gag reflex when changing a diaper, am I in trouble when dealing with patients?

[Creativetype]

This is an honest question. When I change my nephews diaper I have a horrible gag reflex after he's had a bowel movement. Am I going to have trouble in nursing school and even after working as an RN when working with patients? I am hoping it's something I just get used to and can get over in time but not sure how much control I have over it. Its triggered by smell more than sight. Oh yeah, I am a man with no kids so changing him is new to me and not part of my usual routine. Any feedback is welcoime.

[Sun0408, ASN, RN]

On a lighter note, I had three kids before becoming a nurse so they "got" me use to it. This is something you will overcome, it is still new to you. Just remain professional and respectful when you clean up a pt, imagine how they feel.. I really don't even think about it anymore, its just part of my job :)

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

I think it's something you can get over it. When I first started out with CNA clinicals at a SNF a couple years back, I practiced clenching my abdominal muscles and throat so I wouldn't gag. If you still feel the gag reflex coming on, then just hold your breathe and try to finish quickly ... and/or take a slow breath in through your mouth. Also try focusing your mind away from the smell somehow. It does get better. Now I feel I can change someone's diaper with one hand while eating a bean burrito in the other hand.

[Inori, BSN, RN]

Buy some Vicks vapor rub and Rub some under /in nose and voila don't smell much of anything but menthol herbs lol ....some patients can be smelly. Eye watering, stomach turning AND your suppose to not react, no grimace and trat me as if they didn't smell soon 'professionalism' says my prof. Do try it I keep a small tube of that stuff in my pockets just for these.

[guest042302019, BSN, RN]

Breathe with your mouth. Not your nose.

[leenak]

Before I got dogs, I had a horrible dog poop gag reflex. Now, it is like nothing. Exposure cured me of it.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I will echo others, you will get used to it with time.

Another trick some classmates used in clinic was to grab a precautions mask when they knew it was going to be bad. Muffles the smell and hides your reaction.

[3rdgenRN2B]

The poops probably won't get any smaller.

However, I have been known to be a bit squeamish, and have talked to mother about this (who was a geriatric nurse for 30 years so she has seen A LOT) and she says you do get desensitized to these things and will learn how to deal. So don't let a poopy diaper turn you away from nursing.

[njgreen1]

hahaha! Wow!