Maggots?

[nurs2bhopefully]

Oh my goodness- I hope to begin an LPN program this summer, (won't know for sure until after the interview on the 21st!). I know that I can handle the vomit, bowel movements, even gross smelly infections. Even blood and guts, I'm ready for all of that. But maggots and tapeworms? Just the thought makes me want to hurl! :imbar Did anyone else have these fears before becoming a nurse? I'm not an insect person, and I'm not sure that I could handle merely observing, much less removing worms from an individual! What is the grossest thing that I can expect? How often have most of you had to deal with patients with these "situations"? Any insight on your experiences or how you learned to handle it? Should I forget going into nursing if I feel this strongly about "bugs"? Thanks in advance for ANY advice.

Feeling Naucious,

Sandy

[valk]

The one and only time I saw maggots in a wound was 19 years ago as a brand new RN. To the best of my memory a young man was admitted p mva with multiple fx & soft tissue injuries. He had been thrown from the car into the dirt at the sideof the road. After a few days he began complaining about irritation under the dressing on his R hand. The charge nurse saw the maggots :eek,

called the nursing supervisor who cleaned the wound and called the surgeon. He was not happy that she had removed the maggots , said it was the best thing that could have happened to clean pt's wound.

If you are interested in the deliberate use of maggots in wound

care check this link.

http://www.smtl.co.uk/WMPRC/Maggots/maggots.html

[donmurray]

The UK euphemism is "Larval Therapy" less distressing term NOT!

[nurs2bhopefully]

Thanks guys for the websites. I did find out some info that I didnt' know. It does help a little to know a little more about the procedure, but I'm still getting the hibbie jibbies just thinking about it!