AITA for Yelling at a Woman for Misbehaving and Making my Job Harder?

[@Stephofcourse]

I’m a nurse and this is ridiculous. I deal with patients who are afraid of needles regularly and I do my best to help them through their fear. Often I am able to get my job done relatively quickly even with extra reassurance and explain actions and adjusting how I approach things. This person sounds incredibly burned out and experiencing compassion fatigue and sounds like they need a break from this type of work

[@LenoraFinch]

SAME

[@AdahandRin]

I’m literally a phlebotomist still at work right now…. This is a hell no. I literally love when people can leave my room happier than when they walked in. Especially kids. People don’t see me because they want to and it’s a fun time. They’re sick and need help.Definitely shouldn’t be doing that job.

[@colorcutie97]

I really appreciate this! I personally have no problems with needles due to needing regular blood tests for most of my life I just have gotten used to it. However my SO and a good friend of mine both have big fears of needles and I totally understand that. Sometimes it’s really for good reasons like past trauma that should be met with understanding and compassion! I have had phlebotomist (and other medical professionals in general but that’s not relevant to this story) be rude to me even when I’m being completely being compliant. I don’t think I’m an ideal patient but I always try to make procedures as easy as possible for myself and anyone working with me. It is very easy to completely change an experience for a patient with just a few words whether it be good or bad. I bet you those clients you helped remember the positive experience and are so thankful for you ❤ healthcare is so important and I just want to say thank you on behalf of patients who, like you said, are there for your help. It’s not a fun expert at all but your presence definitely made it easier ❤️

[@madmarrr]

This is so strange to me. I have multiple tattoos and my providers have always asked if I’m okay with needles. I always laugh and show them my tattoos, but they still ask anyway because they know getting a tattoo is way different from getting blood drawn. WHY IS THIS PERSON WORKING IN HEALTHCARE?!?!?!

[@yeshummingbird]

A tattoo needle is N O T a hypodermic needle. Sincerely someone who both has plenty of tattoos AND has Trypanophobia; they are NOT the same thing and using your tattoos as an example of why you're "ok with needles" actively makes MY getting compassionate care for my legitimate trauma induced medical phobia THAT much harder, because they refuse to believe me BECAUSE of my tattoos.

[@madmarrr]

@@yeshummingbird Well, then those are some crap providers. I know it’s not the same. I was using it as an example as to how a provider SHOULD act because they still check in with me every single time. I’m really sorry that they make assumptions because you have tattoos. They should still check with you no matter what. Them not doing so shows a lack of empathy and compassion for their patients. I will say though that you can’t really blame someone like me for their behavior. They are making these assumptions based on your tattoos when they shouldn’t. My laughing it off is just my way of dealing. I have a TON of medical trauma around my autoimmune disease, PCOS, and bipolar disorder. Needles happen to be easy for me, but there are many other things that can send me into a panic attack or trigger severe PTSD. Thankfully, I’ve found doctors that understand and respect my boundaries and needs. Not everyone is as lucky to find good doctors. I really hope things improve and you can get care from someone that will listen and help you through everything/anything.

[@cupids3]

I’m a vet tech and I LOVE drawing blood or inserting catheters but HATE it done on myself, I get sweaty and pass out 😅

[@MsSaksalainen]

I looove the irony here 😂. If it helps : my therapist once told me phobias aren't logical to us. They have their own logic.

[@victoriakelly5894]

As someone with a mother that has a HEAVY FEAR of needles, I would have thrown hands if a medical professional treated her like that. And fear of healthcare is real. This woman just helped create so much more fear for this patient.

[@lifeaskaylie]

I have PTSD. The main cause of it is medical trauma and medical gaslighting. A lot of health care workers don’t realize how many people have went through medical trauma, especially those you are disabled and chronically ill.

[@walnutsrcool]

“Makes my job harder” uuuummm bedside manner is PART of your job. It’s not just drawing blood

[@m.d.1836]

I had a nurse actually get MAD at me for having a panic attack (before I knew what that was, hadn't had one before and I thought I was dying) telling me I needed to calm down and stop being so dramatic. This was during admission to the hospital, I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke. When I was in labor with my son, I had a nurse that was supposed to be helping me that was ignoring me and texting on her phone while I was mid contraction. Another one that told me I needed to be quiet and just breathe through the contractions while wheeling me to OR for an unplanned cesarian, contractions that maybe had 30 seconds or a minute between them. I had been pushing for 6 hours and was in a lot of pain because they had taken my epidural away halfway through pushing because they thought I wasn't pushing hard enough, despite him crowning every single time. (he was stuck with his arm behind my pelvis). The trauma of that experience, as well as the surgery itself has definitely stuck with me. I had a doctor completely dismiss my problems with little to no testing as 'you're just fat' And then tried to sell me his daughters book, because apparently she's a nutritionist, and then when on a long tirade about everyone being addicted to food like I do nothing but stuff my face 24/7. I'm betting this is NOT a one off situation. There are a lot of people in healthcare who actually do NOT care about people. Or they're burned out and no longer care. The same could be said for teachers. There are a LOT of teachers that dislike or actually despise kids. Or they sink right into the culture of bullying certain students. There are a lot of people in these fields who should not be there because they have no empathy.

[@samwatson8079]

A minute and a half in and I already feel like she might be in the wrong profession. I just completed schooling and certification for phlebotomy at the end of last year and it isn’t for everyone one. Granted, on the first day of class, each student is forced suddenly understand that we are all now each other’s pin cushions. The closer we became as a random group of adult strangers, the more cautious we became of hurting each other. We all walk out for breaks with bandages on every hand and arm… so I understand her getting over the fear of the poke… but phlebotomy is perhaps the most important point of care. I am putting a needle into your body and taking out your life juice. Yes, it’s going to hurt a little… but the more comfortable and safe I can help a patient be, the better the results for their labs will be…we can tell if your heart rate is up before we ever take your bp…just by the tension of the vein. Knowing this, i pray that she finds empathy and pride in the work she is doing… or that she will find her way toward another career. I don’t want to hurt anyone… so if I HAVE to poke you, I should and do so with the upmost empathy.

