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If you have a weak stomach now will it affect wanting to be a #nurse?

I’m notorious for having a weak stomach but I want to become a nurse; does over time people learn to deal with it. #Nurse #nursing #healthcare #medicine #hospital-and-health-care

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Alexis’s Answer

Definitely not . I work in the Emergency Room and it is still things like blood or poop, vomit , & even suctions a trach out that still get to my stomach . Ive found that since being a nurse my nose and feet don't mix well . Nevertheless, having a weak stomach does not make nursing not the career for you . Go for it :)
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Angela’s Answer

In my 35 years of nursing, I have had many specialities that did not cause my body to react in a negative way. Psychology/ mental health does have positions where you are not exposed to blood, vomit or any other bodily secretions. In my personal experience I was not a fan of suctioning but I focused on making the Client comfortable so the focus wasn’t on my own discomfort.
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Carolann’s Answer

If you want to be a Nurse you obviously want to help people. While in school you will learn alot of science and how the body works and about variius diseases. You will also learn the many ways that nurses can help someone to feel and get better. You will begin to think about "What can I do to make this person better" and you will focus more on the patient. Thoughts of yourself and how you feel will fade to the background. The patient will need you and you will be able to jump into action and thoughts of yourself will be secondary. Later with your co-workers you can review how you felt. As an effective nurse, you will be surprised how they come first.

Carolann recommends the following next steps:

Remember that you will learn so much that will help you overcome this.
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Rachel’s Answer

Having a weak stomach won't stop you from being a great nurse! Over time, with exposure, the overwhelming feelings usually get better (although they may not completely go away). Also,there are MANY kinds of nurses and if something really bothers you (like sputum, blood or feces) you can find a specialty that doesn't often care for patients with those issues. Nursing is a team sport and if you face something that bothers you, chances are it doesn't bother a coworker as much. We often lean on our teammates to help us through it.

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Lizz’s Answer

I also have a weak stomach. I gag when thinking about bodily fluids; however, when I am caring for my patients my concern is their care. I often don’t realize I have cleaned up items that would normally make me wrench!
I also have a phobia of eyeballs. I can not do any treatments near the eyes. The trick is to negotiate with your teammates to do the tasks you can’t, but in return- you must do something they struggle with as well!
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Brianne’s Answer

I was notorious in nursing school for having a weak stomach or almost passing out. As you are exposed to situations, your mind and stomach grow accustomed to smells, blood, bodily fluids and such. If this is a career you want, don’t let your stomach stop you.
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Christine’s Answer

I think that the more experience you get and the more you are exposed to the less sensitive you will become. Start by volunteering in healthcare settings (hospital, private clinic, community clinic).
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Herbert N.’s Answer

There are many many career steps once you get your degree in nursing that have nothing to do with anything that would affect a weak stomach. I've had nurses tell me they can't stand blood but yet there are dozens of career tracks that you are never exposed to blood.
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Gloria’s Answer

Nursing in hospitals and home care involve a lot of care that may involve situations tht may cause a person with a weak stomach to be uncomfortable, but honestly it depends on what makes you feel like you have those uncomfortable feelings.
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Kristen’s Answer

I used to have a weak stomach when it came to blood, vomit, and poop. I started working in hospitals as a tech (physical therapy and ER). If I was observing, I would get light-headed, but if I jumped in to help I had no problems. I worked in a trauma center as an ER nurse for many years, and I got over my weak stomach super fast. Well, bad nose injuries still make my skin crawl, but nothing else bothers me now.

Kristen recommends the following next steps:

Take the first step and sign up to be a junior volunteer in a hospital.
Take Heath professions classes in high school
Get your CNA.
Work as a CNA to make money and gain invaluable experience while you go to school to become a nurse
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Rachel’s Answer

There are many different opportunities in nursing. Some of those opportunities require a strong stomach and other do not. In nursing school you will be exposed to a number of different types of nursing which will help you identify the best fit.
I say go for it.
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Lawrence’s Answer

Absolutely!!
You go thru training and get comfortable with healthcare
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Annie’s Answer

Having a weak stomach now most likely will never affect your nursing career. Nurses focus on caring and helping people feel better so we easily overlook the vomit and other bodily fluids when in the middle of a situation. That’s isnt to say you wont gag hearing someone else’s patient making vomiting noises from down the hospital hallway but when the patient belongs to your care the only focus is administering the remedy. Most ugly situations become second nature. We often giggle while changing a patient when realizing we are talking about what we are having for lunch ! Being a nurse is truly a calling, if you are called you will not notice your weak stomach at all. Nurses put others needs before their own so eating, using the bathroom, fainting or throwing up does not occur until after the patient is stabilized and situation is over. Hope this helps ! - Annie, RN
Thank you comment icon I agree to a point. I have worked with nurses in an oncology ward that would be vomiting with their patients. I certainly wouldn't let this stop you from being a nurse. I cant stand to watch surgeries and things on TV , videos because they gross me out but I Love to watch surgeries. There are so many jobs that you could do where you wouldn't have to deal with such things. Susan Bruner
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Alyssa’s Answer

