Nursing school makes you crazy but this is too far!

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A girl I study with gets really anxious every time a test rolls around and she works a lot so she has limited study time. In order to get more study time in, she induced vomiting at work by drinking 3% hydrogen peroxide and water yesterday and I am really worried about her. Besides the fact that this is really unstable behavior, it cannot be good for your body. Her argument is that it is safe for pets. My questions for you guys are a) how should I approach this unhealthy behavior and b) how can this harm her body? :nailbiting:

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

1. Stop studying with her. She is clearly not benefitting you as a study partner. Let her know you'll no longer be studying together and encourage her to visit the campus counseling center for help with her anxiety.

2. Report her behavior to the nursing school. Once they have been informed, it will be their responsibility to take action if they deem it warranted. Even if drinking diluted 3% H2O2 is relatively low risk, drinking enough that it makes her vomit is a serious health concern.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

it's not safe for pets. It is used as an urgent intervention. I would stay away.

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Uhh.. I would mind my own business.

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I wouldn't approach the behavior because that's her choice in doing so. If she wants to induce vomiting that's the problem not yours. Yes, I understand she's a fellow nursing student however; you also have to look after yourself.

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My advice is to stay out of it.

But I wouldn't follow my own advice because I want to fix every-freaking-one. So, I'd tell her she was being exceedingly careless and that she should know better, and that it could cause serious harm. Then I would stay out of it.

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You're not responsible for your classmate's behavior. I highly doubt that shaming her and berating her about it being unhealthy will change her mind. If anything, you could share with her that you feel concerned about her behavior and ask if there is a way you can help (if you are interested in helping her-- which it sounds from your post that you are.)

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I'm trying to wrap my head around what she did... most employers would take your word for it that you threw up. To actually induce vomiting is entirely unnecessary and weird.

I would strongly encourage her to seek counseling and do not be a study buddy until she does.

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I agree about the poster who suggests finding another study partner. Don't get sucked into her drama. An important boundary to learn to draw in life is that her problems are her problems.

You broached the subject, and she does not sound likely to change her unhealthy behavior. Duty done, now focus on getting through nursing school.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Merged threads

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If you aren't' already incorporating the phrase "not my monkeys--not my circus" into your life, NOW is the time to do so

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I wouldn't do nor say anything. You should mind your own business - this includes not talking about this to anyone in your cohort nor the school faculty. She isn't endangering anyone. Just because you know something juicy doesn't mean you should do something about it.

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