[@Charleeboo26]

I hope you have much success! You sound like a very empathetic and caring person who will do amazing at your job.

[@jhonhoppins522]

I think needles don't hurt at all they're barely a pinch and last for less than a second but the idea of a needle going into the skin freaks people out

[@crashvds777]

@@jhonhoppins522 Unfortunately this isn’t always true. During one of my hospitalizations (chronic illness) I had a nurse try FIVE times to place a needle (blowing the vein in my arm and not telling anyone, just wrapping gauze around it to hide it) before getting another person to try, and person two left a needle poking out of my upper arm while trying to place another line. When I looked to see what was causing me pain, I almost passed out at the sight. It hurt horrendously and has definitely left me with some medical trauma and a fear of needles (despite my many hospital visits).

[@samwatson8079]

@@Charleeboo26 thank you so much. ❤️

[@meganchambers8108]

I'm almost 30, and I still cry any time i need to get a filling. I hate going to the dentist in general, but I love MY dentist because she is very kind and understanding about this! This woman was trying her best to calm herself down, she wasn't a flailing screaming mess, she just requested a minute and some accommodations! This person is definitely in the wrong profession.

[@stainedglassbeauty6945]

This person shouldn’t be a phlebotomist. I had cancer at 29 years old, now 42. Your friend is absolutely right. A lot of the fear does come from trauma. I had a port in my chest. Yet, I still hate needles. I once had to have it accessed and they kept trying and trying. (Port needles are terrifying.) I kept telling them something wasn’t right when they were trying to access the port. I ended up breaking down because I knew it in my heart it was the wrong size. They thought I was overreacting. Turns out I was right, wrong needle size. I’ve gotten better at dealing with needles now. I close my eyes/look away and it helps a lot. This breaks my heart for the lady who was terrified. Wow. She needs to pick a new career.

[@colorcutie97]

I’m so sorry that you went through that experience. At a time where you were dealing with so many other things to be worried about the care you received should’ve never been in question. Many people in medical care dismiss patients because they think they know better. Sometimes I can understand that but you should always listen to a person who says something is wrong. My SO is terrified of needles due to an experience where they were donating blood and had the nurse repeatedly did it wrong and then didn’t listen when my SO said there was a problem. They ended up having a bad reaction and have been traumatized. All it takes is one bad experience to traumatize someone and influence their life forever. It’s so wrong and not worth it at all, that person shouldn’t be in healthcare. No one should have to go through that. I hope you are well and wish you all the best In the world.

[@JJ-lb8et]

When I was little I was held down and was given shots while having an asthma attack, when I got a little older a nurse stuck a needle so deep into my arm that it felt like it hit my bone, and I had ghost pain for years. I got a tattoo to try and get over the fear but about 6 months later I had to get blood drawn and the first sight of seeing a medical needle spiked my anxiety, the nurse, bless her heart- asked if I was ok and gave me time to calm down before drawing blood. The phobia of needles comes from somewhere, this woman was so detached from empathy to understand that fact.

[@yeshummingbird]

A tattoo is NOT a hypodermic needle. If you have Trypanophobia it's directly attached to MEDICAL environments and HYPODERMIC needles. Getting a tattoo will NOT help as exposure therapy. ONLY having compassionate, effective, trauma informed, Trypanophobia informed medical care will; I've been dealing with this for decades, since a dog attack in the 90's when I was 3, and have multiple tattoos now ... Having tattoos actually makes accessing proper trauma informed care with my Trypanophobia HARDER because people do not understand this difference.

[@JJ-lb8et]

@@yeshummingbird I figured that out when getting the blood work done. Simply thought it was needles in general that freaked me out at the time and only then realized the key difference between tattoo needles and medical needles while sitting in the chair after the blood is withdrawn, I believe I should have been specific when talking about the phobia of needles in the end part of my comment.

[@cosmokisses]

I’ve been a dental assistant for over 12 years. Before this I was a combat life saver in the army. Been around needles a ton. Most of my patients have a fear or needles or just a fear of the dentist. It breaks my heart cause I don’t want that fear to stop them from being able to get needed dental care. I have held so many hands while getting patients numb and even during extractions. I got one hand suctioning and one hand being squeezed by my patient. It’s always helped them get through a scary situation for them. Compassion will go a long way and people will remember you for it. Also as a disabled combat veteran I’ve been in the hospital multiple times and I’ve had such compassionate nurses that went above and beyond that I’ll never forget (even having part of my brain removed 😅). This person should not be in healthcare.

[@amburn-left]

I am absolutely maddened by the lack of compassion (and, frankly, competency) in the US medical system. I had an iud implanted in my uterus for three years because, despite my ongoing complaints of pain, my provider didnt bother to look at the ultrasound she order for me 6 months after the insertion. That ultrasound showed that it was very likely the iud implanted and removal was recommended. After all the suffering i went through, i was scolded for saying the iud was "ripped out of me", because that verbiage "insinuates medical malpractice " 😠🙄 Remember kids, medical error is the third leading cause of death in America!

[@carachoplin6952]

From my perspective as a behaviorist, the patient handled this stressful experience very well. She communicated her needs and had the reasonable expectation of the provider accommodating those needs.

[@crazypyp5871]

Why is there a sudden spike of unsettling and horrible people working in the medical industry? Did they think being a doctor wasn’t gonna come with people having an extreme fear of needles, it’s very common and medical staff should be or at least should have been trained on how to calm down people with anxieties around medical equipment

[@JS-dv9ji]

It's not a sudden spike at all, sadly. Every disabled or chronically ill person has many stories of medical mistreatment. It's everywhere, it's all the time, and it's been going on forever. I think one difference now is that patients are finally standing up for ourselves publicly, making formal complaints, and forming support groups. Another factor (like in OPs case) is that some healthcare workers aren't trying to hide their awful behavior as much. It's like they've lost their filter or something. I totally agree with you, it's horrifying that this happens.

