cleaning poop

all4schwa · Apr 24, 2006

When you truly care for your patients it is amazing what you can stomach.

:yeahthat:

Focker, CRNA · Apr 24, 2006

I have no idea how some people can just "get used" to the smell. I was always a mouth breather, I found that to be very effective. For over two years in the MICU I dont remember a shift that I didn't have to clean poop (if neither of my pts. happened to need cleaning someone elses always did). You become detached by putting on those gloves, with those things on I could put my hands into just about anything.

Renee73 · Apr 25, 2006

I am new to this stuff, so I have to ask. Do RN's change and clean up patient's? I am confused, I thought CNA's and LPNs did this.

chadash · Apr 25, 2006

I am new to this stuff, so I have to ask. Do RN's change and clean up patient's? I am confused, I thought CNA's and LPNs did this.

I don't know hospitals, but in LTC this is the exclusive territory of the CNA. Never saw LPN or RN do this. But, with dressing changes on sacral decubitus, they do run into it, and will call for help, but still there it is. Also, impactions and such, you just can't avoid pooh.....

Diploma'82 · Apr 25, 2006

I tell my patients that nurses are the only ones who care if you poop, pee, or pass gas and that gets us excited 'cause that means things are workin'!

Linda

SarasotaRN2b · Apr 25, 2006

Nurses are not a special breed that have dna to stomach poop any more than the rest of the population. It still makes me sick-mostly the smell of it - but you just have to clench your teeth and hold your breath and work very quickly to get it cleaned up. I don't open my mouth because I don't want to taste it. I always have a buddy with me to help and then I help
them with their patient-it goes much quicker with two.

I think the buddy idea is a great one...not only will time go quicker, it'll probably be safer for all involved...one to hold and one to wipe.. :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: :lol2:

Gabie Baby · Apr 25, 2006

I didn't used to be bothered by it or by blood, vomit, mucous, sweat, dressing drainage, or anything else. Now I have gotten so I can't stand any of it. Isn't that odd? I went backwards! I guess you'll probably get used to it. Eo what the people here say - think how miserable it is to have someone cleaning you up and how grateful you would be for someone to help you if you needed help. In other words, get your mind off of it as best you can and remember that you are helping your patients. I hope all goes well for you.

Gabie Baby · Apr 25, 2006

That was supposed to be DO what the people here say.

Spritenurse1210, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2006

you get used to it eventually, although there will be a patient who's excrement will make your eyes cross and water at the same time

dorimar, BSN, RN · Apr 25, 2006

SOOOO many things much worse than poop. Believe me. Ihave actually puked in the room when doing oral care on patients who's oral crusties clog up the yankeur. And there's nothing like sliding off the side rail you grabbed to prevent your patient from falling because it was covered with his green sputum (no gloves on) .

Renee73 · Apr 25, 2006

OH MY GOD! THAT WAS EXTREMELY GROSS...I am wondering if I can cut it as a nurse now, just because of your post...LOL...seriously.

Sheri257 · Apr 25, 2006

I can handle cleaning poop but, what I absolutely can't stand is when you clean up the patient over and over again, and they just keep going ... keeping you from getting anything else done.

Three strikes and I'm out. That's when I can't stand it anymore and really start losing it.

At the hospital I work at now, they actually have fecal bags that work like a foley for non-stop diarrhea but ... right now, they're only used in ICU unfortunately.

:typing