Angela21

Jollylama, this is a good question and I'm so glad you asked it. I actually came across this post while simply searching "renal failure" because I'm currently studying this in preparation for NCLEX and have found searching for whatever I'm studying on allnurses to be a very useful way to study. This is a perfect case in point -- HodgieRN, I just wanted to say thank you so much for your very detailed but easy to understand posts. In nursing school we were told of things like "troponin" and how the levels should be checked when an MI is suspected but we were never told the why behind it. I wasn't aware that RF (and the other things you mentioned) cause the level to be elevated nor was I aware we all have some minimal level of troponin present at all times. Reading your post I found myself just delighted because it made absolutely perfect sense! I know I will never forget this now. Your explanation of the GFR and why RF patients develop anemia was also great. I had a good idea about those two but your explanation really set it clear in my mind. I really cannot properly express my gratitude to you and nurses like you that are willing to go above and beyond to help their fellow and future fellow nurses! Simply put, you guys rock! :)

I just finished my first semester of nursing school and I just wanted to let you know that I had the same feeling you did on numerous occasions. It wasn't about poop or anything like that but I was extremely nervous to be on my own. I can't tell you how many times I thought to myself "Oh man, what have I gotten myself into!? I'm not sure I can do this." but then I reminded myself why I chose to pursue nursing in the first place. I love helping people, making people feel good and I find the human body completely fascinating. Your mind set is going to have a lot to do with it. If you keep in mind why you're doing it, how you will be helping others to feel well and get better, I think it may help. Also, keep in mind when you're having to take a sample of the patient's bowel movement how you would feel in their place. Do your best to focus on that and how you can make them feel most comfortable. I really feel for you because I truly understand how scary it can be but just hang in there. I wish you the best of luck. Edit: I realized I didn't really address your question on whether RNs have to clean up poop. I'll say that I rarely saw anyone other that nursing students and CNAs cleaning up bodily fluids in my clinicals but as my instructor told us, that is not how it's suppose to be. You do not call a CNA to do something simply because you find it gross. The only reason you should call for a CNA for any job is if you're extremely busy and have to tend to other vital things. (Any nurses can correct me if I am wrong on this.)