Cleaning up vomit

FlyingScot, RN · Dec 6, 2008

We all have our Achilles Heel. Mine is vomit too, particularly of the chunky kind. I can deal with bile no problem but if there's anything identifiable. My way of dealing is to find someone who it doesn't bother and let them know that I will clean up every GI bleed poop (a problem for many but not me) they ever have if they will deal with the puke. So far it's worked out great. When I worked in the ED all my techs and medics knew I couldn't handle it because they had seen me at least try so they knew I wasn't dumping the gross jobs on them.

dollphyn · Dec 6, 2008

Thanx a bunch. I have a friend that is a RN and she told me the same thing. I have read some post about this topic and it sounds like I won't be able to deal with the trach suctioning. We will see. Thanx

To me, I thought I would hate trache suctioning, but it is actually ok. The patients I take care of that have a trache have not bothered me as much as the ones that vomit.

I am a post op nurse, so the ones that do vomit, vomit only water or jello since they have had nothing before or during surgery. I have learned that when a patient says they are going to vomit, get the big bucket, not the emesis basin and jump back!!! I do not have too much of problem with my patients emesis like this since, it usually does not have a smell.

It is the other patients on other floors that I float to, that have the emesis that smells and some things are identifiable. I too am one to ask others for "boo-boo" patients that I can help clean up and whomever to deal with the emesis. It has worked so far, especially for the trade off. It is called teamwork. We all work together to get the job done; no matter how asty it is!!!!

MasonsMommy · Dec 7, 2008

I feel the same exact way and never in a million years did I think any other nurse/nursing student would too. It is extremely comforting to know it isn't just us...thanks for posting :) I have actually gone as far as to force myself to watch movies with vomit to try to get used to it. I don't know if I ever will! :bugeyes:

Anyway, best of luck

ivorybunny · Dec 7, 2008

So I know I want to be a nurse, but I have problems dealing with vomit. I can't stand the sound or the sight of it. I know this will become a part of my job. Is there anyone out there that can give me some tips on how to overcome this. Please Help.

I can not deal with vomit either. If my patient is vomiting, I'm the one running to get the medication. I've made deals with the people I've worked with that if a patient of mine throws up, then some else will clean it up. I simply can not handle, and twice ended up dry heaving over the patient's garbage can. The people I work with are great, and it's nice to know they will help you when you really have a hard time dealing with something. I have a deal with a nurse who hates giving IM injections, I will do her shots if she helps me with anyone who vomits. Works out well.

Medic09, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 7, 2008

I haven't had to hard a time with puke in the hospital. I'm actually surprised.

Now, in my prehospital career, it is a different story. Every time the patient barfs, it sets me off and I follow suit. That's pretty tough, because pre-hospital patients have this tendency to barf just when I'm looking down their throats with a laryngoscope. There's nothing to be done for it. As they barf, I turn aside for a moment and do the same. I always know exactly where the can is. Then, it is back to suctioning and placing the tube. It has been that way for years, and I just learned to roll with it and keep working. If you have to, you will too.

As other posters pointed out, you can often get someone on staff to give you a hand. Don't let it deter you from all the good you can do in patient care.

L3Janit0r37 · Dec 7, 2008

The smell of vomit is even hard for me to withstand. But it seems to be the only thing i ever clean up in the er besides pee.

For me i just dont let my mind make it out to be more than it is. Try wearing a mask? It helps alot.

If i have to clean up vomit off the floor, toilet or the wall, i bring a towel and bags. If on the floor i just cover the mess with the towel or multiple towels. (im not on hands and knees wiping it up). Put shoe covers on and sorta wipe it all up with my feet. Then mop, in your case call the housekeeper.

If for some reason the patient is vomiting while i'm in the room then i gtfo. I havent figured out a way to not feel really sick or not lose it myself when i actually witness it first hand. Just the sound gets me to. BRUUUGUGGGHHHHHH COUGH COUGH!!!!11

uscstu4lfe · Dec 7, 2008

Well, whatever you do, don't become a CNA then. Because then vomit will become your job!!! If you are an RN you can make the CNA do it for you, so it shouldn't be a problem once you start practicing. Good luck to you!! I have had/still have that same fear!!

jenrn6282 · Dec 7, 2008

YUP now i am definitely nauseated from that last post just the thought of the sound makes my mouth a little watery! ugh!

ShifraPuah · Dec 7, 2008

What I have found that works for me is a strongly-flavored mint or chewing gum, usually peppermint. Also, Vicks VapoRub under the nostrils helps.

I hate puke w/a passion but have got used to it (over time) and find that if a pt pukes into a emesis bag, the smell is cut way down and it's a neat clean up (you just twist and hook the bag on the side). Just remember that it is OK to have this reaction (eg. nausea, disgust, fear, or horror). Don't condemn yourself for being human.

suzy253, RN · Dec 15, 2008

Well, whatever you do, don't become a CNA then. Because then vomit will become your job!!! If you are an RN you can make the CNA do it for you, so it shouldn't be a problem once you start practicing. Good luck to you!! I have had/still have that same fear!!

Huh? So a patient has vomited and you are the RN so rather than clean the patient up yourself and show the patient some respect and compassion, you would go find a CNA and 'make the CNA do it for you'? Hmmmm....it doesn't work that way.