Nursing without the "yukkies".

Lovermont · Nov 2, 2003

If you've ever been a patient inadvertently producing the "yuckies" you'll understand how important it is as a nurse to maintain composure & show compassion. It is terribly embarrassing as a patient to be in this situation.

As a direct result of being near death, and almost having a "yuckie" experience, I decided while in the hospital that I wanted to be a nurse. The incredible nurses gave me top-notch professional care and showed me dignity in my utmost undignified time. It changed my life. This happed to me a year ago and now I'm applying to nursing school in New Hampshire. Please, for the patient's sake, don't make a big deal out of "yuckies".

Carissa

sleep deprived · Nov 2, 2003

I have some advice for you DON'T DO NURSING'' --the patient would not want you there grimacing while you help clean them up,or hold there head as they vomit. A true nurse doesn't mind getting down with the germs,worms,or whatver you may see. AS a nurse you will see things that people usually don't want anybody to see. It takes a special person to be a nurse and if the YUKKIES'' are bothering you now RUN!!!!!!!!!!!

Paleobug · Nov 2, 2003

I am not a nurse yet, I'm still taking pre-regs. However, I do know that I would rather be puked, pissed, and pooped on by a patient any day than continue to be pooped on by casino management on the not so fabulous Las Vegas strip.

And that's the truth.

Sari_noel · Nov 2, 2003

I was really worried my ability to handle the "yuckies" when I started my first clinical. (Had a bad experience with a trach. suction a few years before hand) But, when I got in there and started dealing with the pt's I realized that the person was way more important to me then the "yuckies" were.

Worthy · Nov 3, 2003

Originally posted by Lovermont
If you've ever been a patient inadvertently producing the "yuckies" you'll understand how important it is as a nurse to maintain composure & show compassion. It is terribly embarrassing as a patient to be in this situation.

As a direct result of being near death, and almost having a "yuckie" experience, I decided while in the hospital that I wanted to be a nurse. Carissa

Amen!!!!

After a horrific experience after dental surgery, and a nightmare with Norwalk virus last year, I will NEVER EVER look down or not be able to try to help someone who is going through what can be the most humiliating experience ever.

I will never, ever forget the compassion of the nurse who looked after me after a horrible reaction to anesthesia after the surgery. She was amazing, and she was my inspiration to go back to school to become a nurse.

The yukkies were never my concern - I have horses and I have been pooped on, bled on, helped with foalings, infections etc. No bodily fluid scares me :)

I won't scream out "DON'T BE A NURSE" because you asked the question honestly and were looking for answers, not condescension. However, no, I don't see a way out of the "yukkies". You, and only you, will be able to tell if you can get past that or not. Good luck.

Trauma Columnist · Nov 3, 2003

The maggots are kinda icky though - don't you think guys???

Paleobug · Nov 3, 2003

I thought that maggots are helpful because they eat the decaying flesh.

bellehill, RN · Nov 3, 2003

Maggots are cool, just watch where you step! :chuckle

iliel · Nov 3, 2003

WOW, I'm suprised by the number of "maybe you shouldn't be a nurse" post and by comments like maybe you need to grow up. I'm sorry, but that's not tough love, it's just plain rude.

I didn't know how I was going to be in these types of situations until I was in them. I don't know of anyone who's made a big deal when something "yukkie" happens. You'll find yourself dealing with it, you may suprise yourself. I can't tell you how many times I thought I was going to pass out, but one day I realized that this is worse for them than it is for me, and I just got over it. Now it dosn't bother me in the least. You do, and will become numb to it.

Please don't listen to the ppl who tell you not to become a nurse. If you want it, you'll find ways to deal with it.

I wish you luck and try to hang in there. Try not to concentrate on it when you see it, you'll do fine.

Agnus · Nov 3, 2003

This is a variation on a theme. You do get over it.

However, I can't help wonder why somone with so much of an adversion would want to go into nursing? This really puzzles me as it is obvious that you know this is a big part of it. Can anyone enlighten me?

SmilingBluEyes · Nov 3, 2003

Iliel...respectfully disagree.

this person should NOT be a nurse.

really.

when one sees nothing but "puke, crap, piss and vomit" one fails to see a human being. failure to see the human being behind these so-called "yukkies" seems to me, failure to have the right stuff to be a good nurse.

it's not rude to point this out; it may be life-saving really. for this OP or her potential/future patients.

nuff said. when you become a nurse, you will see this, iliel.:imbar

iliel · Nov 3, 2003

Deb, I respect your point, I guess what I was refering to was some of the harshness in the other posts.

In my current job I work with a lot of this stuff, can't tell you how many times I've been puked on among other things. :rolleyes:

I can see how if someone can't keep their cool under this kind of pressure, it could be a real danger to a patient. For instance, if (and they have) a patient vomits while lightly sedated in the chair and I freak out, I need to be able to suction ASAP.

I do wish this person gave us a little more to go on.