Nursing is a gratifying profession, but it can also be challenging. Many nurses deal with bodily fluids daily – and while this is part of the job, some people are looking for something different. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 12 nursing jobs that don’t involve poop or pee!
From working in research to providing care in remote locations, these jobs offer unique opportunities to use your skills as a nurse without dealing with the profession’s messier aspects. You can still make a difference and help people while avoiding all the unpleasantness associated with bodily fluids.
Click here now to check out our list of 12 nursing jobs that do not involve poop or pee.
Table of Contents
Do Nurses Clean Poop?
For those interested in the nursing profession, a question often arises whether or not nurses have to clean poop. The answer is a resounding YES. While it may not be the most glamorous aspect of the job, it is an integral part of a nurse’s duties.
But The answer may vary based on different variables.
For instance, if the nurse works in a specialty field such as nursing management, then there is a good chance that he/she may not be exposed to stool all that often – depending on where they work.
On the other hand, if the nurse works on a hospital floor and takes care of multiple patients, they will likely have to clean up some stool during each shift or even multiple times throughout their shift.
Aside from the specialty area, the health status of your patients can also affect how frequently you need to address stool-related tasks.
For example, should you care for someone with an ileostomy bag, you may need to help them change their ostomy bag and clean their stoma.
Similarly, if they need to get an in-patient colonoscopy, you’ll have to help them prepare for it by offering a solution meant to cleanse their colon – resulting in you having to deal with stool. In addition, GI infections like C. diff can cause incontinence and diarrhea, requiring nurses to take extra precautions while cleaning up the mess.
It’s hard to give an exact answer as the frequency may vary significantly according to different factors.
Regardless, all nurses should be prepared for such occurrences as part of their job requirements and duties.
What Kind of Nurse does Not Deal with Poop or Pee?
When most people think of nursing, they imagine the typical nurse who tends to patients directly, administering medication, managing treatments, and assisting with practical needs such as going to the bathroom. But there are many different types of nurses, each with unique skills and responsibilities.
Do many nursing students ask what kind of nurse does not deal with poop? So, we make some 12 of the nursing jobs that do not involve dealing with poop.
12 Nursing jobs which are Poop or Pee Free
1) Operating Room Nurse
One such role is that of an operating room nurse. These nurses are responsible for helping surgery patients before, during, and after procedures. They work closely with surgeons and other medical professionals to ensure the operation’s success.
While there may still be bodily fluids and other challenging situations to handle in this kind of nursing, it’s a great option for those who want to avoid the unpleasant aspects of patient care.
Being an operating room or surgical nurse has its fair share of unique experiences and challenges. While blood and exposure to internal organs may be expected, dealing with bodily fluids such as urine and feces is not typically part of the job description.
This is particularly true in outpatient surgery centers where patients usually have less complex medical issues.
The scrub nurse, for example, is responsible for maintaining sterile fields, handing tools to the surgeon, and may even assist with certain parts of the surgery.
Responsibilities
- Assess patients pre-surgery (e.g., nothing by mouth status) and reassure them before the operation.
- Gather all necessary supplies for the procedure.
- Ensure that the OR remains sterile at all times.
- Position and prepare the patient on the operating table
- Hand instruments or other objects to the surgeon during surgery
- Monitor the patient’s vital signs during the procedure for any abnormalities.
- Evaluate patient post-surgery
- Adhere to all safety standards
- Carry out duties inside and outside the sterile field as required.
Requirements & Skills
- Previous experience in operating room nursing (circulating and scrubbing)
- Familiarity with aseptic and sterile techniques
- Comprehensive knowledge of patient safety measures
- Thorough understanding of surgical procedures
- Outstanding organizational abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Physical and emotional resilience
- Diploma in Nursing and valid license to practice.
2) Certified Registered Nurse [CNA]
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are advanced practice nurses who are experts in administering anesthesia and providing care to patients before, during, and after surgery. CRNAs have a unique role within the surgical team, monitoring patient vital signs and delivering pain medication throughout the procedure. With no involvement in cleaning up feces or other bodily fluids, this career can be ideal for those who want to provide quality medical care without dealing with unpleasant nursing elements.
