A little squeamish? Or just normal?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Today in my CNA class, our instructor recommended we watch a Youtube video of a female autopsy. I checked out the video, and I was definitely grossed-out. Before I saw this video, I was proud of my un-squeamishness -but now I'm really worried about being a squeamy! Am I overreacting? Or is this the kind of thing I should be able to handle looking at (body parts, I guess, not just the autopsy aspect) if I want to be a health-care professional? :confused::nurse::confused:

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Some people can tolerate those sorts of things without being discomforted. I have a varying level of squeamishness.....depends on the situation..... Nothing to worry about.

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Specializes in ER, OB.

Well I will tell you as a CNA you will never see an autopsy, as long as the other things don't gross you out you will be fine. The only thing that could be gross is maybe wounds and things of that sort. Good luck and you will be fine.

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Specializes in cardiac/critical care/ informatics.

I wouldn't worry about being grossed out. There are a lot of things I have trouble watching on tv but would not bother me if I was there having to perform or assist in a procedure. So don't worry. Good Luck

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Specializes in progressive care telemetry.

OK, there is a HUGE difference between working with dead people vs. working with the living. I would be grossed out watching an autopsy too! But live people with all the usual body fluids are no problem for me.

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Specializes in LTC.

In my 6 tears as an aide, I've seen alot of things but never an autopsy. Being squeamish at first is normal but believe me you will get use to the things you will see and smell.:D

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Specializes in Neuro.

Definitely. When I first started, I really, really didn't like the idea of cleaning someone up after incontinence. I just ended up in the class by chance -- some friends were taking it, I figured I would.

These days, I can deal with ALMOST anything. Puke and sputum still kills me.

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

What always hits home to me when watching those sort of things is the fact that laying there on that autopsy table is my mortality staring me right back in the face.:stone

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