colostomy

[busy-bee]

I have several colostomies on my unit and when I empty/change them, many of the staff make comments when they walk down the about the odor. My hall is the hall that leads to the breakroom, so many staff walk down the hall. Staff is aware these residents have colostomies and I think it is rude for the patient and the staff members who work the hall to hear "Gosh, it stinks down here!" and other remarks. I spray and then they say "that makes it even worse". I read up about bismuth gallate, is this product used in nursing homes frequently? I have never seen it used. Or does anybody have suggestions to decrease the odor.

[Dolce, RN]

I have been guilty of talking too loud in the hallway :chair:.

It is always good to be reminded that patients actually can HEAR what we are talking about outside their room!

[wooh, BSN, RN]

I have been guilty of talking too loud in the hallway :chair:.

It is always good to be reminded that patients actually can HEAR what we are talking about outside their room!

Yeah, another gal here with a voice that carries!

[busy-bee]

When they walk by to go to break I can hear them say "Gosh, it stinks terrible down here." I am the only nurse on the hall and it makes me feel like they are saying I am not keeping up on my unit. I can't really control the smell. I know my patients are clean, it is just that I changed a colostomy. I am going to try talking to the doctor about the aspirin and try the coffee grounds. Now you are saying coffee grounds already been run through a coffee filter, correct?

[wooh, BSN, RN]

They probably just need a reminder that even though they're going to break, their voices are still carrying to the patients' rooms. Just a, "Hey guys, I was just changing the colostomy in that room, and they heard you saying how it stunk down here, and of course because I was changing his colostomy at the time, well, you know... Will you just watch how loud you are in the hall next time? I know you weren't trying to be loud, but EVERYTHING carries in these halls!"

[leslie :-D]

They probably just need a reminder that even though they're going to break, their voices are still carrying to the patients' rooms. Just a, "Hey guys, I was just changing the colostomy in that room, and they heard you saying how it stunk down here, and of course because I was changing his colostomy at the time, well, you know... Will you just watch how loud you are in the hall next time? I know you weren't trying to be loud, but EVERYTHING carries in these halls!"

or, how 'bout, "will you guys shut up????" while gesturing pts in another room.

leslie