Let’s just say it: nurses are the constipated heroes nobody talks about. We run on caffeine, adrenaline, and prayers. We can insert an IV during a code, chart with our elbows, and de-escalate a family meltdown at 140/90—but find time to poop? LOL. 😅
As a wound and ostomy care nurse in her 40s who is deeply in love with all things skin, gut, and “glow from the inside,” I’m here to shine a (well-moisturized) light on a truth many of us live but rarely talk about:
🚽 Nurses don’t poop. And it’s messing with our gut.
The Shift is Long, But the Colon Is Patient… Until It’s Not 🕒
Let’s be real. Between med passes, dressing changes, call lights, short staffing, and family updates, taking a moment to pee is an Olympic event—let alone finding a quiet five minutes to drop the kids off at the pool. So we do what we always do:
We hold it.
And hold it.
And… well, now we’re bloated and cranky and haven’t gone since Sunday. 🫠
What Happens When You Chronically “Hold It”?
1. Sluggish Motility = Constipation Party 🎉 (But You’re Not Invited)
Your colon is like a conveyor belt. When it slows down, waste sits longer, gets drier, and turns into something that deserves its own horror movie. Not only is it uncomfortable—it affects your whole digestive system.
2. Skin Flare-Ups from Gut Drama 😬
Yep, the gut-skin connection strikes again! When waste builds up, toxins don’t exit efficiently. That internal traffic jam can show up externally—think breakouts, dullness, rashes, and inflammation.
3. Hormonal Disruption & Cortisol Chaos 🔥
When your gut is backed up, stress hormones love to pile on. Your already-busy nurse brain is now riding a hormonal rollercoaster, complete with bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. Cute!
4. Microbiome Mayhem 🦠
Delaying bowel movements can throw your gut flora out of whack. That healthy bacteria you worked so hard to cultivate (hello, probiotics)? They’re not thrilled. It’s like skipping watering your plants and wondering why they’re sad.
The Nurse Gut Survival Guide 💡
Here’s what I (try to) do to stay regular in the world of 12s and no breaks:
🚰 Hydrate Like You’re Getting Paid For It
Water is a nurse’s best friend. Aim for at least 8 cups—even if it means timing it with your charting or shift huddles.
🥦 Fiber Is Your BFF
Sneak in fiber-rich snacks—chia pudding, apples, hummus and veggies, or even a high-fiber protein bar stashed in your bag like a secret weapon.
🚶♀️ Movement Matters
Even if it’s just walking laps around the unit or doing squats while waiting on pharmacy (don’t knock it!), keep things moving.
🧘♀️ Relax Your Nervous System
Stress literally shuts down digestion. Try deep breathing in the med room, stretching, or playing music on your commute to switch off the cortisol faucet.
💩 Make Time to Poop (Seriously)
Normalize taking five minutes. Yes, the unit might survive without you for 300 seconds. You can’t pour from an empty cup—or poop with a full colon. 😉
Bottom Line? Don’t Ignore Your Bottom 🧻❤️
Holding your poop for 13-hour shifts isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a slow sabotage of your gut, skin, and sanity. Nurses are incredible, but we’re also human. Let’s start treating ourselves with the same care we give our patients.
Your colon—and your complexion—will thank you.
⚠️ Disclaimer (Because I’m a Nurse, Not Your Nurse 😉)
This blog is for general education and entertainment purposes only. Always consult with your doctor, dietitian, dermatologist, or wound/ostomy care specialist—especially if you have specific conditions, allergies, or a medical device like an ostomy.
