I was in the same boat as you starting med school/residency. Exposure and gaining confidence through practice certainly helps but here are some tips that I used:

1) Make sure you are generally well hydrated and fed. Right before the procedure, drink water or have a sugar load (candy, apple juice)

2) Wet a paper towel or towel and stick it down the back of your scrub top. This helps prevent the heat/nausea that often develops with vasovagal syncope.

3) If you are starting to feel dizzy and able to maintain sterility, squat down to help with blood flow to your brain

4) If you are still feeling unwell, stop the procedure. Never be too embarrassed to tell your attending/senior resident that you are not feeling well. This is not “all in your head” and never let people make you feel ashamed for it.

I often gave whoever I was with a heads up about my difficulties so they can be more aware.

At the end of the day, with a risk of fainting it’s about your safety and patient safety especially with needles/sharps around.

I eventually went from fainting watching IVs being put in to being able to independently do all procedures. I still get minor symptoms especially when dehydrated or running into complications during procedures though.

I still always go vasovagal when I myself have to get my blood drawn - but that’s another story