Hi Jada, I use to have a weak stomach. Hearing or seeing vomit never sat well with me when I was around my sick patients. In the beginning it was rough but I would wear a mask for the smell or turn my head away while comforting my patients as I held the bucket for them. In time your body adjust to sights and sounds of things that did not sit well with you before. I can honestly say like the other nurses that caring for your patient is the greatest value to this career. A lot of nurses that you will work with also give you tips and tricks that may have worked for them when they are around things that they can't stomach. Wound care also was another sight that my stomach could not handle but over time my stomach became stronger. It's kind of funny because it's your mental strength that gets you through this career. You'll go through a lot but you will come out on top! Hope this helps I think you'll wonderful. Its a rewarding career
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Yasemin’s Answer

Hi Jada! I think it's great that you want to be a nurse; my best friend is on this path as well and she loves it. Honestly I use to have a weak stomach too but when I decided to become a physician I outgrew it so it's definitely possible to outgrow it as well. As I got more experience in the medical field I realized that seeing certain things weren't as hard as I thought it might be especially when it relates to the human body and health, therefore I would recommend to get more experience by volunteering and having direct contact with patients. It will help in making your decision more certain for the nursing field! In addition not all nurses are ER nurses which is where most of the action can be; I've met nurses who work alongside different physicians such as plastic surgeons or pediatricians and these can be areas where it can be a calmer environment.

I hope this helps!
Best of luck!
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Georgia’s Answer

A weak stomach is similar to fear. For example, a person may be afraid of bodily fluids because it appears gross, but during nursing school you learn about the body and how it produces these fluids and their functions. You realize the importance of blood for example. And understand how vital it is to saving someone’s life. You can get over your fear and become a wonderful nurse. It takes curiosity, dedication and most of all a caring heart to help others.
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Marie’s Answer

Pick your specialty patient population carefully. I went into Neonatal Intensive care (NICU) because thier poop and vomit is easy to handle. Love my babies 👶 💕
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Jada,

Could a sensitive stomach hinder your desire to pursue a nursing career?

Choosing to become a nurse is an admirable and fulfilling career path that demands commitment, empathy, and tenacity. However, those with a sensitive stomach might find the medical environment challenging due to exposure to various sights, smells, and situations that could cause discomfort. It's crucial to contemplate how your sensitivities might influence your performance in a healthcare setting.

How to handle a sensitive stomach in nursing:

Frequent Exposure and Desensitization: Many people discover that they become less sensitive to the typical sights and smells in healthcare settings over time. Regular exposure to these factors can aid in developing coping strategies and slowly overcoming initial reactions.

Education and Support: Nursing programs often offer training on handling difficult situations and emotions that arise in the field. Moreover, finding support from colleagues, mentors, or mental health professionals can be helpful in creating strategies to manage a sensitive stomach.

Choosing a Specialty: Certain nursing specialties may have less exposure to triggers that affect those with sensitive stomachs. For instance, administrative roles or fields like research or education within the healthcare sector may provide alternative career paths for those who find certain aspects of patient care challenging.

Prioritizing Self-care: It's crucial for nurses, particularly those with sensitivities, to prioritize self-care to maintain their well-being. Activities that boost mental and emotional resilience, like mindfulness, exercise, and seeking professional help when necessary, can help manage stressors associated with a sensitive stomach.

Professional Development: As nurses gain experience and confidence, they often find their ability to handle challenging situations improves. Ongoing learning and professional development can also enhance skills in managing discomfort and staying calm in various healthcare situations.

In conclusion, while a sensitive stomach may create initial hurdles for those aspiring to be nurses, there are strategies and resources available to help manage this aspect of the profession. With determination, support, and self-awareness, many find ways to deal with their sensitivities and thrive in their nursing careers.

Top 3 Reliable Sources Used:

American Nurses Association (ANA): The ANA is a professional body that establishes standards for nursing practice in the United States. Their resources offer valuable insights into the challenges nurses face and strategies for professional development.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): The NIH is a prominent research institution that provides evidence-based information on various health-related subjects. Their research on stress management and coping strategies can be especially relevant for nurses dealing with sensitivities.

Journal of Nursing Education: This academic journal publishes research articles on nursing education and practice. Insights from studies in this journal can provide valuable perspectives on how nurses build resilience and overcome career challenges.

GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
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