Okay - I consider myself to be pretty "tough" but the thought alone of bathing....... I am getting butterflies in my stomach!!
I start my ADN curriculum in Jan. and I feel confident about everything *except* bathing!!! I know our labs will prepare us for our clinical experiences - I just can't help it!
Of course, my first clinical is at a nursing home as well! I cannot express how scared I am (1) of nursing homes (looong story) and (2) bathing.
I visited a nursing home as a small child, and I'll just say that it was *not* a good visit.... and I can't get that scared little kid feeling out of my head! I guess I'm worried mostly about a dementia patient.... and also the possibility of my own personal embarrassment (I've bathed children - I have two - but never an adult!!!) I have vowed to myself NOT to let that impair any care I give to my patients, and I will never let them know how I feel! But I like to be "in control" and I certainly want to be in control of my own feelings!!
I have read over some basic instruction for bathing, etc. and there was mention of involving a patient in the process as much as possible, if they are able. I also know this will be covered in lab before we even step foot in clinicals..
Can anyone share some experiences/advice about this subject??? Any awkward moments??
I have found a lot of support here... just looking for a little more! *sheepish grin*
I was a CNA for a number of years before beginning nursing school. The first time I even knew that adults used incontinent briefs I was 22 years old, and shocked by the revelation. In quick succession I was shocked by catheters, tube feedings, death and the anatomy of the elderly, period.
The clinical assignments are carefully planned in our institution, and people with dementia are not among those assigned to nursing students. The choices seem to be those who are aware and consent to have the students care for them, and those who are not cognizant enough to make any kind of contribution to care. Our class has two students who have never done direct care before, and they haven't had any trouble beyond perhaps taking a little longer than we old hats.
Keeping a few things in mind may help you overcome your anxiety...
First of all, the residents in the LTC facility are well-used to being cared for by people that they don't know or recognize, and (for the most part, if they are able) they will try to make the experience less awkward for you.
Second, these folks love having the students on the unit, because they get much more personal attention than they are used to (I know this from the years as a CNA, when the nursing students used to come on clinical, and the feedback from the residents then).
Thirdly, you will have the time that perhaps the regular staff do not have to do the things that make a bath so darned pleasant for a resident, such as meticulous oral care and a lovely back rub! You can spend time talking to your resident, something that many of them miss terribly, as they have become someone's task, not someone's sole focus.
So, in the future, when we get into an area that makes me extremely anxious and uncomfortable, someone will be here to give me lovely warm fuzzies--I'm sure!
My first clinical assignment and first bed bath I was a nervous wreck. I was working on a real person now and during the bath I was so nervous practically acting like a fumbling idiot with an elderly lady who cared very much about her appearance. After her bath she asked to spritz herself with her perfume she brought and boy....she really overdid it and I was practically wheezing. But she was a lovely lady and was most appreciative of her bath. And I've cleaned up the messy BMs and such and I've gotten so much more confident with it--I think by my third clinical I was just fine with it. Also in the beginning I was afraid to hurt the person as they were all elderly but soon overcame that. Now I've got the speed up, the assessment going at the same time and just chatting with the patient. I think all the other advice you've gotten is great. Just keep the curtain closed around the bed and keep them covered with the bath blanket. You'll be fine.
Hi, before you know it you will have seen so many bare behinds it will be old hat for you. But until then, just remember your pt is the one in the buff. Respect their privacy with doors shut curtains drawn, and warm bath blankets over the areas not being cleansed. Usually if you onlyl expose area that you are working on it goes quicker and more painfree. Throw in a back massage at the end and you will have a fan for the rest of the shift. Sometimes some chit chat will make the time go quicker. Hope this helps;janleb
Wow.... I get back from class and I am amazed at the tremendous replies! Hopefully those who are feeling the same way, but have not "said it out loud" feel much better like I do!
Agent - you'd definately have to know my friends! They are prone to making people laugh !! They also tease my husband that I'm going to practice inserting a catheter on him! LOL! He didn't think it was so funny.... *wry smile*
I didn't even think of the possibility that the real sick patients aren't assigned to students..... but I won't count on it.... I just found out tonight that part of the class is also going to another nursing home which *may* be state run..... I don't know so I don't want to say.... but I know its where ya go if you don't have any money, and you're real sick!
