period talk, a little embarrassing

1. So, I'm a young RN working in LTC, I know this probably sounds so silly, being a nurse and all. However I unexpectedly got my period at work, and had to ask my manager for a tampon as the other RN on duty, a friend, didn't have anything on her. my manager had to ask another manger as she didn't have anything either however she was helpful. By nature I'm quite reserved and found it quite embarrassing to be so unprepared, I hope my manager won't think badly of me now as I only started the job within the last 6 months. Has anyone else ever been in this situation?

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2. 24 Comments

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3. 
   Sep 11

   Hey there, all women understand this! Nobody is going to think less of you. They have probably had to ask the same favor of someone at least once.
4. 
   Sep 11

   Thanks I guess I just need a little reassurance since it's a new job and I was so embarrassed, I wouldn't have been if I knew them longer, guess I'm a little shy
5. 
   Sep 11

   You bleed. We all do. We got your back.
6. 
   Sep 11

   You are not the first one who ever did that
   
   BTW, a medium-thick wad of toilet paper makes acceptable substitute for a few hours.
7. 
   Sep 11

   Yeah, I think you would be hard pressed to find a woman anywhere who has not experienced this. I keep a stash in my desk. If you have a locker, you may wish to do the same. Heck, I have a small pharmacy - pain meds for cramps, pads, tampons, chocolate, etc.....
   
   Not one woman will think worse of you for this! In fact, your having asked automatically makes you a "safe" person to ask should the situation ever be reversed.
8. 
   Sep 11

   Yes.. Don't worry about it . All women understand and are part of the club, do however, get a little makeup bag and always have an emergency stash of tampons and keep some in your locker too. Scope out the public restrooms at work and see if they have any to purchase feminine product dispensers.
9. 
   Sep 11

   Thanks guys. I don't have a locker and unfortunately there's no dispensers. I usually have a stash in my bag but never replaced them! Just a bit awks I guess!
10. 
    Sep 11

    Aww, don't worry about it. If there is any profession where no one would give it a second thought it's nursing. I'm not exactly "young" anymore, but let's just say I got into nursing when the stark "WHITE" uniforms were thankfully on the way out. That made every month an adventure. Give it a few years, even more embarrassing things will happen. Welcome to the sisterhood! (no offense to you fella fellow nurses out there )

    Last edit by Anne413 on Sep 11
11. 
    Sep 11

    Oh, gosh. I thought that this would be from a school nurse embarrassed about speaking with the kiddos...
12. 
    Sep 11

    Don't you all stock peri-pads or abds?
13. 
    Sep 11

    I don't think anyone is going to think badly of you, and don't be embarrassed - hey, we're nurses, and we see/do/talk about everything. :^)
14. 
    Sep 11

    Same thing happened to me at work. I asked my manager, and surprisingly they didn't keep any pads in stock. The other location I worked at within the company kept pads and the managers were men. I now keep a box of pads and tampons in my locker, and make sure I frequently check to make sure I have a few in my purse, as well. And I definitely make sure I'm nowhere near low on Motrin, because that's terrible, too. I'm one of those people who gets debilitating cramps.
    
    EDIT: if you don't have a locker, keep a pack in your car, as well. You can keep it underneath your driver or passenger seat for a quick grab.

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