My Phobia

[Lisa2.0]

So I am prepped in starting an Accelerated BSN in fall. I have a lifetime (28 years) experience as a Pediatric Medical Assistant. My current BS is in Public Health. Here is my dilemma. I have a serious phobia about fecal matter (Especally C Diff) and dead bodies. My end goal is to either continue in Public Health Nursing or to go on to get a CPNP. Pediatrics is my field I want to stay in either way. That said, during clinicals, what should I expect my "hands on" experience will be in regards to my two issues. I don't want them to hold me back from my end goals.

[FutureNurseInfo]

From what I heard, poop and other bodily fluids are inevitable in your clinicals while in nursing school.

[AliNajaCat]

Yep. If it helps, here are two really nice little books to give you some perspective:

1) "Everyone Poops," by Taro Gomi. Everyone Poops (My Body Science Series): Taro Gomi, Amanda Mayer Stinchecum: 978192913214: Amazon.com: Books

2) "Lifetimes," by Mellonie and Ingpen. Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children - Kindle edition by Bryan Mellonie, Robert Ingpen. Children Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

What makes you think you'll never see a dead child or a dirty diaper in pedi?

Besides, in nursing school you'll learn more about the germ theory of disease and standard precautions than you did as a medical assistant; this should help you understand that you have nothing to fear.

[KatMill2312]

So, as an EMT I've seen less poop then take average Joe but my share of death (and thus dead bodies), probably a higher percentage rate than say a person who works with peds or in the PACU. That being said you're going to have find some way to cope with both poop and death in the medical field.

EMS workers often have "gallows humor" as a way to cope, which is why you see us making rude jokes at inappropriate times, it's a coping mechanism, a way to distance and disassociate from the death. You'll need to find your own way to deal...maybe try and remember that they are a person, still deserving of respect and care. Touch them and treat them, talk to them and move about the room as you would if they were still living. I think sometimes it's that difference in ourselves of how we act after a person has died that adds to the "weird/ick" factor.

As for poop....well....poop is poop. It's gonna happen. Glove up.

Good luck!

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

There are specialties that don't involve poop or dead bodies. But while you are a student, it may not be possible to completely avoid.

Perhaps addressing your fears with a counselor would be beneficial. If you could overcome them, your options would open up substantially; at minimum, you would be able to cope in the event you are confronted with these things.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

As far as post-mortem care is concerned, I wouldn't expect any exposure while in school. It's unlikely a patient on your unit, particularly a patient to whom you are assigned, will die during your rotation. If it occurs, you can politely excuse yourself from providing post-mortem care. However, since you recognize that this is an area of discomfort for you, it's a good idea to get the experience now so you know what to expect in your professional practice.

in terms of poop? Sh*t happens. Nobody likes a giant code brown, but you just deal with it. It's like any other unpleasant task that you have to do in life- like laundry and eating your vegetables- just smellier. You'll get used to it.