Korean Job Discussion Forums

[roguefishfood]

So, I passed my interview for EPIK for this fall, but the CBC took too long and I withdrew (with the support of my coordinator telling me that applying again would be no problem at all). I've been starting the wheels in motion again to apply when it starts in October, seeing no reason

But something's bothering me.

It was bothering me before, but for some reason it's really stuck in my craw now -- I don't know why, I won't have to worry about it till February, but it just won't leave me alone.

They take your blood during the medical exam, after a fast.

I'm severely needle-phobic.

Like, you poke me with a needle, I usually faint, and that's about that. Low blood sugar (as in, what will happen after I fast) makes it worse and much more unpleasant.

Any tips from y'all about this? I mean, it's mostly for this situation because here in the USA, you tell a doctor you're needle phobic and you get special attention, the most experienced nurse/phlebotomist, the tiniest needle, your chair upsidown, etc. My dentist even gives me a low dose of a relaxant for it, but that can cause false positives on drug tests (I'll be peeing in a cup moments later), so it's a no go for this of course.

What I've heard is that this situation is pretty ghetto and very assembly line, and the stories are true, the response to "I'm needle phobic and usually faint" will be "DO YOUR BEST" and then a total disregard for what I just said.

Any advice and moreover any personal experiences with blood tests in Korea (especially in a less than calm, personalized setting) would be greatly appreciated, just so I can feel prepared and stop thinking about this, it's like MONTHS in advance for chrissake, and the least thing that should be on my mind. Really, I am a very calm, strong, well-balanced young lady until this one thing (a hypodermic needle) is in the picture.

Thanks~

[jvalmer]

Get a candy bar ready before the shot and chow down on it after.

[oldtactics]

You're worrying way too much, but I think you realize that. The place that I went for my health check wasn't 'ghetto' and they treated me with respect. They also sent an English speaking nurse to help me and tell me where to go next. These people are trained professionals - if you tell them that you're scared of needles, they'll do their best. If you pass out, you pass out.

If you want a spa-like setting, I'm not sure what to tell you - health checks are done at immigration-approved hospitals.

[marsavalanche]

ive done it 3 times at 3 different hospitals and it's been an assembly line all 3 times. the nurse giggled at people who were scared.

if you can't take a needle you can't take korea.

man up brah

[Pa Jan Jo A Hamnida]

[roguefishfood]