Nursing students fear of the gross stuff.

MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2005

I had the same fear as a student nurse. My professors told us to practice "face training". You could really offend a patient if you react to something they do. I think you will be fine. Believe me, you WILL encounter the worst smells and sights you never thought possible! I am sure some other nurses can tell you the same!

Alloramadai · Dec 20, 2005

I worked as an EMT for several years, and saw some really (REALLY) gross stuff. However, the pace was so extreme that I never had time to be concerned with my facial expressions or to think about getting ill.

During our clinicals last semester, I found myself losing my composure while cleaning a bedpan (I will not share the details on the contents). As I am an older student, I felt it would be a question other students would have so brought this up for discussion during our post-clinicals. Our instructor said that dealing with squeamish feelings gets better with experience. She also suggested keeping a mint in my pocket; not only would it soothe the stomach, but the mint smell would help calm the other senses. I also carry a breath spray (Listerine Pocketmist) that is very helpful too.

MadisonsMomRN, BSN, RN · Dec 20, 2005

Thats really good advise.

Soon2BNurse2006 · Dec 20, 2005

Amy-

I had the exact same fear before I began my clinical rotation. But let me reasure you, once you get on the floor and start working hands on with patients you will overcome that fear quickly. You won't even notice the blood. You're main focus will be on the patient and the level of care that is needed and what you need to do to provide that care. Trust me, all the theory that you have had to sit through and digest in class finally will come together once you are out on the floor utilizing it :)

Bipley · Dec 20, 2005

She also suggested keeping a mint in my pocket; not only would it soothe the stomach, but the mint smell would help calm the other senses. I also carry a breath spray (Listerine Pocketmist) that is very helpful too.

I was taught years ago to put Vick's Vapor Rub on my lip under my nose. I'd even fess up to sticking it up my nose in extreme odoriferous (LOL) cases. Honestly, you really can't smell anything with Vicks up your nose.

I am already a sympathetic puker. If I smell it that's all it takes and it's over. It doesn't happen often but on the rare occasion it gets to me the Vick's makes a huge difference. Been carrying it around with me for 20 years now.

gr8rnpjt, RN · Dec 20, 2005

I am a nursing student and feel like nursing is something that I was born to do . But, I am concerned that when it comes to the hands on / unpleasant stuff Im afraid of what my reaction is going to be. I am not the squemish type and dont get grossed out easily.I havent started clinicals yet and my biggest fear is that Im going to throw up, pass out, or god forbid start laughing (which is what sometimes happens when I get nervous) . Has anyone had an experience like what I mentioned above, got over it and became a nurse.
Thanks in advance for all you input!!

I went to nursing school with a girl who fainted the first time she saw a lab tech draw blood on a patient. She stuck with it and at the end of nursing school, the only thing she could not tolerate was suctioning trachs.

amy3072 · Dec 20, 2005

Thank you all soo much. Some days I feel very confident others I am very unsure of my self. It helps so much to have all of your reassurance. I forgot to mention that Im 33 years old and have two children. So I have to keep telling my self that Ive already seen and experience alot and to have a little confidence in my self.

thanks again

Amy

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 20, 2005

Has anyone had an experience like what I mentioned above, got over it and became a nurse.

Phlegm used to bother me, till i started working in the OR, where pts. get their mouths suctions out a lot. The more i was around it, the more i got used to it.

DorkyStudentNurse · Dec 20, 2005

I'm worried about this too. I start my first clinicals on January 4th and I'm so worried. I'm so scared of offending a patient because I can't keep my facial expressions in check or I start gagging or something. That's my big problem, I gag even when I'm not extremely grossed out. I have an extremely strong stomach and the only things that really bother me are smells and warmness (like, cleaning up feces that's still warm). I'm hoping I can overcome this with some experience. I'm definitely going to try the Vicks trick!

Future_Nurse_Natalie · Dec 20, 2005

I was taught years ago to put Vick's Vapor Rub on my lip under my nose. I'd even fess up to sticking it up my nose in extreme odoriferous (LOL) cases. Honestly, you really can't smell anything with Vicks up your nose.
I am already a sympathetic puker. If I smell it that's all it takes and it's over. It doesn't happen often but on the rare occasion it gets to me the Vick's makes a huge difference. Been carrying it around with me for 20 years now.

My BEST advice! The Vicks has saved my life more than once! Esp. with C. Diff pts! :uhoh3:

I have learned that if you have a problem with something icky remember one thing: I know someone else has mentioned "face training" or as we call it "watching the nonverbals". I have encountered some nasty, smelly, infected things and if you glance at the pt's face, they always have eyes trained on you. Don't let them know that it is unpleasant. And always go to another place, so to speak, if you have problems. I had a pt. projectile vomiting and I kept picturing St. Lucia where I spent my honeymoon. It helped keep my stomach from turning.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 20, 2005

I don't fear the gross stuff per say, but do fear errors.