[Valwolf]

Hi... I am a 1st semester student and I had my first clinical yesterday. I do fine with blood, mucous, pee, and such but I can't control my gag reflex when around poop. I even did a foley cath that morning on a little elderly lady who did not smell the best but when I went to help another student hold a lady on her side so that she could be cleaned up I could no longer control the gag after about 5 minutes. I feel so embarrassed and I never want to make a patient feel bad about needing to be cleaned up. What can I do to stop this and will I ever just get used to fecal odor. Becoming a nurse is very important to me I just hoope that I can move past this. It also does not help that I quit smoking 2 months ago so I can really smell now. Please help...

Thanks,

Val

[klone]

Learn how to breathe through your mouth.
Carry a small container of Vic's Vaporub in your pocket.

[SugarMagnolia]

As the above post recommends, vicks is very good. I usually have to suck on a strong mint when I'm encountering something funky.

As a funny aside, once when I was a CNA, I paid another CNA $20 to clean up puke for me. Best of luck to you. I'm sure you'll be fine. Pam

[RainDreamer]

Awwwww, been there, done that. Don't feel bad, it happens. You do get used to it and find ways to cope with it and not gag. I remember showering this guy and he started pooping all over the floor while I was trying to wash him off, I thought I was going to have to go over to the toilet to puke, but I just kept gagging the whole time.... it was just awful! I think we all know how you feel!

Do like the others said and use Vicks, mints, etc. For me the best thing I've learned was to breathe through my mouth! That really helps, just practice and practice it and soon enough you'll be able to handle it!

[gerry79]

But if you breath thru your mouth cant you taste it???????

[jenrninmi]

I agree with the Vics rub and breathing through your mouth (um, no, I can't taste it thank God!) lol. Good luck hun!

[RainDreamer]

NO lol. You can't taste it! Actually, your nose plays a big part in taste too. Try eating something while plugging your nose..... it won't taste as good!

[Jennerizer]

Vick's vapor rub - what a lifesaver - I use it often.

[Valwolf]

Thanks to all of you.... Actually I started to gag when I tried mouth breathing... I will try the mints and vicks next week...

Val

[abundantjoy07]

Originally Posted by Valwolf

Thanks to all of you.... Actually I started to gag when I tried mouth breathing... I will try the mints and vicks next week...

Val

Me too! Vicks and mouth breathing is going to be a way of life for me. I guess in addition to the smell, I have to get used to looking at the poop of other people. Normally I try looking around it, but sometimes that's still not enough. Good luck Val!