How do you handle the smells?

[Aly529]

If you can get over the visuals, how do you manage the smells? To me smells are what usually trigger me to gag so what's the best way to overcome that and remain professional?

I heard someone mention vapor rub or alcohol swabs but I'm not sure how healthy it is breathing that in all the time?

[JSlovex2]

i don't know how to describe how i do it other than saying i only breathe through my mouth when dealing with a horrid smell. of course the downside to that is my nose will start running sometimes. what i've done a few times is put an alcohol swab in the wrist part of my glove so if i feel like my nose is going to run and i have to take a big breathe through my nose, i put my wrist up to my nose and breathe in that alcohol smell.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

Smells don't bother me as much as sights. I'll never forget the time I was suctioning a patient' trach tube (swallowing gags all along) and as I withdrew the suction catheter-thingie (I never remember the words for these equipment things), some mucus flung out. I politely turned around and vomited in the wastebasket, and then continued with the task-at-hand. I was totally embarrassed and so was the patient, but it was what it was. We talked about it later and got past the embarrassment. Still, I'll never forget it...

[imapsychrn]

I start nursing school this summer and I'm so scared about the smells! I don't want to puke in a patients room! For those of you talking about peppermint oil -could I keep some in my pocket and dab under my nose when I have a smelly issue?

[Mrs. SnowStormRN, RN]

Usually I rub some "smell good" under my nose right above my top lip, LoL! Once I was so desperate I used Ben Gay - EPIC FAIL, it burned but it smelled better than poop. LoL!

[Krissieb03]

I have been a RN for 29 years and have never had a problem with "smells" until recently. I have worked in alot of areas in nursing, and started out in critical care where you know the smells are tremendous. G.I. bleeds, etc. Now, my nose seems to be hypersensitive, especially to poop! Really makes me gag. I breathe through my mouth and chew gum. Seems to work for me.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I start nursing school this summer and I'm so scared about the smells! I don't want to puke in a patients room! For those of you talking about peppermint oil -could I keep some in my pocket and dab under my nose when I have a smelly issue?

Yes also carry vicks vapo rub......avoid ben gay....it burns!!!!

[elchubasco]

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