Do Registered Nurses Clean Poop? Exploring the Role of RNs in Patient Care

Registered Nurses (RNs) are an essential part of the healthcare team, providing critical care and support to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. One of the questions that often arises is whether RNs are responsible for cleaning up bodily fluids, including poop. The answer to this question is yes, but with some important caveats.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand that RNs are not typically responsible for cleaning up after patients who have had bowel movements. This task is usually performed by certified nursing assistants (CNAs) or other support staff. However, there may be situations where an RN needs to assist with toileting or cleaning up after a patient, particularly if the patient is unable to do so themselves.

In addition to providing basic care, RNs also play an important role in administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and communicating with physicians and other healthcare professionals about a patient’s condition. They are often responsible for developing care plans and overseeing the overall care of patients, working closely with other members of the healthcare team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

So, how much do RNs make? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs in the United States was $73,300 as of May 2019. However, this can vary depending on a number of factors, including experience, education level, and geographic location.

When it comes to procedures like an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), RNs play a crucial role in ensuring that the patient is prepared and comfortable before the procedure. This may involve explaining the procedure to the patient, administering medications to help them relax, and monitoring their vital signs throughout the procedure.

To become an endoscopist, a healthcare professional typically needs to complete specialized training and certification in this area. This may involve completing an endoscopy fellowship program, which can take anywhere from one to three years, depending on the specific training program.

Finally, it’s important to be aware of the potential complications of endoscopy. While this procedure is generally considered safe, there is always a risk of complications, including bleeding, infection, and perforation of the digestive tract. RNs and other healthcare professionals involved in the procedure must take appropriate precautions to minimize these risks and ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

In conclusion, RNs play a critical role in patient care, but their responsibilities may not always include cleaning up after patients who have had bowel movements. RNs are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and communicating with other healthcare professionals about a patient’s condition. While the median annual wage for RNs is relatively high, this can vary depending on a number of factors. For procedures like an EGD, RNs play an important role in ensuring that patients are prepared and comfortable before the procedure. Finally, it’s important to be aware of the potential complications of endoscopy and take appropriate precautions to minimize these risks.