Do you ever get over being squeamish?

[willowita, ADN, RN]

Might sound silly to some of you but I'm curious if any of you started off squeamish about body fluids, body parts, cadavers, etc and got over it? The closer I get to being done with pre-reqs, the more I realize I need to work on that about myself. It took me a while last semester to get comfortable with the dead cat in anatomy. I just hope that with more exposure and experience I can learn to handle it and be professional.

[33762FL]

Absolutely. Virtually everybody feels that way when they start - it's normal, we all have a first time dealing with various bodily fluids and whatnot. Give it time, you'll get used to it (and don't worry!)

[dawniepoo]

I have a strong aversion to vomit. I worry about that constantly.:icon_roll

[duchessbettie]

I don't get squeamish over those things, but anything to do with the eyes I can't deal with. My eyes immediately start watering; I can't even control it. Let me know if you have found a way to deal with that! I used to get a little icky with vomit, though, whether watching it or having to deal with it. I just tell myself "you have to do this; it's not gross, it's normal" and over time, it lost its effect on me.

[BrandybunsRN]

Oh yeah, you get used to it (well most of them!). I've been a nurse for about 13 years or so now, and I still have a strong aversion to sputum. I had a bad experience with it in my peds rotation and to be honest I have a hard time thinking about it without my gag reflex popping up on me (lol). Anything else I don't mind, but sputum is my one nemesis! However, even with that, when I'm in front of a patient I just deal with it. Once you realize that a patient looks to you for support, you just kind of suck up your own concerns while in front of the patient (and then gag away once you get out to the desk area lol).

[Zac100]

I do the same thing, although I'm not squemish I just pass out instead. I plan on taking Anatomy next semester to see if I can tough it out.