Published
For all of my visceral responses (and I used to be squeamish as heck), I try to:
(a) Really focus on ~what~ I'm doing rather than the sights, smells, and sounds
(b) Think about the physiology and pathology that is producing the noxious stimulus
© Try to step away and regroup ~before~ the parasympathetic system kicks in
(d) Wearing a face shield and mask helps for some reason... just separates me that much more from the stimulus
(e) Think about it regularly when it's not right in front of me
(f) Expose myself when I'm the observer and have the freedom to step back.
I've gotten so much better but there are still things that set me off on occasion, and usually without much warning.
SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN
1,295 Posts
How does one avoid gagging while doing it?? That is my weakness, my downfall. It grosses me out more than anything. I am going into med surge 2, which is critical care, and I know that I will most likely have to do it. I even gag on the dang dummies in lab :/ The sounds, ugh!!!