Considering a career in nursing but shy

RNpatterson · Feb 25, 2011

lol this post made me chuckle so I have to respond.... I'm a nursing student so I can't really speak from experience as I have very little but I can tell you that I have run into this in passing. A patient on my unit (not my patient) was grabbing at his nurses and later was caught trying to take out his catheter in the nutrition room. He was a confused patient and was redirectable - tell him "no, that's not appropriate in the hospital," and he stopped (until the next nurse walked in).

Most patients aren't going to run down the halls flashing everyone for sport (well, maybe the experienced nurses will have a story or two). When/if it does occur, it's likely going to be a mental status issue. As for the nudity, you will get used to it, most likely by the end of your anatomy and physiology course. If you're really concerned, I'd recommend taking a CNA course to get your feet wet. If you can handle being a tech, you can handle nursing for sure.

If you go into nursing for the right reasons, you'll probably be able to tackle whatever comes your way. Hope that helps and good luck!!

RNpatterson · Feb 25, 2011

PS - there are no weird questions!

billyboblewis · Feb 25, 2011

You answered the question yourself....you will get used to it.

CathyLew · Feb 25, 2011

you get used to it....and most patients spend more time trying to cover themselves up in those open back gowns. and on most floors.... the old men aren't able even if they did want to show it to ya!

Sandg · Feb 25, 2011

Thank you for the quick responses. I'm sure I will get used to everything eventually.

How much of a problem is this? How often do you have to see erections?

I had a nurse friend tell me she had to clean up ejaculate but when I asked her what happened she changed the subject. I think that was what got my mind all worked up.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 25, 2011

I know this seems like a big problem right now, but seriously, it doesn't happen that much. It's never happened to me at all. We did have a lady one time who would strip off her clothes and run down the hall hollering "I got da hundries!" She was mentally compromised and if she hadn't been, probably would have been very embarrassed by what she was doing.

Other things are bigger challenges. Even people who show themselves on purpose because they're twits will, in most cases, respond to a "stop it, that's not appropriate" by stopping it.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2011

i know this seems like a big problem right now, but seriously, it doesn't happen that much. it's never happened to me at all. we did have a lady one time who would strip off her clothes and run down the hall hollering "i got da hundries!" she was mentally compromised and if she hadn't been, probably would have been very embarrassed by what she was doing.
other things are bigger challenges. even people who show themselves on purpose because they're twits will, in most cases, respond to a "stop it, that's not appropriate" by stopping it.

awww...bless her heart. i feel bad for her! well, i guess what she doesn't know won't hurt her.

RNTOBE_1970 · Feb 25, 2011

You will get used to it...which doesn't translate into tolerating unacceptable behavior. You will know what your comfort zone is and will be able to redirect someone when they are being inappropriate. I had a male patient on a geri psych unit, scoot his wheelchair next to me while I was performing nail care on a diabetic (also male patient) and put his hand on my upper inner thigh. I removed his hand, and stated "you will not touch me that way, ever". I learned to keep my distance. Same unit, another male patient, when asked to take his meds he became belligerent. I described the reason for his meds and that he had the right to refuse but that I would notify his doctor of his refusal. I asked again if he would take his meds. He replied with, "nope, but I want your *****". I told him, "sorry, that isn't on your list of options".

So, nudity just becomes anatomy after a while...and most patients are uncomfortable with it just as you are.

CathyLew · Feb 25, 2011

How much of a problem is this? How often do you have to see erections?.

yea.... put a penny in a jar every time you see one at work (on a patient) and by the time you retire, you most likely wont have enough in the jar to buy a cup of coffee.....

Sandg · Feb 28, 2011

Thanks for the reassuring and funny answer. Unfortunately coffee can be expensive so I'm not sure how to interpret that answer (only joking).

Thanks again.

backatit2 · Feb 28, 2011

i think working as a cna offers invaluable experience and gives you the opportunity to see first-hand if it's something you could handle.

honestly, most patients are way more uncomfortable with the fact that you have to see/touch their genitals than you will ever be by having to do it. there is really nothing sexual about it AT ALL - it's typically a very ill and/or hurt person who simply can't do these things for themselves.

my biggest fear about becoming a nurse was not being able to stomach bowel movements which is why i thought being a CNA first would be a good idea. i quickly realized that i CAN deal with it and it's very easy - not at all what i expected. it's something to consider. good luck.