I admit: when it comes to poop, whether via BM or even worse, ostomy bag, I just cannot stand the smell of it. I've only come across an ostomy a few times in my experiences and I try emptying the bag. Just couldn't do it after the first hint of smell got to me and I was getting nauseaus and almost threw up. Someone else had to do it.
Blood, sputum, etc I'm fine...
but not poop!!!!
So how do you get around that?
I remember an instructor told me that you don't have to like everything you do at work (ie poop or blood or sputum or etc...)
Specializes in Med Surge, Tele, Oncology, Wound Care.
I try to get the patient involved in emptying the bag, and yes even the family members (If the patient feels comfortable with that).
If I have issues with ostomies imagine how the poor patient feels? As cliche as it is I try to put myself in their shoes. I dont enjoy them, but I try to think that this could be someone I love who has an ostomy. Depends on the patient but sometimes that works.
I use deodorizer drops that come from central supply. The directions are for several drops into the bag when it is applied. It really does make a difference.
My Grandmother had a ostomy, she hated it! She was so embarrased by it.. She is the person who inspired my to become a nurse. She was so GRATEFUL to the Nurses who helped her, they were kind, compassionate, and taught her how to deal with the ostomy without fear and embarassment. These are not only difficult for the nurse.. you must take into consideration of how your patient will feel if you are gagging and making faces.
We all learn coping skills to help avoid this.. masks, menthol rubs, etc.. I hope you find something that works for you so you can find a way to encourage your patients! Goodluck!
I couldn't deal with it at first either. With any kind of foul smell (poo, vomit, etc.). Now it's like no big deal. Not that I'd want to sit and eat lunch while cleaning out an ostomy bag. But it just took me some time of doing it over and over again.
Some patients do have extremely foul smelling contents from their ostomies - I remember one patient who had some sort of pancreatic or intestinal-derived cancer. It was awful. The smell was like some sort of decay that I can't even describe. But the contents of an average ostomy shouldn't smell like that.
Im sorry but I don't think you ever get to like this, its gross but someone has to do it. I just make sure I have everyhting in hand to change it and make it as fast possible.
Take the ostomy bag, hide it, take it to your car during break and emerse yourself in the guilty pleasure of playing with poop. I have to say, the first time i did this i felt naughty, but after three or four times, i had to confess. Im addicted to playing with an ostomy bag full of poop, i like it, I LOVE IT.
Take the ostomy bag, hide it, take it to your car during break and emerse yourself in the guilty pleasure of playing with poop. I have to say, the first time i did this i felt naughty, but after three or four times, i had to confess. Im addicted to playing with an ostomy bag full of poop, i like it, I LOVE IT.
Gets my award for most stomach turning visual created by a post
Im kind of surprised that some people wear mask........i guess i wouldn't think that is appropriate unless you have horrible cordination and are likely to have it flinging into your face. It takes about two minutes to 4 minutes at most to change and ostomy bag and as a nurse lol we get the easy part of just changing it,(which is what once a week?) hats off to Cna's that empty somtimes once or twice a shift. As gross as it sounds is i try to overwhelm my taste buds before i do something gross, like the vicks under the nose or i prefer eating a winterfresh mint right before going in. sounds weird but the mint helps a lot. and now a days im getting to a point where i don't even need that 'prep' Hang in there but it does get better. My weakness is trachs, especially if there is blood. I had a pt that specifically asked for me and was there forever .....(like 8 days and i think its because I acted like it was no big deal . truth was i could almost dry heave at the thought of going in there. that pt really 'broke' me into to all things difficult. I learned from them that you just have to fake it until you make it but above all the important thing is to treat them with dignity, because this isn't easy for them either.
My husband has had an ileostomy for a little over 2 years. He's only changed it himself a few times and that's when he has a blow out and has to when I'm at work. Ileostomy's do smell. He doesn't smell it though.
I casually put a little nice smelling lotion under my nose. It helps.
When changing the whole appliance, he lies on the bed and I place a trash bag under him, leaving some of it open. That way as I take things off I can throw them in the bag. I can then seal it as soon as possible and close in the smell. That way the room doesn't get a bad smell to it.
and i think its because I acted like it was no big deal . truth was i could almost dry heave at the thought of going in there. that pt really 'broke' me into to all things difficult. I learned from them that you just have to fake it until you make it but above all the important thing is to treat them with dignity, because this isn't easy for them either.
rosey2007
60 Posts
I don't know if this is still allowed but I found shaving cream to take the odor away pretty well on colostomies.