The worst part of nursing?

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I just started my clinical rotations within the last two months. I know there's a student section but I wanted to get working nurses opinions. What is the worst procedure or patient care activity that you have to perform?

I can do blood, smells, poop, even puke after it is out but I really don't like the sound of vomiting. I recently watched NG tube placement. It was pretty bad. I hope they aren't all that nasty and I hope that's one of the worst things I have to do to a patient.

Please tell me what is the worst thing you have to do at your position and if you have any suggestions for me I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you!

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

I don't really think of anything related to nursing as "nasty" per se. I mean if you look at it from the other side of the bed, 100% of what we do is for the benefit of the patient. So generally I think of it that way.

However...anything respiratory makes me a bit...ick.

Tait

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Oh god.. I just saw a YouTube video of this happening.. I can deal with watching it but getting it done must hurt. A lot.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Med/Surg.

Have to agree. Nothing takes my appetite away quicker than suctioning a trach on a phlegmy patient. The ET tubes aren't as bad, but for some reason trachs are my kryptonite.

But you know what's really gross? All the mounds of documentation you need to do.

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Specializes in Acute Care Cardiac, Education, Prof Practice.

But you know what's really gross? All the mounds of documentation you need to do.

:yeahthat::sasq:

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Specializes in ICU, Psych.

management-one word says most of the story

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i am not a big fan of doing manual fecal disimpaction which i saw more so when i did a short stint in home care... though i do agree with the other posters - suctioning a phlegmy trach is not exactly my idea of a good time either.

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the worse thing of all is calling a family member and telling them that a loved one is gone

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Specializes in SICU.

I feel like many of my coworkers are worse than any patient care activity. I would gladly disempact/suction/pack a tunneled down bed sore rather than listen to them criticize and chastise other coworkers (who knows what they say about me). I went into nursing to take care of people, not listen to peers degrade my profession and themselves/eachother for 12 hours straight. (end rant now...lol):o

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the worse thing of all is calling a family member and telling them that a loved one is gone

DO NURSES BREAK THE NEWS TO PATIENTS FAMILIES?

I THOUGHT DOCTORS DID THAT!

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Specializes in Assisted Living, Med-Surg/CVA specialty.
DO NURSES BREAK THE NEWS TO PATIENTS FAMILIES?

I THOUGHT DOCTORS DID THAT!

Who do you think has to call the family at 430am? No way the MD on call will come in then just to call the family.

And my complaint about nursing would have to be pt visitors/family. Constantly asking when the Drs coming, why hasnt the Dr called, page the Dr NOW, Moms pinkie finger is sore I need a STAT Xray!!!, and the families that see the "2 visitors at a time, no children under 12" and laugh at you when you say get out!

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Specializes in ICU.

i think if i had to stop and consider what is icky about what we do....then i'd probably never do it:no:

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