How do you handle a weak stomach?

[RNpandoraRN]

I did a search on this first before posting, but did not find much. Several posts mentioned that having children of their own took care of this problem, but I have no children. I've got a weak stomach...blood does not bother me, but things like mucus, feces, and vomit will make my eyes tear up, and I will gag and dry heave. The only way I can stop is to force myself to stop thinking about it and get away from the smell. I've come close to nearly vomiting myself.

Now I'm not a nurse yet...but this problem of mine concerns me!

[mstigerlily]

Vomit itself doesn't bother me much, esp the non-chunky kind. The smell: not bad, cleaning it up, looking at it - all ok. What I don't like is the sound of the gagging, choking and then the big SPLASH of the vomit in the bowl. I usually hum quietly to myself and busy myself getting cold washcloth, clean gown, sheets, while talking/reassuring the pt.

Melissa

[ocb_dave_ocb, LPN]

Maybe I make it worse for myself by thinking too much about what I'm doing...

But whenever I've had to use one of those portable potties like at state fairs or campgrounds, I always breathe through my mouth -- but afterwards, it's like the odor gets into my mouth and stays there, and then I can TASTE it. LOL am I the only one? :uhoh21:

if i inhale it for a while i have the same problem

[mugwump]

Keep in mind I was the little girl that threw up when I got mud on my shoes growing up (reminded me of poop) and yes I became a nurse. I was a cna for 10 years (cleaned up poop all the time. Yes I got used to it but still didn't like it. Would have to leave gag/throw up have a mint in my mouth try to spray stuff. My entire goal in nursing school was to stay away from poop. I work in antepartum where most everyone can poop by themselves. Sometimes I have to deal with it. Most of the time my tech will do it, other times I have been known to bribe someone elses tech. And I also have been known to suck it up and take care of the issue at hand when I have to