Nervous about Nursing Career

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

Hi Everyone,

I am starting clinicals in Sept. and just started a part-time job in the ED as a unit secretary....today I had to register a patient with a colostomy bag that contained gi blood, and the smell was enough to make me throw up, gag, cough, it was terrible! I felt so bad because I pratically ran out of the room before I threw up, just thinking about it is making me a little sick to my stomach......

Am I going to be able handle being a nurse? It's a big dream of mine, I love the field, I love be able to help people and the interaction with patients. I love the medical field and want this more then anything, but is my sensitivity going to get in the way? I can see just about everything, I am just sensitive really sensitive to smells......please help! Thanks!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Hi Everyone,

I am starting clinicals in Sept. and just started a part-time job in the ED as a unit secretary....today I had to register a patient with a colostomy bag that contained gi blood, and the smell was enough to make me throw up, gag, cough, it was terrible! I felt so bad because I pratically ran out of the room before I threw up, just thinking about it is making me a little sick to my stomach......

Am I going to be able handle being a nurse? It's a big dream of mine, I love the field, I love be able to help people and the interaction with patients. I love the medical field and want this more then anything, but is my sensitivity going to get in the way? I can see just about everything, I am just sensitive really sensitive to smells......please help! Thanks!

Everyone and I mean EVERYONE has a problem with odors and bodily fluids that smell. I cannot see someone vomit without helping them out. I cannot help it and I have been a nurse for years.

Gotta learn to take deep breaths and get fresh air. Other tricks, too.

Don't worry and don't let this stop you.

Good luck!!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

GI bleeds are the worst. Well, I suppose if you ask 10 people what the *worst* is you'll probably get 10 different answers ... but trust me, GI bleeds are way at the top of the list.

Please don't let this make you doubt your suitability or commitment to nursing. Best of luck to you. :)

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

Believe me, every nurse has their achilles heel when it comes to sickening sights, sounds, odors, etc. For me, it's the sound of suctioning and performing mouth care. Ironically, there's plenty of that where I work in a critical care unit.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

Thank you for your responses! This helps, I am less nervous now! :)

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