Don't wanna always give baths, clean up feces, etc., where to work?

Nurses General Nursing

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In clinicals we just give baths, clean up poop and puke, and feed patients. I honestly want nothing to do with this once I'm a nurse, so, where/what floors can I work on as a new grad, in order to avoid this? I do have an interest in Psych nursing.

Specializes in Lie detection.
The only bodily function I can envison a doctor having any part of blood and that's because they're a surgeon..

In the hospital I used to work for, ONLY MD's were allowed to disimpact patients. So when we had an uncomfortable pt. that had not had a BM in several days and nothing else had worked, it was time to page the MD.

I kind of enjoyed making that call, I'm evil :lol2:.

If the nurse wasn't busy, she might help the Doc. Maybe!

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
Seriously... you've got to learn to love your inner poo. Celebrate the poo. Embrace the poo.

It's all about the poo.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

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A few psych patients I had, threw feces at me. So, someone has to clean them up. LOL.

Well, there ya go, yet another advantage to nursing.

Between the flung poo and spurting blood and projectile vomiting and flying loogies, I've developed cat-like reflexes that are the envy of all my friends.

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In the hospital I used to work for, ONLY MD's were allowed to disimpact patients. So when we had an uncomfortable pt. that had not had a BM in several days and nothing else had worked, it was time to page the MD.

Ok, now I'm breaking commandments because I am SO jealous of that and wish I had worked there. The first time my arm disappeared with ease in a longterm pt I couldn't believe that dig. stim. and disimpaction were part of my job.

I still remember the look on the faces of 2 new grads who had never given a suppository. They couldn't believe me that they would "feel and know" how high to go. The looks on their faces when they experienced their first suppository administration was just priceless! I was so bad. I stood there and watched them and even laughed at the look on their faces!

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Specializes in orthopedics, ED observation.
From what I've been seeing, I think it's very true. At least in the US. Things may be different in Oz.

Hey, as a new grad I have to say that that remark is rather inflammatory.

I know I will continue to get my hands "dirty" on a regular basis. Not looking forward to it makes me human. Understanding why it is important makes me a professional. Don't tar and feather the whole lot of us because some people's (usually uninformed) perceptions of nursing start threads like this here on a fairly regular basis from what I can see.

I think the post from the nurse you are replying to gave a wonderful explanation of the value of what we do on a daily basis in caring for peoples most basic needs. That is the type of response that will both educate the public and give the OP the type of information they need to make an informed decision.

ETA - :doh:OK, I just finished reading the rest of thread, and realized someone else already jumped this point. However, my opinion of needing to educate the public and prospective students still stands!

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In clinicals we just give baths, clean up poop and puke, and feed patients. I honestly want nothing to do with this once I'm a nurse, so, where/what floors can I work on as a new grad, in order to avoid this? I do have an interest in Psych nursing.

Sorry honey, you have no clue. So much can be assessed by performing the nasty little jobs that we do as a part of "holistic and primary" care. Why are you going into nursing??? I see CRNA, don't think they get to play in some nasty stuff??? How about trying to intubate a gagging, vomiting pt who just ingested a 5th of wine prior to coming to hospital. CRNAs get it too. Oh, yes, don't forget the mucus, sputum etc.

Go major in psychiatry.

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well, there ya go, yet another advantage to nursing.

between the flung poo and spurting blood and projectile vomiting and flying loogies, i've developed cat-like reflexes that are the envy of all my friends.

had a few spit at me too!!!!!!! amen on the reflexes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:lol2:

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

It's attitudes like this that make me shake my head & wonder why some people enter the nursing profession.

Can you imagine how our patients would feel if they knew these attitudes existed?

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Can you imagine how our patients would feel if they knew these attitudes existed?

They do know they exist. That is why you have at least one person each week tell you "I am so glad you can do this because no one that I know could stand to do your job." when you are cleaning up a major code brown all over the floor (or substitute your favorite drainage/exrement/body fluid story).

And then there are all the people who accidently find this forum and read what we write..........

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In the early days, doctors used to taste patients' urine to assess for diabetes, etc. I am glad I will never have to do that.

I have seen disdain for poo amongst both older and younger nurses. One nurse in her 50s told me that she did not have her BSN to clean poo --that it was always the CNA's job. She would also make patients wait for pain pills if they used the call bell too much. I thought the last item was terrible.

I am waiting to get into nursing school. I know that as I work around poo, it is not as gross. It is easier to clean up.

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I know my school just started the rule that you HAVE to take the CNA course before you can even apply for nursing school. YEAH!! They had too many people drop out the first semester whe they figured out what you all ready know!!

With that - I thought it was an EXCELLENT IDEA!!!! Even being a mom of three I was not sure I wanted to do this. Luckily I had such a WONDERFUL clinical experience that it gave me the confidence I needed. I kept thinking that if this were MY loved one - I would want and DEMAND the best care possible, so why not just do it??

On the other hand the student sitting next to me in class actually asked if the pts wear a SWIM SUIT for a bath!! ( I AM NOT JOKING) When she found out we had to "TOUCH THEIR PRIVATES" she RAN out of the class!!!

ONE DOWN!!! LOL

I see both sides - I want a solid career with decent money - BUT I also want a job that I can have a sense of accomplishment. Even if it is a simple smile from ONE patient!!

Maybe I am nieve - but if I am - please do not burst my bubble!!! LOL

Lyn

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Specializes in Med/Surg.
They do know they exist. That is why you have at least one person each week tell you "I am so glad you can do this because no one that I know could stand to do your job." when you are cleaning up a major code brown all over the floor (or substitute your favorite drainage/exrement/body fluid story).

And then there are all the people who accidently find this forum and read what we write..........

All the more reason why, IMO, working as a CNA before &/or during nursing school is important and beneficial. If anything, it would give those with the "don't wanna always give baths, clean up feces, etc" attitude and/or who think they'll never have to do it again once they've got a couple letters after their name, a sense of reality. But that's strictly my opinion and I know it doesn't apply to everyone.

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