Responsibilities
- Administer anesthesia to patients during surgical procedures
- Monitor patient vital signs during surgery
- Inform surgeons of any relevant findings
- Ensure anesthetized patients are comfortable at all times
- Collaborate with other members of the surgical team to provide quality care
- Provide pre-operative instructions to patients
- Conduct post-anesthesia assessment
Requirements & Skills
- A high school diploma or GED, also nursing assistant training.
- National League should approve it for Nursing Accredited Commission (NLNAC).
- Familiarity with anesthesia administration and monitoring techniques
- Knowledge of basic pharmacology
- Thorough understanding of safety protocols
- Excellent communication skills
- Strong, attention to detail
- Ability to remain composed under pressure
- Physical and emotional resilience
- BSN degree required.
3) Legal Nurses
Legal nurses are registered nurses who work within a legal system, analyzing medical records to help attorneys and insurance companies better understand cases. Their job is to identify errors or omissions made by healthcare providers and any procedures associated with some instances.
As such, they don’t usually have to handle bodily fluids or feces like other registered nurses do, making it an ideal career for those who prioritize patient care without worrying about cleaning up messes.
Legal Nurses generally work:
- Law offices – Personal injury, Medical malpractice, Product liability
- Insurance companies – Worker’s compensation, Disability, Billing/ billing fraud
- Government agencies – Government-funded healthcare billing/claims, Assist in defending state agencies
- Hospitals – Risk management, Case management, Licensure concerns
Responsibilities
- Analyze medical documents and evidence related to cases to identify errors in treatment given by healthcare workers
- Research current standards of practice for comparison purposes
- Conduct thorough investigations into relevant case information
- Collaborate with attorneys on different aspects of litigation
- Prepare summaries and reports to seek resolution of cases
Requirements & Skills
- (ADN) or bachelor’s degree (BSN) in nursing is required.
- Valid RN license
- Ability to interpret and analyze medical documents
- Comprehensive knowledge of legal proceedings
- Excellent critical thinking skills
- Outstanding research abilities
- Strong attention to detail
- Good communication and collaboration skills
- Highly organized with the ability to work independently.
4) Nurse Educator
Nurse educators are registered nurses who specialize in teaching students, fellow nurses, and other healthcare professionals about nursing-related topics. This type of role can be ideal for those interested in furthering their career without cleaning up messes or handling bodily fluids.
They play a critical role in shaping the future of nursing as they guide and support students who will one day be responsible for caring for patients themselves. As such, nurse educators do not deal with poop but instead, focus on implementing evidence-based teaching strategies to help nurture competent and compassionate nurses.
Responsibilities
- Develop curricula for nurse training programs
- Conduct lectures on a variety of topics related to nursing
- Provide clinical instruction to nursing students
- Evaluate student performance and provide feedback
- Prepare students for certification examinations
- Develop continuing education programs
Requirements & Skills
- Valid RN license
- Gain experience depends on the institution
- Master’s degree in Nursing Education
- Demonstrated teaching ability
- Outstanding communication skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of the latest developments in nursing
- Excellent research capabilities
- Ability to create engaging learning materials.
5) Nurse Researcher
Nurses who specialize in research conduct studies to identify and address issues facing health care. Researchers might study the effectiveness of different treatments, analyze trends in patient outcomes, or develop new approaches to improve the quality of care. This role does not require nurses to clean up bodily fluids or handle feces, making it ideal for those who want to continue their nursing career without having that particular element of the job.
Although they may not be dealing with patients directly, nurse researchers are nonetheless crucial members of the healthcare industry, shaping the future of medicine and helping to create a better world for us all.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement clinical trials or other research projects
- Analyze data from medical records and surveys
- Write up reports based on findings
- Collaborate with other researchers
- Confer with experts in relevant fields
Requirements & Skills
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or doctorate from an accredited institution
- Gain experience working as an RN in clinical research
- Pass the Nurse Researcher Certification exam
- Strong research and analysis skills
- The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) also requires professional experience
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology.
6) APRNs
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are highly trained, specialized nurses with advanced skills and knowledge. They hold graduate degrees and have undergone extensive clinical training in their expertise.
These nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists are qualified to perform various medical procedures and can work independently.
One common misconception about APRNs is that they deal with all aspects of patient care, including the less glamorous ones. However, contrary to popular belief, APRNs do not deal with poop.
