I have no problem with any other bodily fluids (not to say they are not gross and I might not get a bit squeamish) but I can handle them for the most part with no problem.
If there is one thing however that I cannot seem to deal with and have a tough time with is vomit. Its beyond just a general dislike like I am sure most people have when they see it, its more like a phobia.
I am always so afraid that if someone is throwing up is infectious and if I am near them or have to clean it that I am automatically going to catch it, get sick and start throwing up as well.
I would hate to have that hold me back though as that is really THE ONLY drawback I have.
Have any of you had this fear and how do you deal with it or how did you get over it?
I think she means the psychological 'sympathy' reaction to vomit, like the way people 'catch' yawning from each other. Seeing a person heaving causes sympathetic heaving. I don't have that, thank god, but I still struggle with mucus-y secrections especially in large amounts.
The more exposed I was to trachs, suctioning etc the less I felt like I was going to puke. I was cleaning an inner cannula of a fellow who desperately needed humidity and hydration. As I was about to reinsert the inner cannula the walnut-sized lung booger causing so much trouble flew out of his trach and I caught it in my right hand. Thank goodness for gloves. I've never seen such a giant ball of 'formed' mucus in my life. It may not really have been the size of a walnut though, you know how memory combined with revulsion goes . . . the gift was instantly seeing how easier his breathing was, his panic gone, and the satisfaction of getting that ball of phlegm out. I felt the same satisfaction as a gory dressing change or disempaction which went on to 'ease' my way in future episodes with large amounts of mucus.
You may not have time to even think about how vomiting makes you sick too because you'll be too busy trying to take care of the patient-getting a basin as fast as you can, washcloths, new gown etc. You will move at lightening speed when vomiting is involved! There are things you can do to help: The first time a patient states they have nausea=med right away and a basin nearby. Move post op patients slowly in bed, or they will throw up on you! And lastly have quick reflexes and jumping ability if you are in the room and the patient states they are going to throw up :) We all have something that makes us gag, but there is usually a way around it. Pick a nursing specialty that you enjoy, cause in reality we all get some type of bodily fluids on us at some point. I can stand L&D fluids everyday, but I can not do mucous snot and cough secretions.....ick! Hence L&D and not Peds for me! Good luck!
It is a pet hate of mine as well. However after working in orthopaedics I finally got the hang of it and would literally rub the patients back and get the anti emetics into them asap. It is far scarier for them than for me - that is what I tell myself..
Initially I was petrified but when it is so constant, doesn't smell post op it gets easier. I hate the noise but when you have 4 in the same room heaving it kind of becomes more normal.
I think urine when the patient has an infection is far worse and it does have me gagging..
May I ask though what is a basin? Australia has vomit bags only so everything goes into them. Basins we use to wash patients, ours are deep and plastic.
It is a pet hate of mine as well. However after working in orthopaedics I finally got the hang of it and would literally rub the patients back and get the anti emetics into them asap. It is far scarier for them than for me - that is what I tell myself..
Initially I was petrified but when it is so constant, doesn't smell post op it gets easier. I hate the noise but when you have 4 in the same room heaving it kind of becomes more normal.
I think urine when the patient has an infection is far worse and it does have me gagging..
May I ask though what is a basin? Australia has vomit bags only so everything goes into them. Basins we use to wash patients, ours are deep and plastic.
which went on to 'ease' my way in future episodes with large amounts of mucus.
JenERally
68 Posts
Sputum is my kryptonite.