[@Lovarez]

Some people do work in healthcare because it's their calling or something so they have empathy and are in it to serve. But some other are in it for the status and the prestige so you have people like the OP or doctors who refuse to listen to patients and chalk everything up to anxiety and "I'm the doctor here, I know." or nurses who judge patients. Disgusting honestly.

[@PlebianGorilla]

I used to never get squeamish or nervous when getting pricked with needles… but now that I’m an ADULT WHO UNDERSTANDS CONSEQUENCES IN LIFE I fear it. I know I’m not invincible, and even though the needle isn’t going to actually cause legitimate damage other than a poke, it’s uncomfortable. It’s SHARP PIECE OF METAL GOING INTO YOUR BODY. You weren’t designed to be okay with that! You WERE designed to be uncomfortable with that for rational reasons! Cutting my skin, taking my blood, my elixir of life? Freaky!

[@shakirhussain6953]

That person should not be working in health care, so rude to the patient.

[@mitchell7535]

I’m not particularly scared of needles but I typically get very lightheaded and nauseous after blood draws and i just wanna shout out the nurse who did my last one because she did everything she could to help me even taught me a neat trick of pouring cool water on your head when your queasy,, this reddit lady should take notes

[@mgmm69420]

No literally if any sort of doctor let me play my music while they did their thing I would feel SOOO much better. Amy, you rock!!!!

[@samwatson8079]

Also, @ 2:35. We are trained too be discreet when prepping and checking our needles, tubes, etc… a good tech should pull tubes and any variation of needles that might be needed once the patient has been assessed. I am so sad for these people

[@gertaze1781]

When i was pregnant and was bleeding in my second trimester, went to the E.R. the gyno doc there YELLED at me to stop crying so she could finish her exam. Because after 30 min of checking me and saying nothing, i thought i lost the baby and when i heard the heartbeat it was like finally breathing, couldn't not cry it was horrible. I filed a complain and the said she did nothing wrong.

[@StarRose108]

I developed a needle phobia after a phlebotomist injured me quite badly as a child. But soon after I developed that fear, I had to get my blood drawn weekly due to a medication I was on. The staff member was absolutely wonderful and helped me work through my fear and definitely helped ease it quite a bit. Now as an adult, I can get blood drawn no problem, even have a few piercings with jewelry. Bad medical staff can completely ruin someone but great things happen when medical staff go above and beyond.

[@livseaward]

Had something similar happen not long ago, but it was dental. Detailed my childhood trauma at the first appointment prior to procedure. During the procedure the assistant laughed at me, talked down to me, and argued with me about my pain level as I sobbed. The dentist seemed like they didn't even want to be there, just wanted to get it over with, and held my jaw so hard that I had a bruise from their thumb. I didn't let it go and thankfully the company is rectifying it now with the employees who treated me so apathetic and cruelly. Anyone who has a negative experience in anything health related should absolutely report if only to save someone else from suffering similarly.

[@amymcgee6454]

Optical tech here. I’m the one who puts those lovely dilation drops in your eyes. I can’t begin to tell you how many people tense up, throw up and even pass out. I do my best to make sure they breathe or give them something to fidget with (paper clip, paper cup to tear up) or make sure the trash can is ready if they feel sick or smelling salts in case they pass out. I try to imagine every patient as if that person is my child or my parent. Is it frustrating at times, yes it is because calming down a patient who is near panic takes time and it does put the rest of the patients behind schedule…BUT when the health care worker is stressing the patient out, it makes the patient even more nervous. So have some compassion and be gentle with your patient, talk to them to get their mind off of what you’re doing.

[@XaliroseX]

I used to be super chill with needles. Until I was in the hospital for a few days and I got a brand new nurse who had to take my blood 8 times in an clunky manner because she kept not mixing it with the anti coagulation liquid. Now I pass out when I get my blood drawn.

[@josiedavis5994]

I have a HUGE fear of needles. Why? Because I had a few nurses dig the needle in my arm and that brought on me hyperventilating every time after that. It’s nurses like that, that causes my sister to text me about asking why they chose that field. She’s a nurse and she’s so shocked on why some people like that choose to be in the medical field.

[@alanat5816]

Phew. I’m just like this patient - I’ve passed out / gotten sick at needles and blood draws. I am always transparent with my providers that I’m anxious, I’ve passed out in the past, I need to keep my eyes closed and have water on hand, etc. For the most part, medical professionals have been nothing but lovely and accommodating to me. But I’ve had a handful who acted like OP to me, and it made me feel like total crap. I can’t control this anxiety. I KNOW it’s only a little poke, but this is an irrational fear. My body reacts before my brain can. It’s sooo frustrating. If you’re going to be in the medical field, have a good bedside manner. Period.

[@Didiq1290]

As a child I was handled much like this when i had to het blood drawn. It really coloured my view of nurses for a long time. Thankfully I've had many positive interactions since, because that fear of needles never left.