This task is typically reserved for other healthcare professionals, such as nursing assistants or nurses in lower-level positions. Instead, APRNs focus on providing critical patient care, conducting medical examinations, and diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
Responsibilities
- Provide primary care services such as physical exams, immunizations, and screenings
- Diagnose medical conditions and develop treatment plans
- Educate patients on maintaining good health manage chronic illnesses
- Monitor patient progress
- Write prescriptions
Requirements & Skills
- Valid RN license
- At least a Master’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program
- State certification in the APRN specialty
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical diagnosis and treatments
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Outstanding research capabilities
- Highly organized with the ability to work independently.
7) Forensics Nurse
Forensic nurses specialize in nursing that combines medicine and legal issues. This role does not require nurses to clean up bodily fluids or feces, making it ideal for those who want to continue their nursing career without having that particular element of the job.
They are responsible for collecting and analyzing evidence related to criminal cases, including injuries, sexual assaults, and shootings. Forensic nurses may work in hospitals, prisons, or medical examiner’s offices, and they play a crucial role in helping to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
While their job can be emotionally and mentally challenging, it’s also incredibly fulfilling for those drawn to this vital work.
Responsibilities
- Collect evidence from crime scenes
- Provide medical care and treatment to victims
- Conduct physical exams and document findings
- Refer patients to other medical professionals
- Provide legal testimony as an expert witness
Requirements & Skills
- Valid RN license
- Minimum 2 years of clinical experience
- Master’s degree or doctoral degree in Nursing with a focus on forensics
- Outstanding communication skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of the latest developments in forensic nursing
- Excellent research capabilities
- Ability to create engaging learning materials.
8) Nurse Managers
There are many different types of nurses, each with their own unique responsibilities and duties. While some nurses are responsible for treating patients and administering medicine, others are responsible for managing the entirety of a healthcare facility. Nurse managers fall into the latter category and are essential to running medical facilities smoothly.
Unlike some other nurses, nurse managers do not typically deal with the physical aspects of patient care, such as toileting or hygiene needs. Instead, they are focused on ensuring that all aspects of the facility function at their best, from scheduling and staffing to budgeting and resource management. A career as a nurse manager may not be for everyone, but for those with strong organizational skills and a passion for healthcare, it can be a fulfilling and rewarding path.
Responsibilities
- Supervise and motivate nursing staff
- Develop staff schedules and assign duties
- Delegate tasks and ensure that they are completed on time
- Train new staff members
- Ensure compliance with regulations and standards
Requirements & Skills
- BSN DEGREE
- Some institution Requires- Master’s degree in Nursing or Healthcare Administration
- Strong leadership qualities
- Excellent organization skills
- Ability to handle stressful situations
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology.
9) Home Health Nurse
Home health nursing allows nurses to work in a unique and rewarding setting outside a traditional hospital. One of the benefits of home health nursing is the ability to specialize in certain areas. Home health nursing may be the perfect fit for those who prefer to avoid dealing with patients’ bowel movements.
Home health nurses do not typically provide personal care services like toileting assistance; instead, they focus on helping patients recover in their homes, monitoring vital signs, and administering medication. Home health nursing can be a fulfilling career choice for those who thrive in a more independent work environment and enjoy the flexibility of creating their schedules.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assess the patient’s condition
- Develop individualized care plans
- Educate families and patients about treatments
- Administer medication as prescribed by a physician
- Provide emotional support to patients
Requirements & Skills
- Valid RN license
- Minimum of 2 years of clinical experience
- Excellent communication skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical diagnosis and treatments
- Strong problem-solving abilities
- Ability to provide compassionate care
- Highly organized with the ability to work independently.
10) Public Health Nurses
Public Health Nurses are vital in promoting and protecting the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. They work in various settings, from schools to government agencies, providing health education, disease prevention, and health promotion services. One thing that sets public health nurses apart from other types of nurses is that they do not typically deal with poop.
While they may encounter infectious diseases and other health issues, their primary focus is on preventing the spread of illness and improving overall health through education, advocacy, and community outreach. Whether they are working to improve access to healthcare, conducting research, or creating policies to address health disparities, public health nurses are dedicated to helping people lead healthier, happier lives.
