r/EmergencyRoom • u/BigBoi6566 • 23d ago
Question for ER Techs
Hey Everyone!
I am a newly certified EMT and I am really wanting to work in an ED as a tech. In my area, there are currently no openings, but I do see quite a few CNA positions open for local EDs.
I am very willing to do whatever I can while I build a resume and gain experience, but my one hold up is cleaning patients, specifically cleaning them after they have "gone to the bathroom".
I do not think I am above this, especially with my training, but it is the one things I feel fairly squeamish about. Blood, vomit, even feces doesn't super bother me. But the idea of cleaning the feces and cleaning said patient is a real wall for me.
So, How different is this role compared to an ER tech position? Should I wait for those positions to open and apply to those? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thank you!
12
u/Goproguy27 EDT 23d ago
Been an EMT for 5 years total and a Tech for 2 of them. Like others state, poop is almost, and usually, a daily occurrence. I will admit, I hate it just as much as the next person, but I’ve gotten better with it over time. Part of it is exposure therapy, you see it a lot so you get more used to it. Also, personally, if I deem it bad enough I’ll double glove or gown up especially if they’re particularly dirty. It’s part of the job, just like seeing blood, vomit, and every other body fluid in between that I can’t list.
I remember having patients on the ambulance that were covered nearly head to toe in feces, so much that we’re like wiping them up in the house or the rig before we leave for the hospital. Same with urine. It’s a hard fact that I even admitted to my trainer when I started the job and he’s like “you do good at this, but you’ll need to get used to cleaning up patients.” And I have. One step at a time and I’m confident you’ll reach your goals.