I am hoping to start the nursing program soon, and of course I am nervous about how difficult that it will be. Unfortunately, I am also nervous about getting sick. Vomit, blood and all that good stuff don't usually gross me out, but I'm afraid my nerves combined with it may do me in. Does anyone ever get sick during nursing school? Is it something that you've seen others overcome?
I am praying that I won't have this problem. If I were easily grossed out, this obviously isn't the field for me, but I'm worried that in the beginning of being in this type of environment may do it. I just don't want to be the only idiot that this happens to lol.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Although I do not get sick terribly often, I was sick all day yesterday with Norovirus. This meant that I was vomiting a little bit while glued to the toilet most of the day.
Thanks everyone :) These stories have definitely given me the tiniest bit of an idea of the grossness that I will encounter if I ever make it as a nurse lol.
I have no problem with loogies. Suctioning an ET tube leaves me feeling satisfied: "Look at all that crap I just dislodged!" Makes me feel like I just cleaned a messy room.
Ileostomies with partially digested "material" on the other hand...oh dear god. Bring out the peppermint oil-saturated mask.
Although I do not get sick terribly often, I was sick all day yesterday with Norovirus. This meant that I was vomiting a little bit while glued to the toilet most of the day.
The conundrum of wondering which end to stick on the pot first...
I like how this thread has turned into "let's gross out a pre-nursing student".
I didn't feel nausea very often in nursing school or at work, but I did have anxiety diarrhea for weeks when I first started working on my own with no preceptor. It made me wonder if I had contracted C Diff. Luckily that was not the case!
Actually, now that I think of it, I don't like watching Incision and Drainage procedures. Usually I am too busy to hang out and watch, but a few weeks ago I got to see bilateral antecubital abcessess drained from an IV drug user. It was like watching a cream puff get the cream pushed out. And it really seemed like the size of a small cream puff!
I have applied to a couple of programs in CA and i have wondered how each of you wonderful people handle the smells. Seeing things doesn't make me gag, but what tricks have you all learned over the years? Someone mentioned a peppermint oil soaked mask. What works for you? Any feedback is appreciated!
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I have applied to a couple of programs in CA and i have wondered how each of you wonderful people handle the smells. Seeing things doesn't make me gag, but what tricks have you all learned over the years? Someone mentioned a peppermint oil soaked mask. What works for you? Any feedback is appreciated!
I've become acclimated to the unpleasant smells over time. I used to think poop really stunk when I was a 19-year-old caregiver, but now it is just another smell.
I've become acclimated to the unpleasant smells over time. I used to think poop really stunk when I was a 19-year-old caregiver, but now it is just another smell.
I had the nervous stomach everyday before clinicals. Didn't encounter any situations that made me sick until I watched them do a spinal block had to back to the wall and slide down with my head between my knees. The surgeon and anesthesiologist died laughing because I had just observed a complete mastectomy which they said is one of the gnarliest surgeries but nearly passed out because of a needle going in a spine.
I am insane about washing my hands....not quite compulsive but then again that's what a compulsive person would say. I don't usually get sick, usually 3 big ones per year, is that a lot?
As long as you adhere to proper procedures you will minimize your exposure to things. That being said I have been , thrown up on, had other bodily fluids thrown at me, stepped in things not readily identifiable and generally been exposed to all forms of crap. That being said, I actually love my job!!
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
Although I do not get sick terribly often, I was sick all day yesterday with Norovirus. This meant that I was vomiting a little bit while glued to the toilet most of the day.