want to become a nurse but afraid of fainting

I don't know whether I am asking this question in the right place, but I need some opinions. I have always wanted a job in the medical field, but in the past whenever I have seen my family members injured I pass out. I can watch surgeries on TV no problem, but I just don't want to spend a lot of money becoming a nurse to find out I can't overcome fainting. Are there nurses out there that were like me?

I am not a nurse yet (I am in my first semester of nursing school) but I will tell you my experience. Years ago I decided to give my cats their shots myself--I gave the first one and almost passed out! I managed to give both cats their shots but was rather queasy. I then joined an animal rescue group and volunteered at a vet's office so I got lots of practice with the animals. Then I decided to be a phelbotomist. I pass out when my blood is drawn but thought, "I can do this". I have drawn my husband's blood but when I watched someone else draw his blood I felt rather queasy. My point is, that you get used to it. If you have the time you might try volunteering at a hospital. Another thing you might do is go and speak to the nursing advisor at the school would attend, you might also try speaking with a nursing instructor at the school.

So give it a shot, explore the possibilities. You may become a great nurse.

good luck,
valery

has anyone used a anesthesia face mask before because i nedd to know how long to keep the mask over the patient's mouth and nose for.

Actually, I have the same problem. I want to be a nurse but whenever something bloody happens to me or my family I get dizzy and have a panic attack. Supposedly you get used to blood, flesh, urine and all those "pretty" things but what if you don't? Or maybe, how do you know that you will get used to it?

I guess I will try to volunteer at a hospital and see how I will do. I wish you luck with overcoming the fainting and becoming a superb nurse!

:O)

it's different when it's your child bleeding or when it's someone else's

Try volunteering in the ER somewhere just to get a "feel" for it.
It really is different when you're working and taking care of someone....you are responsible for their care.

And yes you get "used to it" seeing things that you don't like....but never completely....after almost 30 years there are still times that I get "queasy"

Call and learn about being an RN.

http://www.callthenurse.com