own insulin injections to MYSELF!!!

So put your concerns aside - your blood and that of others are two different things.

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Well thanks guys! btw, I just found out I PASSED MY NCLEX!! I'M SO EXCITED!

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GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!

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Wooohooo!!!!! Just passed in June of this year so I know how excited you feel. :-)

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That's great news! Congratulations!

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Specializes in NICU, Peds, Med-Surg.

I wanted to say CONGRATS on passing NCLEX and......I can't offer any more advice because you got some GREAT advice already.....just wanted to offer ((HUGS)) and encouragement!!!!!! I'm also not offering any insight since I don't have the

same fears you do-----but I can tell you my fear was just not being able to GET the IV started and the patient would be mad.:crying2: I do not start lots of IVs where I work, but I LOVE to try.......the one thing I have become VERY good at is psyching myself up and ACTING like I have done it a million times. If a patient ever asks me "how many of these have you done?" I just say "several", I smile, and act very professional.

We recently had to start drawing our own labs, also (cutbacks!) ----I was a little bit nervous, but once you start doing it all the time, and you keep hitting those veins, it's FUN! I LOVE it when the patient doesn't have to suffer several sticks, too!

Also, I REALLY hope you will have kind, gentle mentors wherever you work---I have always been blessed with them! When I was brand new at drawing labs, I would take one of my sweet co-workers with me.....they will give you moral support, and lots of helpful TIPS! Nice coworkers will remember what it was like to be afraid, and they'll be nice to you......!! :heartbeat

Mind you, sometimes they're too busy to help or "hold your hand", but most times, I can ALWAYS find someone for help....I hope you do, too!!!

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