Volunteer / Nursing Question

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Hi everyone,

I want to be a nurse really bad but I don't know if I am cut out for it. Reasons being:

1-I have a very weak stomach

2-I am extremely over emotional when it comes to death and seeing others cry

However, I still want to try - I want to see if I can do it. I love the salary, I would love to help people, I love the fact that you only work 3-4 times a week, and that everyday is different - it is not boring.

I am currently taking general classes - and before I begin taking the pre-req's I want to make sure I am not making a mistake and I could handle being a nurse so next week I am starting orientation at Winthrop hospital where I will be volunteering in the ER. I am hoping I will be able to focus, think professionally and not let my weaknesses get in the way. I am really going to try hard, and hope I can make it.

Did any of you have any of the issues I am having?

Also, do you know more or less what I will be doing as a volunteer?

I know none of you know me, but do you think I will be able to get over the weak stomach and sensitivity thing? I'm hoping it is something I can get used to with time.

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Specializes in Home Health, Geriatrics.

The fact that you acknowledge your weaknesses and are doing something to overcome them by volunteering is showing you are on the right track. Some of us never lose their squeamishness over certain things. I for one, cannot tolerate anything from the lung. I can hold your guts in my hands but if you spit up something and want to show me, I am going to gag. I've been a nurse for a long time and still get this reaction. Also, I cry with my patients and their families. There is a distancing that you learn after a while but I still cry with them. I don't attend funerals of patients anymore. It's too overwhelming. When I lose the ability to care and feel compassion, I will get out of nursing immediately. For you, I feel that you are on the right track. Volunteering will allow you to see different aspects of the medical field and will let you get a bit of hands on such as bringing blankets, drinks, emptying bedpans, etc. Nothing glamorous, but it will show you what it's all about. It's not about the money because if we were truly paid what we are worth, the hospitals could not afford us. Best of luck to you and let us know how you make out. :icon_hug:

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How often do RNs have to clean bedpans?

Dumb Question: Do you put it under the patient, then when they are done they call you and you just dump it in a sink or something?

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Specializes in Home Health, Geriatrics.

There's no set limit to how often you have to clean out a bedpan or a diaper. I'm one of those nurses that just because I have a lot of initials after my name, I can't be bothered to help someone to the bathroom, empty a bedpan, etc. Part of the territory. The bedpan goes under the patient and when they are finished, you take it into their bathroom and flush it down the commode. There is usually an arm on the toilet that pulls down and allows you to rinse out the bedpan. You're gonna do just fine! Keep me posted on how you do.

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That dosnt sound too bad. I could grab the pan walk as FAST as I can to the bathroom and try not to look at it. If I do gag (which I am sure I will - I am gagging just thinking of it) atleast I will be in the bathroom and not in front of anyone

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Specializes in Home Health, Geriatrics.
That dosnt sound too bad. I could grab the pan walk as FAST as I can to the bathroom and try not to look at it. If I do gag (which I am sure I will - I am gagging just thinking of it) atleast I will be in the bathroom and not in front of anyone

You ought to see me when I have to suction someone! Aaak! :o Try not to think about it so much. You'll soon realize that you can handle it!

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Thank you so much! I feel better! Everyone keeps telling me they give me less than an hour and I will be out the door - but I really want to try!

I feel like if I can do this then I am set!

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Specializes in Home Health, Geriatrics.

You hang in there and prove them wrong! That would be enough for me to show everyone I could do this. PM me if you need an extra boost of courage. We're all rooting for you. You CAN and you WILL do this! I know you will. :icon_hug:

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Specializes in RN- Med/surg.

I used to be the girliest, easily upset stomach, emotional person etc.. WHen people found out I was a nursing assistant/going to school for RN they laughed.

Now..I just graduated. I have a job I LOVE...and make over $25 an hour.

The first couple of years, there were times I almost quit. (pt with colon cancer...stood up and lost what looked like a gallon of blood from her rectum)...but I stuck it out. I still gag sometimes..but you try your best to hide it from the pt. As time goes on you get used to some things (really urine is the least of the problems).

As far as emotions..I really worried here. Finally I had a nurse who told me it was OK to cry when someone died..that it showed the family I cared. I try NOT to...but if i do...it's ok.

Good luck to you...if you have a heart for nursing..go for it. THe world needs more caring nurses.

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