Do you feel bad giving a person shots when they are so afraid that they jump away from you?

How people react to receiving injections is, to a large extent, based on how the person administering the shot acts towards them. It is also based on their own history and past experience. (Granted, some people do have a true phobia of needles, as well.)

I tend to approach giving an injection very calmly, and I explain each step of what I'm doing. Some people are naturally anxious, and I do my best to put them at ease.

What I do dislike is giving children shots. I've been in situations where children actually have to be held down in order to receive injections, and that's a very upsetting circumstance for all concerned. One 12-year-old boy kicked so hard he destroyed a metal file cabinet that was within striking distance.

Working in a health center from time to time, I actually avoid the shifts that would necessitate me administering shots to kids.

I agree the tension can be reduced by talking calmly, and explaining everything you are going to do. I clearly remember my daughter getting a shot when she was 8 (before I was in nursing) and fighting so hard she developed a HUGE bruise from the needle...

..that reminds me..

In Elementary School the nurses in our school used to administer the vaccinations that everyone must have like MMR and what not. I was so afraid of injections I would lie that I am sick so they couldn't give me the shot... in the end my mom had to come to school and force me to get the shots

Things have changed since then, but I would agree with Keith and John about the calm talking and explanations, they do help.

I am not fond of giving shots, they hurt and I do not like hurting people. I believe that if a kid is fighting a shot, unless it is life and death I don't give it. I tell the child that they need to have the shot explain why and tell them I will do my best to minimize any discomfort. I tell the parent, I am unwilling to put their child through the trauma of sticking something into them against their will. Then I give them 5 minutes usually the kid has calmed down and the parent has a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes the parents want me to give the shot anyways. I tell them no I will wait five minutes and let their child calm down. That they need to talk to their child about why they want the child to have the shot. If at all possible I ask the practitioner for an oral alternative!
Gary