How to deal with bad odors

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I'm about to start clinicals in May. I've always had a very strong stomach and have no problem dealing with blood etc but as I have gotten older, I am starting to have a problem with certain odors. For example, I am helping a person I know with a deep wound. Visiting nurse comes I. The morning and in the evening I am removing packing, cleaning and repacking. Over the weekend, the odor has become very offensive and I have to prepare myself for when I remove the packing. I have spoken to the VN today about the increasing smell and she is working on a resolution to that. But my main question is are there any tricks to the trade as far as smells?? I did try Vicks in my nose last night which helped slightly...

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Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

We have a product called Snowco (or something like that). You put some gauze in a cup and douse it. Put it in front of a fan.

You can get a strong breath mint or chewing gum and wear a surgical mask.

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Coffee beans:)

But in all seriousness. ..I got used to it..aint many smells bother me now...lol

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I use Vicks as well...and not just a little - I stuff a wad up each nostril

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

Try some perfume on the inside of a mask. Also a strong mint or cough drop may be helpful. Also there are special odor control dressings that the wound care nurse could consider using.

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If you're able to use PPE at the time (I'd assume so with a wound) put a tea bag in your mask. This also works really well for foul bm smells. We can use PPE at our own discretion so if I know I'm going into a room that is not pleasant smelling, I'll gown and mask and stick a tea bag in my mask.

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Specializes in ED.

We keep a container of Vicks at th nursing station and I layer it on big time. Helps me quite a bit.

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Thank you all for your ideas!!

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A drop of peppermint oil in each nostril has helped me. I put it on a qtip and swipe. :geek:

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Another vote for the peppermint oil here!

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Specializes in Med/Surg,Cardiac.

I use the alcohol pads in my pocket. Wipe each nostril and the smell of alcohol is so overwhelming it tends to drown out the other odors (atleast briefly). The other options here sound better if you're prepared but I am never expecting the foul odors.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

Good to know. I have only done clinicals at an assisted living facility and the odors are new and sometimes overpowering to me. I didn't know what the regular caregivers used!

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