[LauraLou]

I wore shorts and one of those tank tops that has a built-in bra. That way the instructor couldn't ask me to take the top off. It really wasn't that bad.

[Saved_by_Grace]

I hope noone misunderstood what I was saying. I have no plans of rocking the boat or saying a word about it. I was just "suprised" and personally feel uncomfortable about it. I realize you have to just grin and "bare it" pun intended..but that doesn't lessen my pesonal anxiety about it. I had never heard anyone else who had been through nursing school ever mention this being part of the process and I guess I was shocked to say at the least. I don't think it's right but what in life is? I understand the whole put yourself in the patient's place concept ( lol..I've had 3 kids though so plenty od nurses and the doc have seen my booty shining in all it's un-glory..lol) and have had my share of bed baths being on bedrest for 4 months out of my last pregnancy. Hopefully it will just be as a few on here have said where you just run a sponge down an arm, a leg, etc. etc. Just personal anxiety, thanks for letting me vent!

Originally Posted by LauraLou

I wore shorts and one of those tank tops that has a built-in bra. That way the instructor couldn't ask me to take the top off. It really wasn't that bad.

[nurseunderwater]

Originally Posted by Aneroo

Oh! I forgot. Our instructor also put bedpans with water underneath us when were laying on the beds. Made it a whole lot more realistic when getting partner on/off bedpan! -Andrea

mine dod that too! what a hoot

[purplekath]

We've had to do this almost weekly. We can wear swimming costumes, and wear a gown as well - though we do have to remove the gown for the bath. It's not as bad as it sounds!

[txspadequeen921]

I remember having to do this and our teacher also made us wash each other's hair. Good damn thing it only happened once, dont know if I could have done it twice.

Originally Posted by WannaBLPN2005

Ok call me old fashioned but I am kind of concerned. I had my nursing orientation today, and I was informed that as part of one of my practical nursing classes I will have to be sponge bathed by one of my classmates and in turn need to sponge bathe a classmate. Ok fine. No worries. HOWEVER, the next breath was, you will have to strip down to your underwear only and your classmate will drape you and sponge bathe you and vice versa. I understand that as a nurse I will give sponge baths to patients and I have no problem with that. But one of my classmates that I am going to spend hours and hours with for the next 2 years bathing me is a whole other story! True, like the instructor said it lets you know first hand how the patient will feel while you are abthing them, so you will want to treat them with dignity but being an overweight gal I am uncomfortable with this because I will have to look at these classmates for the next 2 years. Did anyone else ever do this as part of their curriculum? I don't mean to freak out but I never heard of this. They can stick me with all the needles they want for practice, but bathe the mannequins...lol

[Benton]

When it comes to nursing school instructors, "Love the one you're with" and after class plot which student will run her down in the parking lot.

[z's playa]

Originally Posted by Darlene K.

We did sponge baths, but were given the option to wear bathing suits or underwear. We also we allowed to choose our partner. I still didn't like it, but I got thru it. It does give you some insight of how the patient feels to have a stranger bathe you.
Good luck!

My first reaction to this thread when I saw it was WHAAAT? Then I saw that you got to pick your bathing partner...what do you say exactly.."Ummm...you're cute....wanna bath?"

[Tweety]

I know how you feel, I was a bit surprised we had to do this too. It was very embarrassing for both of us involved. I lived through it, but hated it. It certainly didn't enhance my skills in anyway.

[newgrad2004]

Originally Posted by TweetiePieRN

Not so. We practice IV therapy on each other.

How long ago? Most schools I have heard do not for the same reasons. Your school, while its good you got to practice on real people before going to the hospital, but the practice itself is scarey for the schools safety.

[newgrad2004]

Originally Posted by TweetiePieRN

The smart thing to do would be to not rock the boat and rebel, but just go with what your instructor says. If you put a target on your head this early in your nursing school career....you are screwed! I have seen other students complain to try and change things that weren't major (like bathing) and all that happened was a negative attitude towards those students and a label of "troublemaker". Nursing school is like boot camp. Just play the game and pass. Don't cause yourself more undue and unnecessary stress. You will get your fair share of stress during clinicals, studying, and taking tests.

I have seen this too and agree with the boot camp thingy. We had many "rebel" students try to change exam questions, stating they were too hard, well DUH do you not think they are hard for a reason? Do you think the NCLEX is a cake walk? I swear people think if they b*tch long and hard enough they can change the whole system, and in reality, it is hurting them more than helping them. I have seen people run right out of nursing school for not conforming with the rules or not doing a good job or just plain having attitude, and talking sh*t instead of learning and going through the motions. Most I wouldnt have wanted to be my nurse, so I guess it is a good thing. But you never want to stick out like a sore thumb, no tin school any way. leave that for a time when you have to be a pt avocate, or some other necessity in the field.