[ZooMommyRN]

My very first patient ever had an ostomy, you'll find that most patients unless they are new to it, will be very open to teaching you all about it, you get wrapped up in the learning process and maintaining professionalism that before you know it your done, the only concern I remember having was snapping the bag on, I thought for sure I was going to hurt her, it was like having a tupperware lid glued to her side, but we had an inservice a few weeks ago about a new set up and wow! gotta say I like it and wish the next clinical site used it, so much easier for both the patien and nurse, I always thought poop would be my kryptonite but so far it hasn't been lol

[luvmy3kids]

Hopefull,

Glad to see ya here! I just wanted to say, I know how you feel because I'm in the same boat. In no way are you stating that you are "above" it or that you didn't realize that nursing involves it.

But to get to the babies, unfortunately, we gotta get through the $#*@ (poop) LOL. I have a feeling once you are in the situation, things will take on a world of their own and you will just do what you have to do and get it done!!

Good luck!

Jennifer

[Megsd]

Before I started nursing school I worked in a nursing home. I had a patient with an ostomy, but she was allergic to the adhesive from the bags, so they simply secured it with a couple of 4x4 gauze and lots of tape. I had to be VERY vigilant about her ostomy care because there was nowhere for the feces to go except out the sides of the taped gauze!

After dealing with that for a year, I don't mind colostomies at all because everything is secured in its little baggy.

And as the others said, as you get more used to dealing with these things, they should bother you less and less. I am honestly more grossed out by baby BM because at least in newborns, it's a weird color/consistency (I don't have kids). At least with adults it generally looks "normal".

[jla623]

I feel exactly the same way....I don't mind urine or vomit, but when it comes to poop.....I want nothing to do with it! I hope to avoid it as much as possible. In fact, I will most likely base the job I get by the amount of poop I will encounter! haha.

[midcom]

I had 2 clinicals in nursing homes & never saw a colostomy but did clean up poop. My third clinical was in a rehab facility & did lots of G-tube feedings but again,no colostomies. Finally, I got to a hospital & saw & changed colostomy bags often, as well as poopy beds. Believe me, you won't see less at a hospital.
That said though, if you are not interested in working in LTC, definately opt for more experience at the hospital. You work with a much larger assortment of disorders.
Dixie