nurs2bhopefully

I too am a nursing assistant at this time, and have had the same problem. In the first facility I worked for, They told us to be sure not to place dirty linens, soiled pads, or diapers on the floor, but instead to place them on the BEDSIDE TABLE OR THE RESIDENTS CHAIR! Excuse me? It's not ok if we step in poop but it's ok if the patient eats or sits on it! Lots of problems needless to say there. But the facility I work for now is really organized. When we go into a room we have plastic baggies and place everything in the clear bags. Now we can sit the bag on the floor, which is a huge advantage! Of course each NA has their own little ways, but the main points are the same. We put the diaper in one bag, and soiled linen in another, then take them to the cart in the hallway, linen on one side, diapers on another, and just throw the entire bag in. We do our own laundry on each shift, so we just remove the bags, turn them upside down into the washer, and it even prevents up from having to pick up the soiled linen again. (We still wear gloves of course.) Anyway, that's the method the facility I work at uses!

Thanks guys for the websites. I did find out some info that I didnt' know. It does help a little to know a little more about the procedure, but I'm still getting the hibbie jibbies just thinking about it!

Bugs in the ear, ick, I think I'd just pass out and have a heart attack on the spot if a bug flew in my ear! OK, you guys have given me a glimmer of hope that I'll never have to deal with the bug thing, hopefully. I didn't know how common it was or how often it happened. 2ndCareerRn- thank you for the link, I'll check it out- maybe it'll give me some insight! MPHKatie- Thanks for the luck- I need it, I'm really nervous! Catlady- you've given me hope!

Oh my goodness- I hope to begin an LPN program this summer, (won't know for sure until after the interview on the 21st!). I know that I can handle the vomit, bowel movements, even gross smelly infections. Even blood and guts, I'm ready for all of that. But maggots and tapeworms? Just the thought makes me want to hurl! :imbar Did anyone else have these fears before becoming a nurse? I'm not an insect person, and I'm not sure that I could handle merely observing, much less removing worms from an individual! What is the grossest thing that I can expect? How often have most of you had to deal with patients with these "situations"? Any insight on your experiences or how you learned to handle it? Should I forget going into nursing if I feel this strongly about "bugs"? Thanks in advance for ANY advice. Feeling Naucious, Sandy