Gaging

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I have shadowed nurses, talked with nurses, etc. I know Nursing is the job for me, it is the only career I want. But I have a gagging problem. It isn't that feces or vomit disgust me(well they do, but i can handle the mental part) but I gag a lot! every time I change diapers or watch someone vomit I gag. I am afraid I can embarrass myself or a patient. How can I get over this problem? please help, I really want to be a Nurse.

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Is it the mere image of the vomit, feces, etc... that makes you gag? Or is it the smell? I ask this because for me it is the smell that would get me to gag and NOT the sight of these things.

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Dont be afraid have that normal body reaction... Now is the gagging related to the mere image of body fluids, feces ; or is it the smell that makes you gag? You will eventually become desensitized to smells and sights and be able to react better to them. It is not like we are born loving the sight and smell of poop or other not so nice looking or smelling things.

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If it's the smell, first of all breathe through your mouth vs your nose because it's a lot less sensitive. Second keep some vaporub or vanilla around and swab some onto your upper lip or something to also help cover up the smell.

Sight, I'm not so sure... I have family that can't even watch someone pick up dog poop without gagging. Hopefully you're not that bad and you'll get used to it soon!

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Have you tried an ickstick?

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