You will probably find it to be a non-issue once you start doing it, so try not to worry.
The only time I ever felt the least bit weird was when an older gentlemen told me he was thinking of starting a harem and I ought to join. I just laughed at him, you're a naked 80 year old dude- the answer no!
Actually, I could see something like that happening... us "stressed out" students often skip lunch, stay up late studying (or partying, or chasing "monsters" out of a 3 year olds closet!!)
and on top of that feel nervous, etc.... I'm surprised it doesn't happen more often!
I worked at a veterinary hospital, and we had a high school student come in to "shadow" one of the doctors........ she was white as a sheet during surgery, and sloooowwlllly slid down the wall and sat on the floor! *giggle* poor little girl!
In those days I worried too much about being slender and adorable, I skipped breakfast too often. I just remember waking up on the floor with a BP cuff and my instructor holding my head between my knees. From then on, I was assigned to meet my instructor in the hospital cafeteria and eat infront of her prior to clinicals. I was a nightmmare student. I missed a clinical day and had to make one up, I met the other instructor at the hospital on a saturday, and she showed me this neat contraption, so I thought. She told me to jump up and lay down, and the next thing I knew I was locked in a striker frame, for 2 hours, left alone. I never missed a clinical day ever again.
I just found out tonight that part of the class is also going to another nursing home which *may* be state run..... I don't know so I don't want to say.... but I know its where ya go if you don't have any money, and you're real sick!
Actually, Jenny, the facility I just left (CNA 14 yrs) was County-run, which has the same reputation, but actually has a lovely campus, (largely) caring staff, and a broad mix of social and economic levels as residents. I don't know where you are located, but I have seen 3 NYS County facilities, and they aren't nearly the nightmare they are reputed to be.
Look at this way; they need you even more, if it is what you fear it to be!
All nurses have something that bothers them, so you are not unique in that area. I predict that when the situation presents itself you will not be alone, since someone has to be there for you to demonstrate to and you can ask questions, etc. Also, when you handle a patient you become bonded in a way, and you will focus on the patient's need, not yours. Bathing is a great excuse for examining skin and checking for all sorts of problems, so concentrate on the little checklist in your head. You can do it. Probably easier than bathing rambunctious kiddoes.
The whole "erection" thing....in all my years nursing, has never happened to me. (is it me??:chuckle ) If you think it's going to be an issue with a specific patient then chances are they are able to bathe themselves anyway! At first, get another nurse or cna to help you....it goes twice as fast. In ICU we help each other frequently as the patients can be physically heavy to move, etc....
donnapalmer
36 Posts
I was a CNA for a number of years before beginning nursing school. The first time I even knew that adults used incontinent briefs I was 22 years old, and shocked by the revelation. In quick succession I was shocked by catheters, tube feedings, death and the anatomy of the elderly, period.
The clinical assignments are carefully planned in our institution, and people with dementia are not among those assigned to nursing students. The choices seem to be those who are aware and consent to have the students care for them, and those who are not cognizant enough to make any kind of contribution to care. Our class has two students who have never done direct care before, and they haven't had any trouble beyond perhaps taking a little longer than we old hats.
Keeping a few things in mind may help you overcome your anxiety...
First of all, the residents in the LTC facility are well-used to being cared for by people that they don't know or recognize, and (for the most part, if they are able) they will try to make the experience less awkward for you.
Second, these folks love having the students on the unit, because they get much more personal attention than they are used to (I know this from the years as a CNA, when the nursing students used to come on clinical, and the feedback from the residents then).
Thirdly, you will have the time that perhaps the regular staff do not have to do the things that make a bath so darned pleasant for a resident, such as meticulous oral care and a lovely back rub! You can spend time talking to your resident, something that many of them miss terribly, as they have become someone's task, not someone's sole focus.
So, in the future, when we get into an area that makes me extremely anxious and uncomfortable, someone will be here to give me lovely warm fuzzies--I'm sure!