The dissecting process is
of course difficult, but it does get easier. Taking into consideration the
emotional impact it might have, the key to overcoming dissection is to dissociate
some thoughts and feelings you may have if you’re feeling squeamish about the
process.
Dissection
comes from the Latin word – “dissecare”, which translates to "cutting into
pieces”. Across the medical environment, it is described as the dissembling of
organs in order to study and understand natural structure. The dissection
process has been in place from several centuries and has enabled the medical
representatives to explore human and animal bodies in terms of understanding
the internal anatomy and develop possible cures and ways to prevent organs
failure at a certain point.
It is important to mention
the fact that the dissection procedure has been largely debated from different
professionals in terms of moral concerns. There have also been different
technological approaches in order to avoid human body dissection, and to mimic
it in an ethical way. A number of computer programmed models have been
developed so far in order to simulate the dissection process without using a
human or animal corpse.
The different approaches to dissection
are as follows:
- First year approach
- Second year approach
- Modular
- Continuous
- Based on functional body systems
- Based on topographic body systems
No matter the approach,
still the dissecting is and remains a difficult first-time event.
Considering the fact that
this is a common stressful situation for many nurse practitioners or any other
medical student, there have been arranged a number of studies in order to find
possible approaches these individuals can maintain in order not to experience a
dramatic situation.
Possible emotional and physical
considerations to facilitate your first dissection:
▪ Physical
considerations:
1.
Formaldehyde smell – This substance
releases a smell that is commonly reported as being the cause of side effects
in terms of sensitivity. Once in the dissecting room, new nurses are suggested
to take distance from the body as many times as possible. Another suggestion
might be mouth-breathing. This way, the smell would not have same impact as it
would through nose-breathing. Another approach in terms of smelling might be to
chew on gum or other products that have a strong flavor to diminish the effect
of the Formaldehyde smell.
2.
Locate the nearest place to sit down – It
is unavoidable -- some students will faint during the dissection process. Upon
entering the room, make sure you know where there is an acceptable spot to rest
if you are feeling queasy. The last thing you’d want after fainting is a
preventable injury.
3.
Anti-nausea drugs – Although many
anti-nausea drugs are found to have certain undesired side effects such as
drowsiness, it might be a possible approach in order to prevent unfortunate
events during dissection process. Speak with your doctor to determine which
type of medication would be right for you.
▪ Emotional
considerations:
1.
Consider the process as a professional one
– It might seem very simple illustrated with words, but this is the first step
into a smooth first dissection. One of the possible considerations might be to
watch different course videos or picture illustrations describing the process
of human dissection. Those videos or pictures will be provided in a
professional way that will help you to create a detachment from emotional involvement.
This approach is highly suggested to be applied at least one day before the
dissecting process.
2.
Consider it a one-time opportunity – Even
though this will likely happen more than once, you should consider this as a
one-time opportunity. Then, it’s easier to see the benefits. You have already
seen body organs in videos or in pictures, but it is a different approach once
you can see and touch them for real. This approach is strictly related to the
previous one.
3.
Information is power – Once you possess
information you achieve a higher level of assurance. Thus, once you are about
to experience your first dissection, read as much as you can on this topic.
Once you are done, you will feel as you already have done that before. Don’t be
afraid to approach any professors if there’s something you feel you do not
understand.
4.
Be open to discussions – It is very
important to talk. Once you feel uncomfortable with the idea of the dissection,
you should immediately start talking and advising a professional. This
professional might be one of your professors or somebody else that you trust
and has the necessary expertise in the field. These professionals have already
had experience in dissection, so they might share with you on the ways and
methods they have used to surpass the difficulties they had at first.
New
nurses should take into consideration the fact that experienced professionals
don’t have as much trouble. Every single difficulty can be surpassed once you
welcome new ideas and have the right dedication towards your selected
profession.
5.
Moral barriers – Dissection is considered a
beneficial approach in terms of discovering new ways to assess different
conditions and develop new cures.
Despite the above
information, your first dissection will be an event that will stick around in
your mind for a long time. Overcoming the stress it might cause, you might
consult the above approaches and find the best one that fits more to their
individual character and emotional status.
Comments
Post a Comment