Weak Stomach

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

HI my name is Jamie and this is my second semester in my 2 1/2 year program to become an RN. Right now I am taking Nursing Fundaments; therefore I am bathing, changing beds and cleaning bedpans...... I am so worried because I have a weak stomach and I don't want that to stop me from finishing this program......I really want to become a nurse!!! Any advise or tips that might help?

Thanks!! :o)

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If it is smells that get to you, put a few dabs of vicks vapor rub under your nose-blocks out any smells. (I clean horse stalls with strong ammonia and can't smell a thing).

If its sound that bothers you, try humming.

If its visual, try not to think about what the patient is doing (vomiting, etc.) instead be thinkin about other ways you could make them comfortable or not actually think about the physical action of them getting sick, etc. Although it doesn't always work. I saw some awful wounds and I couldn't take it. Nobody can go through nursing not being grossed out by something. Unless you are putting your patient in danger, it is ok to go out in the hall and take a rest. :)

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HI my name is Jamie and this is my second semester in my 2 1/2 year program to become an RN. Right now I am taking Nursing Fundaments; therefore I am bathing, changing beds and cleaning bedpans...... I am so worried because I have a weak stomach and I don't want that to stop me from finishing this program......I really want to become a nurse!!! Any advise or tips that might help?

Thanks!! :o)

Ginger tablets are available in many healthfood sections. They can help settle the stomach. :barf02:

Good Luck.

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I have been an ED nurse for 8 1/2 years. I still can't handle vomit or poop. I gagged when I chenged my kids diapers. Heck I even gag when picking my dog's poop out of the yard. Funny thing tho I could have a patient present with their brains coming out of their eye sockets and missing extremities and I could sit next to them and enjoy christmas dinner. Everyone has their limits. Just keep with it and you will be ok. :barf01:

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Go to a store like FreshMarket or Whole Foods and buy ginger ale with REAL ginger in it. (I know that here at the Whole Foods a six-pack of the 365 ginger ale is $2.99, so it's not ridiculously expensive.) It tastes good, doesn't have caffeine in it, and will help your tummy!

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I have been an ED nurse for 8 1/2 years. I still can't handle vomit or poop. I gagged when I chenged my kids diapers. Heck I even gag when picking my dog's poop out of the yard. Funny thing tho I could have a patient present with their brains coming out of their eye sockets and missing extremities and I could sit next to them and enjoy christmas dinner. Everyone has their limits. Just keep with it and you will be ok. :barf01:

I am the exact same way!! I would be like, "cool!" if it is brains, but god forbid I have to throw away a little urine. especially if the poo is mixed in (gagging as we speak)

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Candied ginger! It's amazing for curing nausea!

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If it is smells that get to you, put a few dabs of vicks vapor rub under your nose-blocks out any smells. (I clean horse stalls with strong ammonia and can't smell a thing).

If its sound that bothers you, try humming.

If its visual, try not to think about what the patient is doing (vomiting, etc.) instead be thinkin about other ways you could make them comfortable or not actually think about the physical action of them getting sick, etc. Although it doesn't always work. I saw some awful wounds and I couldn't take it. Nobody can go through nursing not being grossed out by something. Unless you are putting your patient in danger, it is ok to go out in the hall and take a rest. :)

Excellent idea!

I too, hav a weak stomach and my husband thinks that it is funny that I want to do nursing but can't stand to pick up dog poo! I have been doing it more often so that I can "build up my ammunities:chuckle )

I know that I will rub a perfume sample on my nose before I go into the animal shelter and it will work pretty well for me. I am guessing that Vicks would work a heck of a lot better though.

Thanks for the suggestion!

Melody:clown:

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Specializes in Correctional RN.
hi my name is jamie and this is my second semester in my 2 1/2 year program to become an rn. right now i am taking nursing fundaments; therefore i am bathing, changing beds and cleaning bedpans...... i am so worried because i have a weak stomach and i don't want that to stop me from finishing this program......i really want to become a nurse!!! any advise or tips that might help?

thanks!! :o)

back in the day, i would scrub or cases, seeing grotesque, gnarly, & oozing bodily parts. seeing did not phase me in the least-big deal. however, let me catch a whiff of it, sneaking and waffing under my surgical mask, especially bovied & cauterized "bits", i would come close to :barf02:heaving. :barf01:my solution, double up 4 x 4 gauze and place it between my nostrils and the surgical mask. :paw::rotfl:

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If you don't have Vicks' handy (like in med school or SILENCE OF THE LAMBS, haha), Carmex lip balm works well for this too (and someone is more likely to have it in their bag). Put it under the nose and even up into the nostril! Doesn't sting and will help mask offensive odors.

Off topic but Vicks' works great to keep a dog from biting or carrying his leash when you walk him, too! Great stuff!;)

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OK---I can't stand the smell of VICKS either - makes me nausious, but sometimes the smells in a hopsital are so overwhelming - Carmex works well, but the best thing is (if you can find it!) "Binaca" breath freshener spray - spray under the nose (if a little goes in, all the better) and everything will smell like peppermint candy. I find I can handle most sights if I remove the "human" thought from exposed bones, pools body fluids, exposed/squished organs - of course, in giving care we have to come back to "human" and humane - - It is funny how we can see horror movies or videos on TV and be unaffected - - - - - -

I have found that visibly rocking back and forth or side to side while observing in the OR has been more beneficial - sometimes just prolonged standing, will make me more sensitive to any sight. I had an experienced nurse tell me that once I was finished with school and more active in care while in those situations, I would be much less affected by sights and smells. Now that I am in my last semesters, I am much more involved, I do find that I am much less affected by all those sights, smells and sounds - - it really does come down to doing what needs to be done to give the best of care.

Good Luck!! and don't worry!! we all go through it - and yes - you will survive.... :pumpiron:

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OMG I can totally relate to you! During clinical I have to ask a classmate to assist me when cleaning a patient that has defecated on the bed or brief. I have to do this because I need to be on the side where the patient cannot see me because my eyes are watering and I am silently gagging (sometimes not so silently). I can handle vomit, mucus, urine, and blood--but not poop. Hell, I gag at my own poop. LOL.

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