Can I handle it?

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Hi all,

I am interested in becoming a nurse and have just started to process of volunteering at a local hospital to see if it's really for me. I was just wondering if any of the nurses out there started nursing with a weak stomach or were a little squemish. Was it something that you were able to overcome fairly quickly or what? My sister is a brand new nurse but has been a paramedic for many years and her husband is also a medic and they both say that it's something that I would get used to. I'm not sure if they are just telling me that, or if it's true, a person really can get over that part of it. Any input with be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I'm sort of embarrassed to admit it, but when my kids were little I had such a weak stomach that I couldn't even clean up after them when they puked---poopy diapers weren't a problem, but let one of those young-uns start to retch, and I'd be right there blowing my groceries alongside 'em!:barf02:

Well, I got over it pretty quickly once I started nursing school, basically because I wanted to be a nurse badly enough to decide that I was going to overcome it. Not to say there aren't a few things I handle less well than others---anything to do with dentures and feet are two that come to mind---but I CAN handle it if I have to.

You can, too. Good luck in all your endeavors, and welcome to allnurses!!:nurse:

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That is so funny that you say that! I didn't want to say it either, but man, it takes all I have not to add my contribution to the mess being cleaned up when they puke! :barf02: Thank you so much for your reply. That does help me to feel ALOT better about it. Thanks again!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Anytime, RestlessMom..........believe it or not, there will come a time when you'll be able to clean and dress a Stage IV decubitus (bedsore), and then describe the drainage and odor to your co-workers as you're eating lunch 15 minutes later.:lol2:

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Anytime, RestlessMom..........believe it or not, there will come a time when you'll be able to clean and dress a Stage IV decubitus (bedsore), and then describe the drainage and odor to your co-workers as you're eating lunch 15 minutes later.:lol2:

eeeewwww!!!!!!! I thought poo was going to be bad!

Ingrid

pre nursing student

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Specializes in psychiatric ER, Mental Health.

In my first couple of weeks in nursing school, we had an opportunity to watch an IV being started. I guess the woman was a hard stick, really old, rolly polly veins, and the whole group of us were in there. (with her permission and blessing-she loved bein in the limelight) well, I kept backing up until I was finally out of the door. Just gave me the willies. Well, now, having finshed my 3rd semester, I can watch, do, be involved in just about anything.

You can certainly do it!!

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Thank you ear....that also makes me feel better. I have long thought about becoming a nurse but have immediately dismissed it because I assumed that I was much too squemish for it. Well, we'll see what happens after I volunteer at the hospital for awhile, if I can handle it then it's off to nursing school (after I take the pre-req's, and apply, then wait, then perhaps apply again...) :chuckle

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There's somewhat less blood, gore, vomit, feces and urine on the psych. ward.

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I had actually considered becoming a psych nurse as my undergrad is in Behavioral Science. Good to know! :nuke:

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