Hi everyone, I’m an SLPA currently on probation at a clinic and I’m honestly not sure if what I’m experiencing is normal or if I’m right to feel uncomfortable.
I have a client who is non-verbal and uses TouchChat. Due to this, he’s not potty trained and still uses a diaper. During every session without fail, he ends up having a bowel movement. When this happens, I’m expected to handle the cleanup myself. I don’t recall this ever being part of my job description, and I’ve never received any formal training on toileting, hygiene care, or handling situations like this safely.
To be completely honest, I’m really struggling with it. I feel physically sick and lightheaded when it happens, and it’s starting to affect how I feel going into sessions. I’ve brought it up indirectly, but the BIs and consultants have said it’s just part of the job and expected.
The problem is I’m still on probation, so I don’t feel like I can refuse or ask to be taken off the case without risking my position. At the same time, I’m starting to feel really overwhelmed and kind of stuck.
Is this actually a normal expectation for SLPAs in clinic settings? Or is this something that should fall under a different role or require specific training?
Any advice on how to approach this (especially while on probation) would really help. I don’t want to come off as unwilling, but I also feel like this is beyond what I signed up for.
Thanks in advance.