How to handle disgust as a CNA

[vampyre_angel]

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Hi, I'm currently in a CNA program as a junior (about to be a senior) in high school. I decided to work as a CNA to gain exposure to the medical field and maybe boost my chances of getting into a BS/MD program (even though I'm honestly cooked for those since I didn't do any medical internships or clubs lol)

I was wondering if anyone has any tips for getting over disgust as a CNA? not to sound like a spoiled princess but I've never cleaned poo or pee except for the occasional doggy dumps. I really need to get over this disgust if I want to be an OBGYN, and working as a CNA involves lots of gross fluids, so I'm hoping to desensitize myself. I also want to build empathy with patients.

I'm going to try my best to get a job where I only work 1 8-12 hour shift a week. I already have another job at Kumon 6 hrs a week.

My current strategies:
- imagine the patient is one of my grandparents needing help
- remind myself that in 70 years it might be me needing this kind of care and I should give them dignity & not focus on the grossness
- double up on masks, double up on gloves, lavender vicks under the nose
- chew mint gum
-mint spray
- breathable waterproof sleeves under my scrubs (easy to wash)
- personal soap and sanitizing kit to use in between patient care activities
-towels + wipes + febreeze to spray on self + change of clothes in my car
- car seat cover + steering wheel cover to not bring work germs home

is this overboard? i just am so squeamish but I really wanna get over my 'ick' before college when my clinical hours for real start to matter. Also I've been volunteering at this nursing home since freshman year so I wanna help the residents as well 🙂

If anyone has tips I would greatly appreciate it!

 

[pedneuro6894]

You're way overthinking this. Just learn to mouth breathe and you'll be fine. Also, as a bonus, if your brain comes equipped with an autopilot mode, use it with the gross stuff.

 

[LostPreLaw]

Honestly the first two strategies should be enough. All the accessories are nice but there will be times when you will not have access to those and nevertheless will have to perform your duties.

 

[X0001234]

I've worked as a CNA, and the only strategy I've used is reminding myself that I'm getting paid...

 

[kaytea]

You get over it pretty quickly imo, but if smells are really bothering you feel free to do the vicks+mask combo. I found that learning how to mouth breathe was enough 99% of the time. Having work shoes was something I hadn't really thought about, but if you can get waterproof shoes that can be your dedicated work shoes I'd do that. Waterproof shoes (not crocs) were honestly so nice esp when showering residents and it made them really easy to clean if anything did get on them. Having a spare set of scrubs in your car is a good idea too, jic

 

[vampyre_angel]

I've worked as a CNA, and the only strategy I've used is reminding myself that I'm getting paid...

im getting paid $12 an hour since im still a minor sadly.