[@hollie7681]

I had a awful experience while pregnant with my daughter. Long story short 2 nurses taking it in turns to try and get a IV in, collapsing the veins & not even changing the needles in between so each time it became more and more painful. All the way throughout they were talking about me like I was not there and saying things to me insinuating my fear was what was making them collapse not their technique (this had never happened before and I never had a needle phobia before this event) After around 8 failed attempts between them I was hysterical, refused care and said I wanted to discharge myself to attend a different hospital. About half an hour later an anaesthetist came up from surgery to my room and she was the most wonderful woman She sat and spoke to me for half an hour, Told me I was well within my right to put in a official complaint against the nurses, gave me some gas and air to relax me and managed to find a location they hadn’t already ruined to get a line in (on first attempt) Its medical professionals like her that throughout the years have helped me rebuild my trust and get over the trauma I was left with that day. And just to add I had been told prior to this my daughter didn’t have a heartbeat by one of the nurses and was awaiting to go for a scan to confirm that my baby had passed Thankfully they were wrong and she was ok but you can imagine how emotional the whole situation was 😭

[@izzy1753]

Really sorry to hear about your experience but really glad that your daughter was okay. While my experience of healthcare (NHS in the UK) has been mainly positive, my family has had quite a few negative experiences which has led us to adopt what my Dad calls a 'healthy level of distrust' of the medical profession. This doesn't mean distrusting their expertise necessarily, but rather recognising that all medical practitioners are human and therefore A) are capable of making mistakes (particularly if overworked) B) may have prejudices that affect bedside manner or encourage them to discriminate/lead to malpractice C) may mean well but make decisions about what you 'need to know' and when that might affect your ability to plan for the future. One example is where I developed septicaemia as a child who was being given chemotherapy, and my parents were effectively told it was their fault that I had almost died, even though they had followed all of the instructions they had been given. Eventually the hospital apologised to them (it was actually caused by bacteria being accidentally flushed directly into my heart during chemo) and said that the reason they were so harsh was because they were used to dealing with patients/families with '[place name]itus' (we were from an underprivileged area). I hate to think how many families were unjustly led to believe that they were responsible for their child's death or near death experience because of that prejudice.

[@Charleeboo26]

She’s definitely an asshole. This is the problem with this world. No one has compassion or empathy. Knowing the lady was scared she could have tried to make her comfortable or if she wasn’t mature enough to do that, ask a coworker to take her. I’d be livid if someone treated my mom or someone I cared about that way.

[@gcarr1089]

Once passed out when getting blood taken and needle broke in my arm. Luckily enough of the broken needle was just out side of the skin the nurse could use tweezers to get the needle out or I would have had to go to hospital to have it removed. This had never happened prior (I have two kids pincushion central) Was told my blood pressure had dropped. Now as a precaution I have to tell the nurse I have to lay down to have my bloods taken and sometimes I'm treat like am being dramatic even after I explain why. I've done it again at least 3 more times in at least 20 blood appointments. So only 3 of the nurses were thankful I had been laying down.

[@bubbleblowingtown]

I am someone who has had cancer when I was younger and am now deathly afraid of needles. Even the mention of needles can trigger my PTSD and cause me phantom pains and an anxiety attack. I am known at my hospital for needing a team of people in the room while I get my blood drawn, it’s that bad. Whenever watching a movie or a show with needles I have to look away and try not to listen as it can really break me. Needle phobia is VERY real. I’m so glad that I’ve never had to encounter someone like that in all of my doctors visits over the years.

[@missy2491]

Amy absolutely had the right reaction to this post. There are people who decide to take a career that are capable of using needles and seeing blood, and there are people who are not capable of using needles or seeing blood. Don’t work in phlebotomy, let alone health care if you’re not able to recognize when people are uncomfortable with those things!

[@Nerakfrog]

Thank you, morgan. I've been a nurse for 13 years, and that's my perception too. The money isn't enough to keep you coming back.

[@ladyfashionsoul]

I have an overactive vasovagal response. I get my blood drawn I nearly always pass out then look like I’m seizing up. I have zero control over it. Because of this anything with needles and especially getting my blood drawn is a terrifying experience for me. It’s already embarrassing enough itself. I would have 100% filed a complaint on this person. Also, I would probably be too scared to even go back to get my blood drawn again by anyone after this.

[@cellsongg]

Haven't finished the episode yet, but describing a grown woman as "misbehaving" is already a major red flag edit: I was right 🎉

[@lindsay1989]

Amy seems really sweet. Definitely a caring person

[@keighleiaozamo1342]

Not even a close call. I had significant medical trauma around needles, blood draws, IVs, etc. My GP has an AMAZING phlebotomist who was kind, empathetic, didn’t shame me, distracted me, etc. He completely changed my experience (along with therapy, CBT, conditioning). Thank you for changing my perception of health care workers Kermit ❤ (his real name, btw)

[@speccogecko7296]

I could understand and agree up until she made her judgment into actions. You can admit that it’s frustrating to deal with patients who are more difficult but it’s not okay to be cruel. I also find it a bit weird how many are scared of needles but I’m not going to berate them and deny services because of it. I bet the phlebotomist is extremely burn out and fed up with patients who “waste” her time. She should get counselling or therapy to deal with that, or if possible take a break from work to heal and recover. She’s allowed to have these feelings but she can’t act like that towards patients.

[@libbyjohnsen8973]

I have a fear of needles. I remember one of the first times I went to the doctor by myself as a teen. I was already nervous and got emotional when the needle came out. The lady just looks at me and says “cut it out you are way to old to be acting like this” in such a rude and startling way it shocked me and I basically shut myself down to get the shot so I wouldn’t inconvenience her. A few years later I had to get a shot in the mouth at the dentist and I started crying again. This time the doctor grabs my hand and strokes my head telling me it’s going to be fine and they do this all day. Calmed me right down and has helped me with medical procedures to this day. Some people need to rethink their careers.

[@leasylala]

One of my old friends had cancer when we were younger and he was poked and prodded constantly, so he now HATES needles and getting blood draws. He said he can tolerate it, but he does not enjoy it and still gets a bit nervous. You never know someone’s medical history.. That person should not be working in healthcare, point blank period.

