Moment of weakness

This is my first semester into nursing school and I'm into the 5th week of clinical. Today, a 90+ lady had soiled herself and I told the CNA that I would help her clean it up. Needless to say, the smell made me have multiple gag responses. I held it in and never really came close to puking, but I had to go to the nearest restroom. I had to flush my eyes because they were burning like someone was cutting onions. I thought it was alarming that I had this response due to the nature of the duties I am expected to do.

I asked my buddy and he told me to just wear a mask and place something sweet into the mask to cover up the stringent odors.

Any advice on the situation? Is this something people just get used to or what?

Thanks.

No worries.

You're human. Happens to the best.

If you're particularly sensitive to certain odors, then yes, one trick is keep a little vial of peppermint or clove oil (the stuff is very strong), and dab a couple drops on a mask.

Carry some vics vapor rub and apply under your nose and breathe through your mouth. And yes, you will get used to it.

Vick's Vapor Rub got me through pig dissections as well. That formaldehyde smell is the WORST! And as long as it's under your mask, no one need know it's there but you.

Good luck!

I always try to focus on the patient in these situations... awareness of how humiliating it is for the patient seems to help quell my reactions.

Thanks for all the replies. I'll try some of these approaches/methods.