Things have been hectic here in nursing student world. Last week, I spent a day at a local immunization clinic. It was a pretty awful day, really. A whole shift of just giving shots to kids? I don’t envy the nurses who do that job on a regular basis.
I also spent a day on a post-partum floor, shadowing a nurse. Before the day started, I wasn’t excited about it. But, I had an amazing nurse and learned SO much. She had me doing full assessments — the first time I checked for colostrum and lochia, I was a bit hesitant, but by lunch time, I felt like an old pro.
This week, I have to take care of two patients in post-partum on my own, then I’ll move on to labor and delivery and finally the NICU.
I have a confession to make. I’m nervous about my time in labor and delivery because I don’t deal well with blood and people in pain. I know, what am I doing in nursing school if I don’t want to see blood? I think I can learn to deal with it; I’m just not sure HOW to learn to deal with it. Is there anyone else who was squeamish when they started nursing school? If so, how did you deal with it?
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You’ll do fine. Once you’re in the thick of things, your brain will ‘go clinical.’ You’ll focus on the nuts and bolts of the situation and be able to think clearly while paying attention to the important stuff. I was really squeamish until I became an ER nurse. Now the wounds and the ‘pumpers’ don’t bother me.
But thick, green snot… THAT still bothers me. Let me know how it goes. I’m rooting for you!
Comment by Nurse William — October 21, 2007 @ 2:55 am
One thing to try is this: Remember that at the end of the hard work and the intensity, there is a gift more precious than anything else in the world for that patient to receive. Maybe focusing on that will help put the blood and pain in a different perspective?
Have a good semester!
Comment by StudentNurseJack — October 27, 2007 @ 9:05 am
Ohhh . . . people in pain that the narcotics won’t touch is hard to deal with! As for the blood–I don’t know; it doesn’t bother me.
Comment by Scott — October 28, 2007 @ 12:35 am
I didn’t deal well with watching people have IVs placed because of my own discomfort with it. So I’ve just forced myself to watch, breathe deep, and remind myself over and over that I’m a professional and it’s going to help the patient. I’ve also tried it when it was my turn- and I have to admit, forcing myself to watch has helped just a little when I have to have it done.
Comment by Edith — October 29, 2007 @ 3:45 pm
Hi Jaxia
I am starting at nursing school on Monday (Jan 08) and I’m very sesative to smells… as soon as the cat’s sick I automatically start reaching so I don’t know what I’m going to do when faced with body smells and body fluid. help! Have you spoken to anyone since your last posting about this?
Comment by Lez — January 4, 2008 @ 11:36 am
i never got over being squeamish
it feels horrible going pale and sweaty
like you’re dying!
Comment by Sarah — February 27, 2008 @ 2:46 am