[@izzy1753]

I have had to deal with being prodded and poked with needles since I was a young child, either as part of being treated as an inpatient or monitored as an outpatient, and it took years to find ways to cope. For years, my way of coping was to watch as the needle was inserted (as a means of having control and being prepared for any pain) and, when I was having MRI scans, this meant that I would have to be unstrapped and allowed to sit up when they injected the tracer. My radiographers were great and allowed me to do this for years, even though it made their job more difficult. It was only after the age of 20 (following 15 years of being poked and prodded) that I became comfortable enough to remain lying down while being injected so that my head would remain in the right position and the radiographers could get on with their job. The fear is real and I am really grateful for the empathy, patience and compassion that most medical practitioners have shown me over the years.

[@ArtistJane]

I haven’t even finished the video and I’m LIVID. A person with no compassion or empathy in charge of a job handling needles?! That’s horrifying. I personally have never been afraid of getting my blood taken or given an IV, but my son with autism HATES getting his blood taken, even though he’s 18. It was even worse when he was little. This poor woman. I hope she DID file a complaint. This monster doesn’t need to be working in the healthcare profession. Just because you do it every day and you don’t think it’s a big deal doesn’t give you license to gaslight and shame patients you’re tasked with sticking! She’ll eventually lose her job like that and rightfully so. This poor woman she yelled at may have had this phobia for a very long time and it takes a lot of bravery to even show up.

[@Ninix-go9oc]

I'm sorry, but her requests were reasonable. As someone who also has a major fear of needles, I understand her. When I got my wisdom teeth out, I made the same request, and it wasn't hard to follow

[@shadokat]

Once when I had surgery my (then) boyfriend was hilarious. He is, or was, deathly afraid of needles. When they were putting in my IV, he couldn't watch. He was 6'5". I was in a curtained off alcove. He had to go outside the curtain to avoid watching, but he knew I was terrified because it was my first surgery (broken elbow). He started jumping up and down outside the curtain waving his hand above his head. It made me laugh and got my mind off the surgery for a few minutes. He was a wonderful, compassionate person. I was grateful for his actions that day. I don't like blood draws either. The poke doesn't hurt much but I imagine I can feel the blood bring drawn out. But I don't cry and overreact. I used to see an endocrinologist once a month and she would often have them draw out 9-10 vials at a time. Just get it over with. Yeesh! This person, a-hole extraordinaire. Don't they teach bedside manner in phlebotomist school? I hope this person gets herself fired.

[@emberwolf5653]

I've been yelled at for crying when my wisdom tooth was getting pulled but the dentist was pretty bad skilled. He even jabbed my tongue with a sewing needle while yelling at me to move my numbed tongue. Years later I had to get another tooth pulled and I broke down crying. Rather take pain killers for 6 months till I finally found a dentist that I felt safe enough to go to. The experience was great and painless. Also when I was having high bp getting a blood test freaked me out because I was feeling very sick. You never know what's going on and what trauma people had.

[@justabookishreader]

Also saw someone comment about medical trauma and I second - it is very real. I know it very well.

[@MariMotherofGoblins]

Morgan: everyone is going to want Amy as their provider Me: currently typing out if Amy is taking new patients

[@ashrey1davinci]

When i was 9, i had an appendectomy. There was rhis woman, i dont know if she was a nurse, or whatever, all i remember os, without saying a SINGLE word to me, she came into my room, grabbed my arm, shoved a needle into my arm, collected her blood, bandaged it and left. She was cold, hard, fast, and unfeeling. She didnt say hello, didn't explain what she was gonna do, just bam. The second she left, i burst into sobs. My mom jumped oit of her chair, chased her down the hallway, and screamed at her until i heard them threaten to call security. Ever since then, for years, i had a HORRIBLE fear of needles, and Healthcare providers in general. I worked myself out of it by forcing myself to donate blood in highschool..

[@srtatropicalia]

Yeah, I had some very awful experiences with hospitals since I was a child and I have some medical trauma over it. When I have to draw blood or get a vaccine, I just cry, scream, sweat, all that jazz. The ambient itself of the hospital just gets me nervous because of all the time I had passed in it. I had a very bad experience with a nurse giving me a vaccine just last year. I said I was afraid of needles, and I may cry, scream and this kinda stuff, just my to go explanation with nurses. She just started screaming with me, like, kinda shouting very aggressively that I have to get over it and it's something i need to work on to get over it. Like?? I am? It's not as if I like to behave like that whenever I am in a hospital. I just continued to cry and screamed that she should just vaccinate me already and she did, still screaming inspirational speaches at me and that was that. Worst experience ever, still think about it. However, the last vaccine I had to take, the nurse was just so gentle. I was with my grandma, and she handled all the procedural stuff, like check the needle and talk to the nurse. And when the time came and I was crying, because the last experience was still ringing in my head, the nurse just came to me and said: hey, it's ok. You can hug your grandma while I do it. And I did!! She gave me the vaccine while I was hugging my grandma, and it was the best experience I ever had in a hospital, omg. That last nurse was the nicest one I ever had, and if I can I will take all my vaccine with her from now on.

[@ThisGirlOnFiree]

I know I get freaked out by seeing the needles, and I have bloodwork to get done this week. I always go in and let my nurse know, I keep my eyes closed and just ask that they talk to me through the process and don't tell me anything until we're done. If I'd have had this experience? I probably wouldn't have gone back.

[@Es9954]

I am semi-scared of needles, like I get very tense and cramp up but getting blood drawn is something I really enjoy

[@therealkaylaful]

I am absolutely terrified of needles. Even seeing one on TV is awful for me and i feel like passing out. I cry everytime and i always bring a support human. I've never had a blood draw for fear of someone treating me like this. I have no trauma history associated with it either, it's just something I've always been scared of!

