Question for LTC nurses

Specialties Geriatric

Published

Do you get used to like the odor of having to take a resident to the bathroom? like number 2..? Lol I'm at clinicals and I can't stand the smell i wanted to puke but I didn't tell them anything. Can I wear a mask while doing that or would that make them feel bad?

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A CNA I know always puts gum or a mint in her mouth when she is working with bathroom stuff. She keeps it in her pocket. It helped me for sure during clinicals :).

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

You get....used to it eventually.... I would put vicks under my nose to help

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Specializes in LTC, Hospice, Case Management.

You have a ways to go in your nursing journey if you are still calling it #2. Most of us have something we can't stand even after years of dealing with it...you just learn to endure it. Nearly 30 years later & I still can't stand vomit.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

To OP - Just curious - what happens when you go to use a public restroom with multiple stalls?

And you're right - wearing a mask would be offensive and insulting.

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Don't wear a mask. Breathe through your mouth. You will get used to it.

Remember you are helping someone do something they cannot do for themselves anymore, even if it is as simple as tolieting. They appreciate it.

I think every nurse has a "thing" though that they can't deal with (but still do) for me it's vomit lol.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

I've been working in a LTC facility for 8 months, and I don't notice odors NEARLY as much as I did when I started. I noticed it all the time at first, and only do now when something is particularly strong or offensive.

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Some things you become accustomed to, others you don't. Some people can't deal with smells, others shy away from seeing sputum/respiratory secretions... it all depends.

And I disagree that wearing a mask is offensive. It's part of PPE. I highly doubt that anyone would question your use of it, and if they did, PPE can easily be explained away...

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Specializes in Transplant & HPB Surgery, Heme/Onc, LTC.

I can't help gagging a couple times when it comes to vomit or a particularly smelly BM. I even did it with my own kids! I carry a small tin of Altoids in my pocket - I find that having one in my mouth and breathing through my mouth helps get me over the initial reaction. I've also gotten creative at positioning myself so they can't see my face for the first 15 seconds or so. Then I'm fine. I don't think I'll ever get used to it.

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To OP - Just curious - what happens when you go to use a public restroom with multiple stalls?

And you're right - wearing a mask would be offensive and insulting.

I go pee...? haha I don't know no one ever really takes a dump in public places at least I'm not there long enough to smell it. Unless its those nasty bathrooms that never get cleaned and smell but.

When my mom poops and I use the bathroom right after i always spray like a lot of perfume..

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Some things you become accustomed to, others you don't. Some people can't deal with smells, others shy away from seeing sputum/respiratory secretions... it all depends.

And I disagree that wearing a mask is offensive. It's part of PPE. I highly doubt that anyone would question your use of it, and if they did, PPE can easily be explained away...

Some people just don't like it because ltc is their home and you don't wanna make em seem like they're gross or something because that's how the resident may feel. You have to make them feel comfortable. But thanks for the comment

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