Don't wanna always give baths, clean up feces, etc., where to work?

Nurses General Nursing

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In clinicals we just give baths, clean up poop and puke, and feed patients. I honestly want nothing to do with this once I'm a nurse, so, where/what floors can I work on as a new grad, in order to avoid this? I do have an interest in Psych nursing.

Ouch! Don't think that is true!

From what I've been seeing, I think it's very true. At least in the US. Things may be different in Oz.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

That's a shame! Among my group, all of us expect to 'get down and dirty'. I mean, many new grads come from previous areas which deal with this sort of work; aged care workers, disability workers, patient care assistants, assistants in nursing, etc etc. Then there are also mothers...

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Then there are also mothers...
That'll do it! :lol2:
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More and more new grads don't want to get their hands dirty. What is the deal?

Not start anything, but it's pretty unfair to make such a broad statement. I'm getting ready to graduate in December and out of 20 in our class only two have made a comment that they are tired of doing the "dirty work"... needless to say these two are hanging in nursing school by a thread.

I have to agree that there are many people getting into the profession because of other reasons than wanting to help and care for people, but there are *many* others that know exactly what they are getting into and are looking forward to hitting the nursing world and do their part, good and bad.

In every job there is good parts and bad parts and if your not willing to take the good with the bad you might as well forget about being happy in any job that you do. jmo.

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Seriously... you've got to learn to love your inner poo. Celebrate the poo. Embrace the poo.

It's all about the poo.

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Not start anything, but it's pretty unfair to make such a broad statement. I'm getting ready to graduate in December and out of 20 in our class only two have made a comment that they are tired of doing the "dirty work"... needless to say these two are hanging in nursing school by a thread.

I have to agree that there are many people getting into the profession because of other reasons than wanting to help and care for people, but there are *many* others that know exactly what they are getting into and are looking forward to hitting the nursing world and do their part, good and bad.

In every job there is good parts and bad parts and if your not willing to take the good with the bad you might as well forget about being happy in any job that you do. jmo.

I said more and more. I did not say YOU. I've been a nurse for 15 years, and this is my opinion. Chill.

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Not start anything, but it's pretty unfair to make such a broad statement.

I understand what you're saying, and I agree, but I have to agree with her as well. It isn't all, or even a majority, but over the years, I've noticed it more and more.

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I can understand why nurses don't want to get their hands dirty so to speak. Historically having a university degree gave you a certain standing and within that you could expect status. When you have that status you don't expect to do 'dirty' work like cleaning up faeces and vomit.

It ultimately comes down to expectations but unfortunately dealing with vomit, sputum, faeces, and other bodily expectorates, is part of nursing. But hey, doctors deal with that stuff too so don't feel too bad.

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Specializes in CVICU, PACU, OR.

I think it has to do with the campaigns recruiting nurses too. More people are becoming nurses because of job security and decent pay and don't know what the heck they are getting into because they don't job shadow or volunteer.

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I can understand why nurses don't want to get their hands dirty so to speak. Historically having a university degree gave you a certain standing and within that you could expect status. When you have that status you don't expect to do 'dirty' work like cleaning up faeces and vomit.

Interesting take on this; when I started out, most bedside nurses I worked with were LPNs, diploma and ADN.

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Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.

I'm finding this really sad. Why are we suddenly standing on fences throwing things at each other figuratively speaking. (BTW there are times I've had to literally duck poo being thrown at me...not nice...and definitely not nice in a four bed room for the other patients). We are working in this together ... ewww ... I meant as nurses...

So come on everyone, pull on your gloves, and work as a team. We are all nurses, new grads, experienced nurses, community nurses, etc etc. We are all nurses:nono:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics.

Ok, so in nursing school, you gotta pay your dues. You do those things because if you really, really love nursing, you'll put up with that stuff to get there.

When you become a nurse, you do still have to deal with all those things you don't enjoy quite so much. But part of being a fine nurse is learning how to deal with those things with finesse and with a sense of humor...putting yourself and your patients at ease. We are a very special group of people who deal with the "gross" things in life on a daily basis because we love taking care of people...this means the good, the bad, and the downright ugly! :)

And someone before mentioned it, but you will have to put in about 1-2 years in the ICU before becoming a CRNA. I work in an ICU, and I deal with puke, poop, and baths everytime I work. There are jobs where you won't have to deal with that stuff as much, but like the book says, "Everybody Poops."

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