I've always wanted to be an ER Doctor. However I have always had an intense fear of needles and blood. So that has always stopped me from considering it someday (Still got 3 years till Im out of even High School) But now when I think about it. Those are silly reasons to be nervous and if others are fine with it why can't I? I was wondering some tips and\or ideas on how to get over these phobias. I also might want to mention that by blood I don't necessarily mean blood. I mean along the lines of gory injuries. Like those Surgery shows where you see open patients and injuries such as those on shows like Scarred. I'm fine with almost all of my own injuries but it's just seeing other peoples that tends to make me Nauseted and it often makes me hurt thinking about it. Any Help is VERY much appreciated. Thanks!
2007-05-16 06:50:00 · 5 answers · asked by Lucas L 1 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Well kudos to you for wanting to be an ER doctor. It's A LOT of schooling but it'll pay off in the long run.
It'll pass. There's a difference between seeing blood when unexpected or not wanting to compared to seeing blood and helping someone. I worked as a therapist at a psychiatric facility for a number of years and can tell you that I came across every single bodily fluid known to man almost on a daily basis. When I saw blood, adrenaline kicks in and tells you to help this person or fix the problem.. you don't get squeamish at all (and needles... how many kids hands I had to hold while they got bloodwork... you think "OK, you're not the one getting the needle, and this kid needs you for support right now")... it's different when put in these situations.
However, if someone walked up to be now at my home with a small cut then I would cringe... it's kind of weird.
Don't worry about it, keep learning in school. Maybe pick up a volunteer job at a hospital when you're a little older to help you get over it (you should do that anyway to help you determine if ER is what you really want to do).
Best of luck.
2007-05-16 07:04:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
OK, I'm being serious. Turn off your brain if you want to be in ER. Your brain should just go into "Do!" mode. Whatever you need to do for somebody. If you saw somebody in a car accident, would you rush to their aid and give them your coat and compress until aid got there? Sometimes our brains kick into that "Do!" mode. Who cares if I lost my favorite t-shirt to save someone's life? The needles shouldn't bother you since they're not being used on YOU. I've had to flush abcesses before, and save a diabetes person in shock. You just snap into that mode. If you think you can do that, you'll be fine.
Good luck!
2007-05-16 14:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by chefgrille 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I thought that I wouldn't be able to handle that stuff either, but you will become immune to it once your in school. All you will talk, read, hear about is the body and how it all works. You'll be fine. The thing I can't get past is bodily waste. Go for it and good luck.
2007-05-16 14:01:44 · answer #3 · answered by tnca 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to talk to a professional in order to discover the reasons for your fear first. Maybe you saw something as a kid and although you don't remember it is there in the subconscious. Almost sounds like yoou have been at a hospital when things were being done on a loved one or you heard your [parents or someone else talking about it. what ever the source until you know what it is I feel you will not be able to overcome it.
2007-05-16 14:00:28 · answer #4 · answered by debbie f 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
vlounteer at the hospital and make sure it's what you want to do, because eight years of college and three years of a residency are a long time to spend learning something you hate.
2007-05-16 13:57:56 · answer #5 · answered by Jaycie 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