I've gotta real problem...Any suggestions Pls?

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i've got this problem... you know how everyone has their little quirk in nursing? well, mine is vomiting...i can't stand the retching, and retching and retching sound before one vomits. well i have this resident who does nothing but vomit. possible hiv, but refuses to test. he's lost significant amt of wt. and says he's been doing this for over a month. he just came to us on wednesday. i worked with him on wed. night for thurs, and then i had three days off. tonight i have to go back and i dred every stinking minute of it. i have to practically carry a basin with me whenever i hear him start retching. i can't stand it! does anyone have any suggestions on how i'm supposed to over come this??? i just don't know what to do. :stone :stone :stone :imbar :stone :stone :stone

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Specializes in Geriatrics, LTC.

eeeeeewwwwwwwwww! I wish I could help you...I guess just try not to think about it!!! (I know easier said then done) :)

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years ago, a guy in my nursing clinicals use to put mentholadeum (spelling?) under his nose for a distraction..he said it worked for him.

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I always keep alcohol pads in my pocket....and when someone starts to vomit I pull one out, turn my head the other way, and swipe under my nose. It has worked three times for me in the past two semesters, so maybe it will work for you too.

Good luck.

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Specializes in ER, PACU, OR.

ok mich,

how about an order for ohhh sayyyyy??? phenergan, compazine, tigan, reglan, anzamet or zofran???????

just a thought?

me :)

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Yeah man, Z-O-F-R-A-N.....

I get puked on so much (OB) that I don't even blink. I guess I'm just desensitzed. *shrug*

Try putting some carmex lip balm on right before you go in....or something like that. ;)

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Specializes in cardiac, diabetes, OB/GYN.

I also work in OB and its getting so I can actually identify the contents of the last meal. I still have the occasional retch, but try to turn my head or be out of the patients view if it happens..Sometimes, since I always carry one of those amonia popper things in my pocket for the patients or visitors (or myself from lack of food:) who might faint, I will try one of those.

My personal hatred is taking care of false teeth, not that I see that too often anymore...But, I wouldn't touch them when a patient handed them to me, and absolutely hated it when some one asked me to clean them! Have to say my least favorite thing is coughing and mucous..Suctioning was never a favorite thing of mine..However, I MUST be a nurse....Blood doesn't bother me...Weird, huh? Vicks vapor rub works wonders, by the way, under your nose if you know you are in for a vomiting episode-yours or someone elses....:)

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What if you wore a surgical mask (keep one in a pocket or near their room) ? When wearing a mask you are both protecting your own airway for airborne "splatters", but you may find it masks the smell. And if you do vomit, at least you have a handy place to catch it, ha ha, sorry...

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have no answers.......as 99% of body fluids sight, sound and smell do not affect me.........

cast iron stomach.........

but maybe time will help you.........plus.........

there are times that you can't stomach.......just step into the patient bathroom for a brief moment......breathe in deeply and say I am getting paid to do this.......better my side of the rail than theirs.........

know not much help.........don't throw too many tomatoes my direction.......

think time will help.........

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

Medical examiners swear by Vicks Vaporub beneath the nose.

But your poor patient certainly needs something for the vomiting too.

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It may sound strange, but i kept orange or lemon peels in my pockets and i ether bent them to release the oils and sniffed it or nibbled on it and it kept me from being overwhelemed.

I worked with a few patients who had abdominal abscess and there was a mess on the floor quite often.

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Night owl,have you had the rabbit killed if this problem of yours is not long standing (pregnancy is on the cards)

or if not viable option try try chewing ginger

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