getting thru clinicals without throwing up

GoGoSN · May 10, 2010

I just want to say that cleaning up fecal matter was a part of every one of my clinicals this semester. Once you realize it is just part of the human experience, you won't think twice about having to do it. Plus, your experience as a Mom will definitely come in handy. The only difference is the poop will be adult-sized and smashed against/in the buttocks/crevices and other places you never thought it could fit. I'm sure that didn't help you very much. :) If it does start to really bother you...you can stick a bit of vicks in each nostril before going to clinical.

I have heard horror stories of the 'smells you never forgot'...including that of some types of burns, certain feces, etc. :eek:

dandk1997RN, MSN, RN · May 10, 2010

I'd never even changed a baby diaper the first time I had to clean an adult. I never thought I'd be able to do it (paid my friend to change my cousin when I was babysitting him) but it isn't really a big deal. Just tell yourself you can and you have to do it, and you will be fine. Think about the patient and how they must feel, and you'll be okay. Best of luck!

Music in My Heart · May 10, 2010

I'm pretty squeamish when it comes to feces and vomit. I've nearly hurled even cleaning up dog poop with a shovel.

Over time, though, I've become less sensitive to it. I try not to think to much about what I'm doing and just do it. I breathe through my mouth to avoid the stench, sometimes through mask.

Now, I still find it pretty unpleasant but I can keep it under control.

happy2learn · May 10, 2010

I'm pretty squeamish when it comes to feces and vomit. I've nearly hurled even cleaning up dog poop with a shovel.
Over time, though, I've become less sensitive to it. I try not to think to much about what I'm doing and just do it. I breathe through my mouth to avoid the stench, sometimes through mask.
Now, I still find it pretty unpleasant but I can keep it under control.

Glad I'm not alone! I've almost hurled cleaning up my dog's poo too! :uhoh3: But I put the Vick's in my nose and it does wonders. I haven't started clinicals yet, but I know I'm going to put Vick's in my nose and fill my mouth with Altoids. At least I'll have good smelling breath!

I'm terrified to gag in front of a patient. I'd feel so bad I think I would have to run to the bathroom and cry. I have a sensitive nose and gag reflex, which I feel is somewhat of a disability, so I'm not going to let it stop me, but I am praying it gets better.

Music in My Heart · May 10, 2010

The weird thing about me is that even the sight of it can make me gag. I simply refuse to let it win, though.

Way back in the day I was a mortuary tech and, early on, the corpses and the concomitant sights and smells would gross me out. Over time, I became desensitize. The same thing applies to hospital stuff... poop, puke, pus, blood, sputum, etc.

I also find that thinking about them clinically is helpful in reducing the "yick" factor.

Saysfaa · May 10, 2010

Like SonginMyHeart, I've found what I am thinking makes a huge difference. I make a point to not think how bad the smell is or what it might do to my stomach. I cannot tell myself not to think something, though. Instead I might do what SonginMyHeart does, think about the clinical aspects of it. For example, the days I shadow in a wound clinic I learned that even the wounds that are healing well can be pretty hard on the nose/stomach, but they can be interesting because healing flesh smells different than infection. Also, different kinds of problems smell different. Also, I might be mentally reviewing where the likely places are for bedsores or the chemical processes involved with these bodily fluids or figured out how to add dignity to an undignified process. If I'm busy learning, I'm bothered less by the fact that it smells.

Also, sometimes it is enough to just tell myself decisively that this smell is okay, it is part of the process of healing or of good care. Breathing slowly and deeply helps with that (yes, I know instinct says to do neither, but it does help deal with it). I find it best not to spend a lot of time on that acceptance process, it is better to go on to thinking about how much better she will feel or how much faster he will heal when when the patient is clean.

palmerbren · May 11, 2010

Thanks for all your posts. Their definitely making me feel better and eager to get started. I was afraid i would get the harsh, choose another career posts. Will make sure to bring the vick's and view the clinical aspects of it.

Glad to know i'm not alone in my concerns.

happy2learn · May 11, 2010

I have never considered to look at the clinical aspect, I will definitely try to do that.

I've gotten those harsh "why are you going into nursing" comments. I just ignore them. It's not like I chose to have a sensitive nose. As if they are perfect in every aspect of nursing anyway.

Anoetos, BSN, RN · May 11, 2010

I don't normally have a problem with poop and vomit, whatever the source.

The worst thing I ever smelled was the hazmat bin for A&P lab. That did make me gag a little.+

The Vicks idea is a good one.

lucylu 777 · May 11, 2010

If you work in the hospital no specialty will save you from encountering the "goods" lol. That's what a majority of nurisng work is, but I can tell you that it get's better with time, and in no time you won't pay attention to it, just make sure your clinical instructor does not know about that - they will make your clinicals a hell. You should know that a lot of your assesments and diagnosis will be based on the amounts,color,size of the feces, urine and vomit, you will have to chart it, it is a norm when charting. Good luck "S---t" not as scary as you think and as a nurse you will deal daily with it. You'll do great!!! :smokin: