Student Nurse with a poop problem

Nurses Men

Published

Ok, please don't laugh or deride me, but I'm wrapping up my first semester in an accelerated second degree BSN program. I've had four clinical days so far and in our program we fly solo from day one with one instructor for every 8 students backing us up if we have questions. On my fourth day working with patients, I had to walk out when another student asked for an assist cleaning up her patient who had a huge watery BM that was up his back, down his legs, up between his thighs and all over his genitals. I had just completely my third bedpan/clean up on my assigned patient, and the smell of my co-students patient was just too much. I turned green, nearly vomitted and walked out and found another student to help her. I knew poop was going to be a part of nursing and nursing school prior to starting this, but I didn't think the smell would kick my ass like it did on Wednesday. Does it get easier to deal with? It's not the sight, idea, or concept of cleaning it up, I don't feel gross, dirty or shameful like some people have said on this forum after cleaning up a patient. The smell just kicks my ass after a while. The three bedpans earlier that day were a cake walk, but something about this one was just too much. I need some advice and pointers. Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

You know, I'd have to say that after 22 years of being a nurse, certain repulsive smells still affect me as much as they did when I started. However, I've learned to deal with it by preparing for a situation that might get smelly...like doubling up on face masks, using odor neutralizer sprays, sucking on mint candies, etc. Even as an NP, I am not protected from smells.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

Sounds like the pt had one of those foul smelling C-Diff BMs that can threw you for a loop (Did you have to gown up?)...or a chronic constipation that is a setup for a blow out...

It gets better with time. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

It does get better, but a peppermint or tictac goes a long way to helping.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cath/EP lab, CCU, Cardiac stepdown.

Breath thru your mouth, and if the patient is c.diff get your mask. It helps. Also you can put a dab of a scented chap stick on your nose prior to going in and hopefully it covers some of the smell, just don't do it in front of the patient

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

FYI

C-diff is mushy, with a very strong smell

In confirmed, or suspected, cases the patient should be on contact isolation.

gowns, gloves, hand washing (not waterless), and bleach wipes (not the usual cavi-wipes or whatever you routinely use).

Bleach wipes are for cleaning solid surfaces, not the patient.

and yeah, it does get more tolerable.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Vicks vapo rub under your nose or even slightly in the nares and a mask.....it gets better but there are days....WOW...it is just too much. C-diff is oneopf the worst. We hear you....sigh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in retired LTC.

To OP - don't feel bad. It gets to most of all of us once in a while. There are some nasty things out there. You'll note there are old threads on AN about nurses' most yuckee things. We all get caught up now & then. And we all have them, yes we do.

You're just earning your stripes now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"huge watery BM that was up his back, down his legs, up between his thighs and all over his genitals."

Great description, bet your charting is spot on! :D Yes, I laughed, but with you... not at you.

Agree with breathing through your mouth, ( never fails for me) and the Vick's.

C-Diff, release of bowel obstruction ,and bloody stools are particularly nasty.

I think you handled it well, getting some one else to assist was a good idea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

I can tell you this: it does get better. The odors don't change, however your tolerance of them will. Just be ever so very thankful that you're not stuck in the back of an ambulance when this happens. I've had it happen... and there's nowhere to escape and nobody you can call to switch with you. What's worse is that often there's not enough supplies on board to clean the mess up and usually nothing except a very anemic vent to suck the fumes out. Add in a medic with a sensitive stomach to odors and things can get really messy...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I have seen experienced nurses stop and gag over particularly bad smells. It happens sometimes. It gets better... sort of... but the same smells that make you sick now may still make you sick in the future.

I'll take a C. diff over a GI bleed any day... just saying...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for all the tips. I bought mint oil and Vicks for my scrub pocket. Hoping this weeks clinical days are better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment