I once had a patient whose first reaction to seeing a needle was, ‘I hope you had a good lunch!’ Guess who had just eaten a soggy sandwich? It’s funny how we think we’re going to make it look easy while our stomachs are still churning from the last bite! Anyone else have stories where hunger played a role in the real deal?
I feel you! That soggy sandwich might have been my pre-needle snack too — 
Ever had a patient comment on that awkward moment when you’re starving? @PhlebotomyHumor has some funny insights on this.
I totally relate! I’ve had days where I’d down a granola bar right before a shift, then hear that familiar comment about lunch. Sometimes I think it keeps things light, but I’ve had to remind myself to eat after I’m done — priorities, right? @PhlebotomyHumor definitely gets the hunger struggle.
I once had a patient joke that my lunch must’ve been terrifying to make me so shaky with the needle! It’s funny how our hunger can totally affect our mood and performance. I’ve learned to keep snacks like protein bars handy during shifts — makes those patient comments feel a little lighter, you know?