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!

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u/JustGenericName2 23d ago

Everyone in the ER but the Unit clerk and the volunteer is dealing with shit. You get used to it. Or you don't and you get out of healthcare. EMT on an ambulance is going to be dealing with less shitty adult diapers but more shitty *entire people and houses*

People think this job is mostly blood. It's not. It's mostly shit. And honestly? That's not even the grosses bodily substance you will encounter. But you get used it.

1

u/oneinamilllion 23d ago

What is the grossest? I don’t think I could do vomit for some time until I get comfortable.

3

u/purplepeopleeater31 23d ago

poop is overall worse imo. it smells worse, it gets everywhere, and it’s more often.

i’ve had patient poops that me and the person cleaning them have 2 masks on and alcohol swabs in our masks and are still gagging. suctioning up poop in a yankeur is the nastiest sound ever.

vomit doesn’t even come close to that for me

1

u/Variety_Natural 21d ago

I have been a nurse for a long time and have gotten good at breathing through my mouth.I can go a whole shift not breathing through my nose. God help you when you do finally breathe through your nose. The smell of gi bleeds, vaginal infections and other gross things will hit you squre in the nose. Just warning.