Worst: A patient will vomit on you. Chances are, you’ll get puked on. It’s like being in the splash zone near a swimming pool full of kids; you’re going to get wet!
CNAs work closely with sick patients. And, if patients aren’t feeling well and throw up, it’s your job to take care of it. Whether you’re holding the bin for them to vomit in, or helping them to the bathroom to get sick, accidents happen.
Best: Better out than in! If a patient is vomiting, there’s a good reason for it and you’re part of the solution by assisting them with the exit route. The comfort you’re giving patients, along with detailed notes about their conditions for the rest of the caregiving staff could save patients’ lives. And, if you were close enough to get vomit on you, it means you were doing your job. Don’t worry; you’ll get better with your timing.