Thanks for the advice, at least when the doctor tried after my attempt, she couldn't do it either. Not so good for the patient though, some poor sod would have to try later.

Lol I can't believe op commented!

How is a haematoma the worst thing that could happen? Sometimes I wish I led such a sheltered life...Is a needlestick injury with a hollow-bore needle, and nasty subsequent post-exposure HIV prophylaxis, and fear of HIV / Hep not a worry for you guys? I downright refuse to take blood from very difficult patients, unless they are being chemically and physically sedated...that was pretty shitty of the doctor though - I still remember my first time, in 3rd year, it was a morbidly obese man, with no veins to speak of, who wasn't in the best mood cos he had just had an MI, needless to say, I couldn't get the blood and felt pretty useless - it's ok though, I'm now 2 years out of med school and can successfully take blood from recently deceased people (provided someone is doing chest compressions ;), it all comes with practice, just like driving a car (oh, and remember how you felt when the doctor did that to you, it will give you a lot of empathy towards younger students when you are a senior student or doctor, and at least someone will benefit from a shitty situation - good luck! :)

lol that's why you don't reuse needles so you don't spread diseases that has nothing to do with the blood test if she gave someone HIV that would be because she wasn't responsible with clean needles not how she performed the blood test or inserted the needle.

Was he restrained? Just put your leg behind their tricep and the other in front of their forearm. The patient won't be able to move it leaving you in the clear for a good stick.

Huh? I'm not retarded, I realize one shouldn't reuse needles, I'm talking about NEEDLESTICK INJURIES - I thought you were a doctor? How come you don't know what a needlestick injury is - it is when a health care provider pricks themselves with a needle / blade used to suture / inject / gain IV access / take blood from / incise a patient, thereafter there is a protocol of testing ones own and the patient's hep and HIV status, and taking prophylactic ARVs depending on the results of these tests. The risks of needlesticks are much greater in confused and uncooperative patients, hence my previous comment...

Though I know this kid who got a screwy vaccination. He nearly died, has mental disorder, and they sued them for millions. But you are just taking blood. No worries.

Patient needs routine blood investigations; medical student needs more experience. That's the gist of it.

Why are you such a dumbass?

Why are you such an asshole?

Had to Google that one, a medical ninja, huh. Have always love Sakura, as a name, and as a flower.

He'll be hokagai one day! BELIEVE IT!

Thanks for cheering me up, Doc. Interesting profile picture, I enjoyed skimming through your blog just now. Checkerboard lady, enough said... looking forward to more from the Trauma Bay.

Did you really have to bring me into it Doc? I feel so sorry for anybody that has to try to stick me. I have hypercoagulopathy :-/ Good luck in your career OP! That will probably be the worst patient you have other than someone like me.lol