Responsibilities
- Provide primary care services such as physical exams, immunizations, and screenings
- Educate the public on health-related issues
- Develop and implement health programs
- Identify potential health risks in the community
- Refer patients to physicians or specialists
Requirements & Skills
- Current license to practice nursing in their state
- Degree in Nursing or Public Health
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical diagnosis and treatments
- Outstanding research capabilities
- Highly organized with the ability to work independently.
- Knowledge of local laws and regulations related to healthcare.
- Experience or specialized training in community health, epidemiology, and disease prevention.
11) Dialysis Nurse
A Dialysis Nurse is a specialized Public Health Nurse focusing on patients suffering from chronic kidney disease or needing renal replacement therapy. These nurses work in various healthcare settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and dialysis centers. They are responsible for performing procedures such as hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and continuous renal replacement therapy.
Dialysis Nurses also assess patient needs, administer medication, provide emotional support, and educate patients and their families about renal health. They play a crucial role in improving the quality of life for patients with kidney-related ailments.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assess the patient’s condition
- Administer dialysis treatments
- Develop individualized care plans
- Educate patients and families on dialysis treatments
- Perform laboratory tests and analyze results
Requirements & Skills
- Nursing degree in dialysis,
- A valid RN license
- Specialized training in dialysis nursing.
- Excellent communication skills
- Knowledge of dialysis equipment and procedures.
- Have the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the unique needs of patients with kidney disorders.
12) Infusion Nurse
Infusion nurses provide care to patients who receive medications or fluids through an intravenous (IV) line. This role does not require nurses to clean up bodily fluids or feces, making it ideal for those who want to continue their nursing career without having that particular element of the job.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assess the patient’s condition
- Administer IV medications and fluids
- Develop individualized care plans
- Educate patients and families on IV treatments
- Perform laboratory tests and analyze results
Requirements & Skills
- Have a degree in nursing and be licensed in their state.
- Need to complete additional training in IV therapy and become certified as an infusion nurse
- Comprehensive knowledge of medical diagnosis and treatments
- Highly organized with the ability to work independently.
- Knowledge of infusion equipment and procedures.
These careers demonstrate a wide range of nursing roles for those who wish to pursue their job without cleaning up bodily fluids or feces. While it may be necessary in certain situations, many nurses can specialize and focus on other aspects of care, allowing them to continue their passion for helping.
Related FAQs
Do nurses have to clean poop?
It depends upon the type of nurse and the setting they work in. Many nurses do not have to clean up bodily fluids or feces as it is not a required part of their job. However, some nurses may be required to do so in certain situations.
How Often Do Nurses Clean Stools (Poop)?
Have you ever wondered how often a nurse has to clean stool during their shift? Well, the answer is more complex. It actually depends on several factors. The nurse’s specialty plays a significant role – those in nursing management can deal with stool encounters less often.
Additionally, the type of care setting can also affect the frequency – nurses in home health care may have to work with stool more often than those in a hospital setting. Ultimately, the number of times nurses need to clean stool depends on their circumstances and role.
What is an effluent treatment plant in the hospital?
An effluent treatment plant (ETP) is a system used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities to treat wastewater generated from the facility. The ETP consists of various processes, including mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological treatments.
These processes help to remove pollutants from the wastewater before it is released into the environment. The effluent from the plant is then passed through different treatment processes before discharge. This helps to protect public health and safety, as well as reduce environmental pollution.
Final Thoughts
As medical professionals, nurses take on a wide variety of responsibilities. One such responsibility often arises is cleaning up bodily fluids, including feces. While this task may seem unpleasant, it is essential to caring for patients. Nurses are trained to handle these situations with patience, empathy, and discretion.
Proper cleaning and hygiene not only promote the patient’s physical health, but also their emotional well-being.
While it is not necessarily a glamorous part of the job, cleaning up poop is just one example of how nurses work hard to ensure their patients receive the best possible care.
Mrs. Marie Brown has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. She began her nursing career at a Level I Trauma Center in downtown Chicago, Illinois. There she worked in the Emergency Department and on the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. After several years, she moved to the Midwest and continued her nursing career in a critical care setting. For the last 10 years of her nursing career, Mrs. Brown worked as a flight nurse with an air ambulance service. During this time, she cared for patients throughout the United States.