How do CNAs "shave" patients?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

Published

I am thinking about becoming a CNA and then a nurse. Could somebody explain to me how CNAs "shave" patients? Out of everything they are responsible in doing, this part of the job scares me the most (especially shaving the private areas.) Do they use a razor blade?

Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As far as I know the only thing you're gonna be shaving is a male resident's face, which is really easy once you've done it once or twice.

My CNA instructor said that the only time we'd do anything other than that is if pubic hair becomes a real "problem" during peri-care, but she said in that instance they probably wouldn't want the CNAs to do the shaving down there anyway (I forget why, but she had a reason.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much pomegranate for responding to my question! What a relief.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We don't shave private areas, we only trim it. If we have to put leads on a male patient to hook him up to a heart monitor, we shave or trim the chest hair so the leads can adhere to the skin. If you stick leads on a hairy chest and take it off, it'll hurt the patient. As for facial shaving, I've done that a several times and I actually enjoy playing barber. If it's an elderly male, you have to be careful with loose skin under the neck. Other difficult areas are the chin and under the nose. The razors at my job are generic, so I have to change them frequently. At my facility, we are not permitted to shave patients who are on a anticoagulant.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much Chocobean for responding to my question! I am so relieved about the shaving thing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

We also shave women! You'd be amazed at how much hair they grow on their faces!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That is true New in NY! Women need shaving too. What do you do with the "down there" part? Is it only a trim?

Thanks for responding to my previous posting by the way too.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've only shaved one woman before! Had another female patient with a FULL BEARD- but she shaved it off herself. She didn't even use any water or shaving cream- just a dry razor.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow Chocobean. . .she used a dry razor. . ouch! I really appreciate the good feedback I am getting. It gives me more insight in what to expect.

Thank you very much Chocobean.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.
That is true New in NY! Women need shaving too. What do you do with the "down there" part? Is it only a trim?

Thanks for responding to my previous posting by the way too.

A lot of old people have barely any body hair left to begin with, but even those with a lot of pubic hair don't normally get shaved or trimmed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg/Pedi/Tele.

Let me tell you the razors you get to use are so cheap .. I had to shave a patients chest for ekg leads once and I went over the area at least 10 times and still didn't remove enough hair.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

When I was a CNA, we used electric clippers to remove chest hair and do groin prep for heart caths.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment