How Nurses Feel...

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    Joe V
    Editorial Team / Admin

    Joe V

    7 Articles; 2,555 Posts

Specializes in Programming / Strategist for allnurses.

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I think most if not all of you nurses can relate to this ?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Oh, yeah. After almost two decades in healthcare, my bladder's probably the size of a #10 washtub. For somebody who used to be unable to go more than 2 hours without peeing, I'm amazed at how long I can go now. I have worked entire 12-hour shifts without stopping to use the bathroom. I've taken 80 mg. of Lasix and "held it" for four solid hours. I can feel the urge and wait half a day before going.

None of which is particularly healthy (duh, I wonder why I'm always getting UTIs--hello!?). But it is expedient when one has neither the time nor the motivation to stop what you're doing, go find a working restroom (dear Lord, why can't there be just ONE bathroom in my building that the residents aren't allowed to use?!), and drain the ol' tank.:sneaky:

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My poor bladder has been abused. I've had a UTI due to holding my urine.I've also had several embarrasing moments of incontenience at work due to waiting 10 hours to pee. One time I the urge to go came so bad that I had to pee in a patients toilet because if I would have waited I would have wet my pants. Thankfully I was working in ICU and patients used commodes, the toilet was for only emptying bedpans. So while I didn't have to stress about someone walking in on me, I still had to use the gross toilet. I felt really dirty the rest of the shift. Another time was when I rushed to the bathroom at work after holding my pee for so many hours, well I tinkled in my panties and they were a little soaked. I had no choice but to cut them off and throw them away, so yes I "free balled" ( couldn't thing of the word for women) for the rest of the shift.

So, I think I've learned my lesson. I'm a priority not my patients. If I have to pee, I'm going to go. I'm also going to take water breaks and snack/meal breaks. Tired of abusing my body.

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Do I have to be a platinum member to post a new thread on this site?

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Specializes in LTAC, ICU, ER, Informatics.

I'm entering the profession with a documented 1400 cc bladder. :)

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Water breaks....meal breaks...bathroom breaks...what are these things you speak of??:laugh:

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crazy&cuteRN said:
My poor bladder has been abused. I've had a UTI due to holding my urine.I've also had several embarrasing moments of incontenience at work due to waiting 10 hours to pee. One time I the urge to go came so bad that I had to pee in a patients toilet because if I would have waited I would have wet my pants. Thankfully I was working in ICU and patients used commodes, the toilet was for only emptying bedpans. So while I didn't have to stress about someone walking in on me, I still had to use the gross toilet. I felt really dirty the rest of the shift. Another time was when I rushed to the bathroom at work after holding my pee for so many hours, well I tinkled in my panties and they were a little soaked. I had no choice but to cut them off and throw them away, so yes I "free balled" ( couldn't thing of the word for women) for the rest of the shift.

So, I think I've learned my lesson. I'm a priority not my patients. If I have to pee, I'm going to go. I'm also going to take water breaks and snack/meal breaks. Tired of abusing my body.

LOL! AKA "going commando"

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Sometimes, I hold it so long that when I finally have a chance to go, I can't. ?

Then, about a half hour later, the waterfall breaks through the dam...

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

Not me, man.

I just slap in a Foley when I arrive and I'm good to go for the whole shift. Forget the leg bag, I wear my 2000 cc bag outside my pants... shows management just how committed I am.

Now if I can just get a PEG tube and a colostomy, I'll be the perfect little nurse man.

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Quote
so yes I "free balled" ( couldn't thing of the word for women) for the rest of the shift.

Had a girlfriend that called it "free beefing" LOL.

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

I refuse to work my shift without taking bathroom breaks. No matter how busy I am, I'm gonna steal 5 minutes to use the bathroom or eat a granola bar.

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Specializes in NICU, Peds, Med-Surg.

OMG!!!! ROFLMAO over "free-balling" annnnnnd, the Foley, Peg tube, and colostomy bag!!!

The other day I had been so busy, I finally crammed a banana down my throat. I was still chewing when my boss walked up----I was sooo tired ,hungry, and not thinking---so I accidentally spoke to her with mouth full of banana....embarrrarassssssing! :eek:

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