Is clinic nursing a dirty job?

Published

Hello. I was curious as to whether clinic nursing is a dirty job. I have no issues with blood, but I'm wondering if any of you clinic nurses have to deal with other unpleasant things. I still believe nurses are amazing given all the responsibilities they have. Thank you for all you advice!

Specializes in Adult Internal Medicine.
I worked in a Women's OB/GYN Clinic, so...kinda?

A spa-like one I hope? Clean white robes? Gregorian chants and zen waterfalls?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
A spa-like one I hope? Clean white robes? Gregorian chants and zen waterfalls?

Yeah.....that. Forget chanting, perhaps a hosing down for some patients prior to exam might be helpful! I recall a rotation in an OBGYN office in my student days; the aroma of the exam room after a particularly unpleasant patient encounter cemented my decision to NEVER work in that arena again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
Let's see. GI clinic poo, Pulmonary clinic snot, Oncology clinic vomit, Renal or Urology clinics pee. Yes. And clinic experience won't be a stepping stone to ICU.

I worked in OP oncology, and puking was rare. We've gotten better drugs to use for premedication, and even the chemo regimens themselves are less harsh on the gi tract.

Based on your question, OP, I think cosmetic nursing is your best bet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
A spa-like one I hope? Clean white robes? Gregorian chants and zen waterfalls?

Dude, no. Do you think I ever would have left if that was the case?

Try "STD Central" instead.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Dude, no. Do you think I ever would have left if that was the case?

Try "STD Central" instead.

That sounds like the name of a nightclub.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That sounds like the name of a nightclub.

Hahhahahaaaa!! I NEEDED to laugh really loudly and I just did. THANK YOU!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hahhahahaaaa!! I NEEDED to laugh really loudly and I just did. THANK YOU!

Any time, Far. Any time. But seriously, it does.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
That sounds like the name of a nightclub.

How about if the club were to have a loyalty card....you know, after 5 admissions to the club, you get a coupon for a free visit to the VD clinic??

Up Vote Up Vote ×
How about if the club were to have a loyalty card....you know, after 5 admissions to the club, you get a coupon for a free visit to the VD clinic??

I am gonna step out here. You all know I can take this to a bad place.:laugh:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU CCRN.

Even in the OR, I've been in hysteroscopies and suction D and Cs that were so odoriferous they would nearly run you out of the room while you were trying to prep. The CRNAs have a more protected position for many cases, but I've seen enough bad nasal intubations to confidently state that things can get damn messy, even at the head of the table, not to mention the occasional bouts of pre/post anesthesia emesis. ("But I really *didn't* eat breakfast this morning, I swear!!") Oh, and then there are all the irrigation and drainage cases for abscesses...our most frequent ones were IV drug users who had "missed" with a shot. Gooey.

OP, that said, you really do get used to it. It doesn't take long. Everyone has certain cases they don't like..for some it is big belly cases (any time you're in the colon you've got issues) and for some it's eyeballs or palates. Desensitization is a beautiful thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgical.

Yeah, patients came in to my clinic with all kinds of smells. Totally stinking of weed, body parts that smell like death, not to mention the body fluids that briefly doused my urge to eat my lunch after. Blood, vomit, menses, urine, pus, phlegm, etc.

Welcome to nursing. Didn't we just have this discussion in Canigraduate's rant?

Now, back to my tasty, tasty salad.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Yeah, patients came in to my clinic with all kinds of smells. Totally stinking of weed, body parts that smell like death, not to mention the body fluids that briefly doused my urge to eat my lunch after. Blood, vomit, menses, urine, pus, phlegm, etc.

Welcome to nursing. Didn't we just have this discussion in Canigraduate's rant?

Now, back to my tasty, tasty salad.

BV. Oh please, the BV.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion