by Jamie Droke
Child Life Specialist

As someone who both works in a hospital and is terrified of needles, I am definitely a good spokesperson for how to utilize child life concepts for adults. For a long time when I was younger, I did not have any difficulties getting shots or “pokes”. Then came the terrible occasion on which I found myself with strep throat (quite a common occurrence for me in my childhood) just a couple days before my family was set to leave town for Disneyworld. I don’t know what medicine they prescribe now for strep, but back then I got this pink liquid medicine that I endearingly called “bubble-gum medicine” because it genuinely tasted like bubble gum. I had strep often enough as a child to be able to know before going to the doctor if I had strep throat or not, and that day I knew I had it. I was probably almost a little happy about the ensuing bubble gum medicine until my mom decided it would be best for me to get a shot of the antibiotics in my behind. I don’t remember much else, but I remember how bad it hurt, how many people it took to hold me down, and how loud I screamed.

Since then, I have never been the same around needles. In fact, I have a tendency to work myself up into an anxious mess when I know I have to get my TB skin test and my flu shot each year. If I don’t utilize the child life coping strategies I have taught myself over the years, I also have a tendency to pass out. And since that is unpleasant and terribly embarrassing, I have gotten very good at using these strategies. To be clear, I only get worked up like this when the needle has plans to be inserted into my body. Watching someone else get stuck does not have the same effect on me.

Pretty early on, I learned that I am a “distraction coper.” I need to be distracted in order to be able to cope well with pokes. When I go into a room where I will be getting poked, I start by explaining my coping needs to the nurse. I let them know of my tendencies and what I need them to do if they want to avoid having to pick me up off the floor. Then I look for a picture on the wall or have some topic of conversation that I start up with the nurse. I let her know that I know what she is going to do and I promise I will hold still. I also let her know I don’t want her to tell me what she is doing or to count before she pokes. I tell her that if she can do her thing while talking to me about literally anything else in the world, we will be just fine. Otherwise, she should have the ice-cold soda, a pillow for the floor, and a piece of candy ready. I’ve found that while most nurses are slightly confused about how I can be so afraid of needles and still work in a hospital, they are pretty accommodating to my needs.

I’m certainly not saying that everyone should use distraction coping for needle pokes. I am saying, however, that you should know your coping style and implement some basic child life principles to keep your fears at bay. Do you like to watch? Tell the nurse that and then do it. Do you like to look away, but have a countdown? Do you, like me, need to talk about anything else in the universe? Figure out your coping style and try implementing it next time you have a medical encounter. Then come back to this blog and let me know how it worked!v