[@thebrittbratt4641]

So I have trauma relating to needles. As a kid I had to have 7 fully grown nurses hold me down for my first shot. As I got older it was just a fear. But then my friend gave me laced mary jane without knowing, and I went through the worst panic attack/PTSD flashback of my life. I begged my mom to take me to a hospital (I was 20 at the time) and they decided to run tests. Which means they HAVE to draw blood. But the thing about that is, mary jane and whatever else was in my system slowed my heart rate and blood flow so much it was congealed and clotting. So, they poked me over and over again, and it was so incredibly painful I was crying. Around the 6th time I begged them to stop. It was always just a fear before, but now it genuinely makes my chest tight. My solution is similar to what's mentioned about not looking, and I also asked nurses that give me shots to do it slowly, cuz part of the trauma was that quick stabbing pain but when it's done slowly, I can barely feel it and I can focus more on getting through it calmly. So I ask that of every healthcare person that helps me. I had encountered this woman, which I've encountered nurses with similar attitudes, but of lesser degrees, I'd for sure file a complaint. What a lack of empathy or at the very least, understanding. In my schools all the meanest girls went into nursing. We're seeing the product of that today.

[@whalesnamedshark]

I’ve only had one problem with a nurse. So whenever I get blood taken, it’s always on my left arm and a specific vein. I pointed it out to her, and she started to set up my right arm. I said no ma’am the left is easier. You see all growing up I would get blood drawn every six months. She just shrugged me off, and proceeded to poke me in the right arms several times. Finally giving up and I just said I told you so.

[@te_wump6128]

I've heard so many horror stories of medical professionals being so needlessly and sometimes purposefully malicious to people over nothing just because they can. It will never fail to amaze me how low people stoop when given a sliver of power over others, let alone power over their lives. If kid's Tv shows, political media, and listening to others human experience has taught me anything it's that people can not be trusted with any amount of power over others because they willingly discard their empathy in favor of momentary entertainment.

[@NubyhStone]

When I was a kid, I had my blood contaminated (or so I was told), so my little 6 year-old self had to go constantly to get labs tests for blood. I think I might be the exception for what it seems… I was scared of getting poked with the needle as a child to the point that I used to hide my veins from the nurses! Now I’m fascinated every time I have to go get blood works done! Just me staring at how the needle enters and the way the blood goes into the tube… idk, maybe I’m weird 😂

[@Firentheashes]

I literally hated the big needles when I was younger. I started doing the flu nasals and the butterfly needles because of it. I got over it later in life and fortunately never had an issue like this but it’s messed up that there are healthcare providers out there that are like this

[@fireflyinspiration639]

Yeah, no, that's not okay! This person needs to be reported. That woman was right, they are sick. If the woman doesn't file the complaint the coworker should! I personally have a big issue with needles due to having "tricky veins". I have had blood taken from my feet as a kid, my hands and arms. To this day I dread going because every nurse I get is going to poke my arms several times before finally listening to me and just taking it from my hand. My anxiety around them got worse after an elderly woman dropped the needle on the floor, stuck it in me anyway, then shoved it back into place when she thought it was loose. When the other nurse came back into the room she was panicked. I was clammy and pail and couldn't move or speak. They had to take it out and stop. I was 16 then and I remember being very out of it after that. Needles make me so sick to think about it. I have marks from all the places I have been stuck. My anxiety over it is really bad, but I still go and try to just look anywhere but the needles. Thankfully most nurses, despite not believing me about the tricky veins at first, tend to talk to me as a small distraction. But it's not just the needles for some people. I get nauseous from the sight of blood. I had actually partially feinted at one point. I was still awake, but collapsed. All this to say that lab tech was definitely the AH.

[@marsincharge]

I pray that the patient files a complaint. I hope that coworker complains as well. This is extremely unprofessional, and they do not need to be working in healthcare if they do not hold the capacity to be empathetic and compassionate to their patients.

[@samwatson8079]

❤️ Dr. Amy for president

[@Mandy-qh5rk]

Yeyyyy so excited, a new video 😍 You literally made my day, thank you 😊

[@kittychaotic9450]

I work in healthcare and am still uncomfortable around needles. I'm not scared of needles but I still don't like looking at it when I get one

[@river6032]

From the title I was expecting a retail setting with a tough customer but holy shit this person genuinely needs to find a new career

[@crashvds777]

This person shouldn’t be in a medical field at all, and I hope the woman filed the BIGGEST complaint. What is WRONG with OP to have that level of disdain and callousness while working with vulnerable people??? Nope. Nope. Nope.

[@allenjohnstone9945]

I was always the one that took any of my kids for inoculations or blood tests. I would ask the doctor/nurse to take a sample of my blood first to show her it was painless. Always got them through it. On a side note when I was going for covid vaccinations they would always ask me if i was afraid of needles while looking at my upper arms which are tattooed. Just found it funny.

[@dan_mer]

My blood vessels are destroyed because of cancer treatments. I am terrified of needles and I am a big, strong man. I know in advance they'll freak out when they see I have no usable blood vessels and it happens every single time. No need to make it even worse.

[@Mari-il4bw]

I’m a grown ass adult that had been through many shots and many IVs but it still never gets easy and I still get sweaty and nervous each time I have to get stuck by a needle. First of all it’s not always just a “little poke” because unless you get someone who’s been doing it for years and knows what they’re doing they might not find your vein right away I’ve gotten my arm bruised before by someone who wasn’t good at it hence why I get nervous every time. Never ever take up a career in healthcare if you have no compassion.

[@sparklzdiamondgirl7502]

I am the poster child of doctors making mistakes. Don't read if medical stories make you sick.................Most of the time, they brush you off as "depressed." It started with a car accident. I had a TBI, spinal injuries, and tears in my stomach and colon from a lap belt (I was 15). I had an exploratory lap done to repair injuries. Transported from ICU to Neuro step down. The next day, even though I was NPO, they made me drink MOM, which a nurse mixed into orange juice. I got sick and ended up popping stitches. 10 days I hemorrhaged. I wasn't getting better. I was labeled as "feeling sorry for myself." 10 days after the first surgery, I went into hemorrhagic shock and coded. Yes, I was TOTALLY feeling sorry for myself! But my parents also did not advocate for me, either. I wish I could say this was the ONLY time doctors have been like this towards me. I have given up.

