Oh the wonderful smells

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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So guys and gals, during my clinical experience there were many new and exciting smells i was exposed to (first time in my life I changed a diaper believe it or not). I did not gag, and it did not interfere with my work, but it definitely made me want to get out of the room a bit quicker, and that is not the approach i want to have. What do you all do to deal with those wonderful smells? I have heard of putting things under the nose, what do you use? essential oils? vapor rub? any unique, creative, and affordable ideas are welcome! I think it would be great to get everyones input here just to see what we all do different and the methods we share. Thanks in advance!

I had the joy of emptying a colostomy bag into a bedpan this morning and then discovering that the hopper spray on his toilet didn't work. I got to transport it down to the dirty utility room and everyone got to experience the delicate aroma wafting from me.

although cdiff is just contact precautions, a mask is appropriate when the contaminant may be aerosolized. if it is too hot for you, try not tying the mask too tight in these situations.

random fact, an alcohol pad can temporarily reduce nausea and i've seen it work for my patients... and myself.

also, the patient doesn't usually mind opening the window a little (they don't want to smell it either). distraction works both ways...the more i focus on them the less i need to worry about myself.

When I was a new CNA I always kept a few strong cinnamon mints in my pocket to use when changing residents' briefs. Boy, did that come in handy the first time I had to change a colostomy bag -- the resident also had C. diff. To this day I cannot stand anything with cinnamon in it because I associate it with you-know-what. :barf01:

Specializes in Cardiac.

I say embrace it. just force yourself to get used to the smells...before you know it, you won't even notice.

Specializes in Long term care.

Poop never really bothered me....however...a colostomy bag is a little harder to hold back the "omg this is the most awfullest smelling thing in the world"...and having someone poop clots of blood out of their rectum well attempting to change their brief after just two weeks of being a NAR is a "OMG, I a going to vomit if I don't get out of this really hot, nauseating, steamy room"

When I took my CNA classes I was told not to chew gum because there has to be particles floating around in the air and when you breathe in it would get on your gum and you'd be chew that all day. So I was wondering if that was true and if it is would mints/gum be a good idea when changing a dirty brief? I know this may seem like a really stupid thought, but I tend to be a but gullible too. lol :o

When I took my CNA classes I was told not to chew gum because there has to be particles floating around in the air and when you breathe in it would get on your gum and you'd be chew that all day. So I was wondering if that was true and if it is would mints/gum be a good idea when changing a dirty brief? I know this may seem like a really stupid thought, but I tend to be a but gullible too. lol :o

Oh my Lord, I think this post just ruined my entire life. :eek:

I had never heard of it before, but it certainly seems plausible (OK, I'm gullible, too).

I really hope somebody can come along and prove this wrong. :)

I'm sure we are inadvertently inhaling all sorts of yummy particles all day long, but this just sounds worse.

Specializes in CNA.

Spits gum out...gahhh!! :barf01:

I think ostomies beat cdiff...

Specializes in ER.
When I took my CNA classes I was told not to chew gum because there has to be particles floating around in the air and when you breathe in it would get on your gum and you'd be chew that all day. So I was wondering if that was true and if it is would mints/gum be a good idea when changing a dirty brief? I know this may seem like a really stupid thought, but I tend to be a but gullible too. lol :o

Totally true. I've heard that cdiff spreads that way in vulnerable populations. So if you have a bit of loose stool when you get home, make sure you wash/disinfect thoroughly.

Specializes in LTC.

Eww. Chew with your mouth closed, I guess? On that note, don't breathe through your mouth either, gum or not.

I think the poop that smells the worst (to me at least) comes from people who take iron. C-diff and ostomies don't really bother me but that black, tarry iron poop really sticks to my nose.

Eww. Chew with your mouth closed, I guess? On that note, don't breathe through your mouth either, gum or not.

I think I remember from anatomy that small amounts of air that you breathe in through your nose will end up in your mouth, whether your mouth is closed or not. By extension, "particles" inhaled through your nose could then end up in your mouth, gum or not.

I don't really want to think about it, but I bet all of us are running around with minute amounts of fecal matter in our noses and mouths the entire shift. :crying2:

This really makes me consider purchasing one of those airtight HAZMAT suits for work. CDC, here I come!!

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