Needles and Scalpels: Ever have to overcome any fears?

[Shepard]

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Hello all. I have a question about working with some of the basic tools of the physician's trade, needles and scalpels, and wonder if any of you had to overcome any fears or worries before working with them. I am considering applying to medical school and wonder how common such a concern is and if it is something that is easily overcome. Your thoughts are most appreciated.

Shepard

 

[JMK2005]

my first blood draw on a classmate was the worst experience ever. i went home that day thinking that i would never amount to much as a doctor... i couldn't even draw blood!!!

that was second year of med school... fast foward to 4th year and i have since gotten over that. poking needles in people is not bad at all. very fun actually.

early in undergrad, i use to think that i would never become a doctor because i hated to get shots. but thinking back, it was no reason to rule out medicine ... unless your fear overpowers you and you can't think do anything else but worry.

That may be a problem....

 

[WVmed]

Hello all. I have a question about working with some of the basic tools of the physician's trade, needles and scalpels, and wonder if any of you had to overcome any fears or worries before working with them. I am considering applying to medical school and wonder how common such a concern is and if it is something that is easily overcome. Your thoughts are most appreciated.
Shepard

I also have a mild fear of needles. When I watch those extreme "Discovery Health" programs on TV, they have needles going into eyeballs and spinal cords.. That's just so hard to watch for me, as a MS1... but it will all come in time, I think..

 

[AtomKr]

I get grossed out by certain stuff, especially the idea of drawing blood (i actually enjoy getting it drawn from myself, for some weird reason). I just hate the thought of hurting anyone else.

Recently I started having to give myself injections for a medical condition. It started out very difficult (i was afraid to plunge it in) and now it's very easy. I'm hoping the rest of the stuff later (i'm just an MS1) will become natural just as quickly.

 

[AlaskaGirl]

I have a similiar fear and my family has always joked that I would never make it as a doctor when I can't stand the sight of blood. However, it is usually just my blood that makes me pass out. After working in a research lab for a summer bleeding mice I overcame my fear. Yes, I know it was just mice, but I did get queasy at first and lightheaded, but after a few days it became routine and didn't affect me anymore. I am hoping the same thing occurs with med school. Once I get in to the routine of it I won't be disturbed by blood, needles, or anything like that.

 

[artemis]

Yeah, me too. The first time i did surgery on rats in a physiology lab, I almost passed out in the lab AND I threw up 😳 but after a few days it was like normal and I had no more problems. And the first few days in gross lab were, interesting but things just get better with time and experience. I still get little twinges now and then, but i'm sure they will pass. Don't worry. 🙂

 

[Perrin]

I volunteered in a phlebotomy lab for a summer. The techs let me practice on them a few times. Nothing beats having your first draw calmly telling you what to do.

Blood doesn't nauseate me, but having someone bring you a urine sample in a sopping wet cup is pretty d@mn gross.

 

[Mossjoh]

Just wait....

I have been in the OR as first assist and been passed the scalpel by the attending quite a few times.

Also, in a trauma I was passed the ABG syringe and asked to do a femoral stick.

Ah, the joys of 3rd year. You will get over your fears

Mossjoh