Have your feelings about the human body changed?

vashtee, RN · Feb 1, 2009

If anything, I have a much greater appreciation for the healthy body, and am increasingly amazed at its many intricacies.

ritarunningfeet · Feb 1, 2009

I agree with the greater appreciation for the human body and when they are healthy. I must say, nakedness has become a normal thing, not something that I really get embaressed about like when I was a new nurse. It is usually much more difficult for the patient being the one naked. When a trauma comes in and we remove clothes most of the time I don't even realize that they are naked because I am busy taking care of them and their injuries to notice imperfections.

diane227, LPN, RN · Feb 1, 2009

The human body continues hold great interest to me, even after 30 years. There is not one day that goes by that I do not learn about a disease that is new to me or a certain symptom that I have never seen. I don't mind seeing a naked body and it is just part of the profession. I find that I am more comfortable with my own body. Medicine is what it is, dealing with humans of all types and levels. It is a wonderful thing.

RNperdiem, RN · Feb 1, 2009

I probably have a more realistic view than people who only see the human body in its young, firm, epilated, exfoliated and fit for TV form.

John20 · Feb 1, 2009

Seeing naked people at work doesn't affect my opinion of the human body because it is so easy to seperate work from say my wife or an attractive woman on TV. It's all about the context in which you are seeing the body. At work I am wired and ready for rapid changes in patient conditions. I know at any moment I might have to call a Dr./rapid response, start an IV, run down a BP machine, sternal rub someone back to being awake. I am anything but relaxed.

At home, the hospital and everything that goes on there might as well be a million miles away. So I can still enjoy cheesy Baywatch reruns.

leslie :-D · Feb 1, 2009

Working with adults in an acute care setting, we often see nakedness in its least attractive state. It's one thing to take care of a patient professionally, but does it affect your view of the body on a more personal level? Do you still find it easy to be attracted and interested on a physical level in your personal life after seeing one poopy bottom after another, and so much more, at work?

i'm not sure if i'm understanding your question.

yes, i find the human body supremely fascinating and am in awe of its zillion intracasies and mechanisms.

and no, dealing w/nudity and excrement, does not take away from my interest in intimacy w/my husband.

however, the stress and burnout does that quite nicely.

leslie

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Feb 1, 2009

Well, I'm quite used to seeing naked ugly bodies at this point, if that's what you mean. I am not embarrassed by anything anymore.

What I see at work has absolutely no bearing on what I see naked at home

When watching a movie and I see some fab body on a perfectly healthy 20-something, I DO sometimes think "they can LOOK like THAT?!?" LOL....

MAISY, RN-ER, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2009

Funny question, skin in any form doesn't phase me at all.....I think embarrassment of handling, and exposing bodies is the first thing that is lost as we go through the process of caring. If anything I am fascinated by the many things that can change, how things appear, and how all those processes work together.

My biggest problem and I am thinking a source of some concern is that I look at patients and just want to shake them! I know it sounds crazy, but I am becoming scared for people that continue their bad habits causing me to see them and actually know them! I mean how many times do you have to tell the CHF patient to monitor fluids, take their medications, and not to eat salt or the diabetic to monitor their blood sugar and that they NEED their medication! Or the best the Hypertensives that "used to have high blood pressure" and now are in for their 2nd or 3rd TIA....ugh!

I also feel like I am so certain what I don't want at end of life for me, my family or friends after seeing hopeless/helpless patients coded and treated by families/physicians who don't want to give up on the good fight. I sometimes think I was happier and a more glass is half full person prior to becoming a nurse-the reality that the body peaks, and that everything is just downhill from there is sobering.

Anyway, that's my input....

Sorry everyone for being such a ball of sunshine. : )

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Feb 2, 2009

I've seen so many naked people in the past 15 years that I never think about it anymore. I can't even remember the last time I was uncomfortable at stripping down for a medical procedure........after countless mammograms, five babies, four laser lithotripsies and an endometrial ablation, I couldn't care less if a doctor or nurse gets a look at my sagging carcass.

One time when I had to have an EKG, one of my best (male) friends at that hospital was all sorts of hesitant at having to unbutton my blouse, and I just told him, "Go ahead---I don't have anything either one of us hasn't seen before!"

I am, however, exquisitely aware of the fact that my patients have a right to privacy, and I take care always to close the curtains and expose as little as possible whenever I'm providing care. The fact that I've seen thousands of unclothed people of all ages and have no modesty myself has nothing to do with it---I'm a stickler for preserving patients' dignity.

Now, when it comes to appreciating the human body: well, I'm certainly not so jaded that I can't enjoy the sight of an adult male with a wide chest, narrow waist, strong thighs, and a cute butt...........

Tait, MSN, RN · Feb 3, 2009

I just love to inform my husband of what is instore for his...

Sink and sag!

Tait

Kiringat · Feb 3, 2009

I'm just glad I don't blush horribly every time I see a member anymore...