[@sztejerhmm9316]

Last year I had cancer on my ovaries and had to get it removed. I was really anxiious about it. When a nurse took my blood i got really lightheaded and almost fainted when i try to stood up. I was really ashamed and felt bad for causing trouble for them. The nurse couldn't be more sweet and understanding. I hate this guy

[@messinalyle4030]

I wonder how long it's been since this guy has been on the other side of the needle? I had a bloodwork appointment a couple of days ago, and on the way home I stopped by a local pharmacy and got my latest Covid booster. And I'd gotten my tetanus shot updated a week before that! I was much more scared during the bloodwork than during either one of the shots. For one thing, I had to be stuck twice to get enough blood, so it was drawn out longer. I like metal music, but I'm not sure I'd want to listen to it while I was scared. I'd have to think of another genre to request if my health care provider offered to play music while giving me a shot.

[@jjcookie6]

i’ve never hated someone from one of these posts before but if i met this person it’s on sight

[@horrorpickles]

Right like watch someone do this time, they ain’t seeing tmrw 💀

[@francescadambrosio6544]

I am graduating from med school in a month and for my entire life i have always been the one who really liked getting her blood drawn... untill i had a terrible experiece with a venous access while recovering from a surgery. Now i hate the sight of my own blood... and nearly faint everytime i cut myself. I totally agree majority of the reactions of people hating needle are probably due to previous traumas, we should really give people some slack

[@hmp4521]

As someone who passes out from blood draws it’s not even in my control it’s a physiological response. I must lay down, I only go to full diagnostic center that has a room to lay down. Also helps when the person talks and distracts you from what’s going on. This person needs to find a new job! I would have reported this employee.

[@justabookishreader]

I'm iron deficient and have a second layer of blood issues tied to the diagnosis so late in life. I tend to need blood tests every few months. I have tattoos. I have piercings. I've had surgeries. I am not scared of needles. I cannot look at the prep materials either, despite not actually being afraid.

[@ayangktmtu]

I'm usually pretty empathic with patients but I did have a coworker who I had to do TB test on and she was crying and pulled her arm numerous times after 15 minutes of talking it through with her..... she pulled her arm when I went in and fcked up. Ugh. Prior to this I told her let's do this another day.... ugh

[@AppleStrawberryLove]

My brother is why I hate needles. When I went in for vaccines before preschool, I asked him if it hurt. He told me I was going to die, it was so painful, etc (obviously teasing but I was already nervous). I was so terrified I was going to die that they almost had to reschedule. It's a core memory for me. I've had a ton of dental work done that needed numbing. Then I've found out that the topical anesthetics don't work great on me so I FEEL every part of a needle in me and pushing the stronger anesthetics in. I've been the primary contact when my mom has had surgery and dealt with her having issues from needlework (she's just prone to certain issues that make needles difficult). But beyond that: needles hurt, it's embarrassing to be that vulnerable with a stranger, and why on earth does this person think experiences like that wouldn't make you terrified of needles forever? Do they also yell at people for arachnophobia and other phobias? But the fact they have so little empathy and sympathy but work in healthcare makes me genuinely wonder if they're the type of person who is sadistic and goes into medicine to have power and cause pain. There have been people like that in medicine who have used it for that end and escalated when just fear wasn't enough. Frankly, OP is a red flag. And boy do I want them to lose everything and suffer. Their behavior here was flat out inhuman. It's not even "you didn't do your job" for me. It's "you didn't meet the threshold for basic human feelings."

[@carlgrimeseyepatch27]

A dentist did this to me at 16 and at 28 i have not been back to the dentist. I know this is gross to some hit this is how big my fear was. I’m getting better!

[@pamelaramirez9356]

I'm also terrified of needles for as long as I can remember. Unfortunately, due to health i cannot avoid them. I tell the nurses all the time and they have always been kind. I don't cry but I get light headed. I'm also anemic. I once had a nurse bring in another for safety just in case I pass out. I just look away. If I encountered a person like this I would leave. Not even back and forth with them. Phobias take time and treatment. The best treatment is exposure therapy. However, the blood work is medically necessary and so someone in the healthcare field needs to take mental health into consideration. If she did not feel comfortable taking blood from a patient like this, bring in another nurse. Simple

[@shakirhussain6953]

No offence to the other co-hosts but Lauren is the heart and soul of the podcast; she should be on much more often. She gives the most intelligent and thoughtful takes.

[@Pikapichuu]

There is definitely a better way to compliment Lauren that wouldn't need you to start with "no offense". Just saying... Lauren is great but everyone brings something unique to the table

[@xxasdoo9246]

@@Pikapichuu No offense, but that’s their opinion, you’ve obviously got yours. I doubt they’re intending to be distracted, rude, nor bringing anyone else down. Just saying… You probably could’ve worded your comment better.

[@amie6165]

My doctor said it's every 3 years for a pap smear if your cells were normal the last time you had it done. I remember it used to be every year but not anymore.

[@dani4pres]

Wow… I work in retail and deal with obnoxious and straight rude people and still handle it with more kindness and compassion… what a horrible woman

[@lilangelfarm174]

I have two special girls who have medical issues and have had COUNTLESS hospital stays and procedures. Surprisingly neither is scared of needles. My oldest though is actually so intrigued with watching the blood go in the tube she HAS to watch it. If she doesn’t see the needle going into her arm she jerks so hard the needle comes out and the vein gets blown. So I tell all nurses on shift this and also ask if they are doing blood draws during the night to please wake me so I can make sure of this. Everyone has done this except this one nurse who argued with me that it makes NO sense to allow her to watch. Basically making it seem she knows more about my child than I do and no child should watch the blood draw because that is traumatic. One night she was on shift and didn’t wake me. She also brought in a assistant to cover her eyes. I was woken up to the assistant holding my daughters face away and covering her eyes and my daughter SCREAMING because the vein had just been blown. That was her ONLY good vein. Then the nurse was YELLING at her for not holding still! I lost it. Kicked them both out and reported the nurse! How hard is it to listen to me, wake me up and let her watch!!

