Squeamishness

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All right, I'm in school right now, I'm still a bit uncertain about getting up close and personal with patients. Someone told me that they thought it would be unlikely that lots of people would be comfortable with that right off the bat. So how did you guys learn to deal with it?

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Uncomfortable how? Talking with patients? Cleaning them up? What makes you uncomfortable?

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to AN.com, Dinatg!

As the old saying goes, "Practice provides opportunity for possible improvement". Just let it happen. It'll become more natural after a while.

You may also want to observe others who are seasoned individuals, emulate their style, and make it your own.

Good luck to you, Dinatg!

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.

You could volunteer or become a CNA, phlebotomist, ECG technician, etc while in school to give you that edge you're seeking and maybe a foot in the door when it comes time for you to graduate and apply...

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I meant specifically that I'll have to deal with patient's privates (peri-care, catherization, etc.)

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I meant specifically that I'll have to deal with patient's privates (peri-care, catherization, etc.)

Desensitization.

Once you've seen a few naked bodies, you've seen them all.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
Desensitization.

Once you've seen a few naked bodies, you've seen them all.

Tru Dat ;-)

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You just do it. You explain each thing ahead of time in a matter of fact, professional manner. Often people have already had it done before and they understand. Once you've seen one member you have seen them all. Female urethras are a whole different thing. They hide.

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Specializes in Medical-Surgical/Float Pool/Stepdown.
You just do it. You explain each thing ahead of time in a matter of fact, professional manner. Often people have already had it done before and they understand. Once you've seen one member you have seen them all. Female urethras are a whole different thing. They hide.

I can unfortunately attest that some member' hide as well...talk about being introverted...

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You don't look at their parts as sexual, you look st them as anatomical.

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I can unfortunately attest that some member' hide as well...talk about being introverted...

I think I purposely forgot those. I'm still traumatized.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

You learn to make it less awkward, for your patient's sake. You explain what's going to happen just before you do it, say why it's important, and help them be as covered and comfortable as possible. For example, there is no reason to give a bath without a bath blanket. Wash one section of the body at a time and let the patient be covered anywhere you're not working. Once you do need baths, foleys, etc. a few times, it doesn't feel anywhere near as weird. It's just part of the work.

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