Ways to build up tolerance

colleen10 · Oct 28, 2002

Hi Jenny,

I really think, that like anything else, the more you are exposed to the blood and guts the more used to it you will get and it won't be bothersome.

I watch a lot of those medical shows like Maternity Ward, Life in the ER, and some of the shows where they perform and explain operations. It doesn't seem to bother me that much however, clinicals will be the true testament to my theory.

I remember when I went to and worked at Penn States Ag. Farms. We had one cow that would prolapse every couple weeks. At first I was totally freaked out by it all but after a while it really didn't bother me and after a few times I was even able to stand with the vet and watch him perform the procedure to get everything in back in place.

Although I am sure there are some things that you never get used to for the better part I'm sure you won't have many problems.

Good Luck!

Col

Mkue · Oct 30, 2002

I agree with Colleen:)

sfsn · Oct 30, 2002

In my experience, when you're taking care of a patient or actually involved in their care, things just don't seem as disgusting. You're focused on them as a person, their problem, etc., and you just look at it differently. Plus, when you've got a task that you're working on and you're focused on it, you can kind of tune out the yucky stuff.

Anyone else feel the same way?

sfsn · Oct 30, 2002

In my experience, when you're taking care of a patient or actually involved in their care, things just don't seem as disgusting. You're focused on them as a person, their problem, etc., and you just look at it differently. Plus, when you've got a task that you're working on and you're focused on it, you can kind of tune out the yucky stuff.

Anyone else feel the same way?

TeresaRN2b · Oct 31, 2002

Hey that's a really good idea. It's funny because certain things about nursing don't phase me at all. Shots, drawing blood, bandages, no problem. My oldest son is diabetic so I give shots al the time. I've dealt with bandages and I've worked as a phlebotomist. But, I really have a weak stomach when it comes to surgery and watching someone get cut open. I think I will start watching more surgery and medical shows on TV. I hadn't even thought of that. I usually avoid them, but I think I will add that to my list of things to help prepare me for school. Thanks for the great tip!

Teresa

TeresaRN2b · Oct 31, 2002

Hey that's a really good idea. It's funny because certain things about nursing don't phase me at all. Shots, drawing blood, bandages, no problem. My oldest son is diabetic so I give shots al the time. I've dealt with bandages and I've worked as a phlebotomist. But, I really have a weak stomach when it comes to surgery and watching someone get cut open. I think I will start watching more surgery and medical shows on TV. I hadn't even thought of that. I usually avoid them, but I think I will add that to my list of things to help prepare me for school. Thanks for the great tip!

Teresa

Vsummer1 · Oct 31, 2002

Originally posted by sfsn
In my experience, when you're taking care of a patient or actually involved in their care, things just don't seem as disgusting. You're focused on them as a person, their problem, etc., and you just look at it differently. Plus, when you've got a task that you're working on and you're focused on it, you can kind of tune out the yucky stuff.

Anyone else feel the same way?

I feel this way too. I haven't seen a lot yet, but what I have seen it was more like, okay here is the problem let's fix it.

Exept for the colostomy bag -- I had a hard time NOT gagging but did make it out of the pts eyesight when I inevitably did the dry heave. It was more the smell than the thought of it though. That is a smell like no other.

Vsummer1 · Oct 31, 2002

Originally posted by sfsn
In my experience, when you're taking care of a patient or actually involved in their care, things just don't seem as disgusting. You're focused on them as a person, their problem, etc., and you just look at it differently. Plus, when you've got a task that you're working on and you're focused on it, you can kind of tune out the yucky stuff.

Anyone else feel the same way?

I feel this way too. I haven't seen a lot yet, but what I have seen it was more like, okay here is the problem let's fix it.

Exept for the colostomy bag -- I had a hard time NOT gagging but did make it out of the pts eyesight when I inevitably did the dry heave. It was more the smell than the thought of it though. That is a smell like no other.

JennyRN2B · Nov 3, 2002

Hey guys!

Thanks for all of the great replies. As Always! I am enrolling in good ol A&P on Monday! I will let you know how it works out with the cat! :roll My goal: to not gag or barf on my partner!

talk with you soon,

Jen

sjoe · Nov 3, 2002

You might find it useful, as well, to buy and complete "The Anatomy Coloring Book." When you are more familiar with all that stuff inside, your intellect and curiosity have a larger role to play, your mental context is larger than it is with just your immediate emotional/aesthetic response.

(The next time I design a life form, it won't be quite so messy. That's one of the advantages of robots.)

luluann · Nov 3, 2002

Blood, urine, bm, pus...I am fine with all of those, but give me someone vomiting or coughing up phlegm and I am ready to heave right next to them. I am going to have a MAJOR problem with those 2 things. Just the sight of phlegm makes me gag!!!