[@sallythelazyferret4568]

This person is the type that makes health care professionals seen bad. For context i am a students of Ocupacional Therapy its a field of healthy care that involves more mental health but still on any health care carear you have to learn that a patient is not a thing its a person and even if you are tired you are working with people that are having a horrible day by having to be at the doctor so patience and kindness is the key to a good professional. Now talking as a patient, i am terrified of needles absolutelly terrified ever since i was a kid i start to shake and cry but i try to be strong i know its gonna be over soon but i dont want to have something poked on my arm and thank god i always had good health professionals that understood that and even helped me to calm down so i could take my shot. Helping me calm down also make their job easier even if it takes longer because if you help calm you show that you are a good professional and that i can trust you (Sorry for The long message its just my point of view and sorry for any mistakes english is not my first language)

[@malory1444]

I’m surprised no one’s mentioning the use of the word “misbehaving” when referring to a grown women

[@mckennameyers6557]

Ps I have epilepsy so had a lot of doctors appointments when I was a kid and was always scared that I was gonna have a blood draw. 😊

[@NitherSpit]

This person does not need to work in healthcare. We're short on staff, but not THAT short

[@Akanchwua]

***PLEASE READ****sharing my experience* I just wanted to share an experience that cured my needle phobia - I had an AWFUL nurse very similar to the one in the story, who even said “you can do THAT but you can’t get a blood test?” after seeing many self harm scars on my arm. Anyway, a doctor came to see me afterwards and took me into a private room, he soothed me with his words and said it was okay, and that he understands needle phobia. I asked him whether I could put my hand on his hand as he put the needle into my arm (I guess for me it’s a control thing) - he agreed. I think most health care professionals would have refused because it’s “risky” but he allowed me to. And ever since that day 7 years ago I have been cured of needle phobia. I still get a bit scared but I can sit through it without anyone knowing. Just wanted to share❤️ thank you to your mum, I’m sure she is helping people get over their fear just by giving them a pleasant experience❤️❤️

[@mustachiolps1623]

I have a fear of needles. Purely because I hate the feeling of objects going under my skin. The entire process of getting my first tattoo, even my piercings was definitely a process to work myself through. If the nurse had reacted to me this way, I would have backslapped them. I know that I have a right to feel how I feel, just like anyone else has a right to be afraid of flying, heights, spiders, etc. This nurse needs to reexamine their career.

[@as23535]

Reading through these comments makes me realize that even the experiences I’ve had with healthcare could have been much worse. At least, it’s usually just been insurance not giving a fuck in my life. At worst, a school nurse gaslighted me about a problem she caused and pressured me to do something I wasn’t comfortable with in terms of my treatment. But, at least I had my parents to back me up.

[@EveryDayImJocelyn]

I hate OPs use of the term "grown men" in a condescending way. Like the thought that a man could feel scared or cry is something bad or to be laughed at. Not to mention, needle discomfort is very normal. There's pain and blood associated with it, which makes people uncomfortable. There's also medical trauma. And finally, addiction. I'm a recovering addict (4 years), and although I never used needles, both of my best friends died while using them. They can be very triggering for people like me.

[@effullgent]

would she be comfortable facing her fear while someone is being rude to her?

[@FirstnameLastnames]

*This is why so many people are afraid of healthcare providers*

[@Mai-lh3xc]

I understand sometimes we need a little push to get over the fear but that depends on the person and that was totally not the way to do it. I’ve had a Doctor kinda speak to me harshly and it just made me suck it up bc I didn’t want to be a bother but that lady was already shaking and crying :/

[@thecariejo]

I'm a phlebotomist and that woman needs to not be in Healthcare. All it takes is one good experience to change how a person views medical tasks

[@BeingMeXOX]

I’m the exact same with needles, I pass out 9 times out of 10 x

[@liliumdahlia]

After being hospitalized for having anti NMDA viral encephalitis I started getting weird uncontrollable side effects. I think im not scared of it or the pain however the way my body reacts is not something I can explain. Sometime if I get my blood drawn out and if I see the blood I get something like convulsions , in some cases I just faint or get a full blown panic attack where I start hyper ventilating and crying really depends so I tell whoever is doing that I don't mind but the way my body reacts is involuntary, I even explain where they will be able to draw blood out (which is my hand). Some people listen, some dont, those who listen don't get scared and will make me lay down or provide other accomodations to avoid me fainting, others go for it but if they get scared by how my body reacts to it I can't help it

[@Schafhausen8]

I faint at the sight of blood. The first time it happened I was five years old and lost a tooth during lunch. Ever since then I’ve fainted a few different times because of blood. It’s not that I’m afraid of needles. I’m afraid of the blood that will come out because of the needle. Anytime I have to get blood drawn, I warn the person of my phobia and explain that if I faint, I’ll be okay, but that’s the cause. There was one instance where I was getting blood work done and I did faint despite my best efforts to not faint. I didn’t even see the blood. I wish that I didn’t have this phobia but it’s actually a psychological thing that is genetic. My dad faints, but only at the sight of his own blood. I would love to not faint because of blood because I’m a very caring person and would do very well in the medical field, but I faint at the sight of blood so I can’t. In fact, the most recent time I fainted was about two months ago and I was watching ER. I’ve never fainted from a show before and I was laying down in bed and had literally just eaten. It’s like my brain can’t comprehend the situation so it just shuts down. I have a vasovagal reaction to it, and I pass out. I try to calm down and just breathe through it but like I said, it’s like my brain can’t process what’s happening so it just stops. This person definitely needs to leave the medical field and just the service industry in general. They clearly don’t care about others and are a huge asshole.