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*
Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.
You will get so accustomed to seeing and handling skin and memberes and lady partss and all of the supporting parts that it will become routine in no time. The younger ones who might pose some apprehension are generally self-care on the med/surg floor.
Well, I've done lots of baths already (several on male patients) and I've yet to have one get "excited". Let's face it, most folks who are in the hospital have had medical hands placed on them so much they get used to it....They'd be no more titillated by a genital washing than a baby. Doesn't phase me either. I've raised two sons and am raising my two youngest..I figure if you've seen one nekkid bum, you've seen 'em all.
Bathing's not hard. Just remember to only expose the body part that is immediately being washed. Dry and recover as you move down. End with the bottom last. Concerning foleys though and male patients...If the man still has an intact foreskin remember to pull it back so you can cleanse it thoroughly and of course the area where the foley enters the urethra. One girl last semester was so turned off by the idea of actually having to touch her male patient in order to do this actually lifted his member by grabbing the tubing of his foley! I gasped, she dropped it. Anyhoo, she's no longer in our class; not sure if she's planning on returning.
Like I said, just bathe and cover as you go. If the patient CAN do it, by all means! After all, we're to promote self-care, right? Sometimes the patient wants assistance with the body bath but wants to wash their own perineum. I simply hand them the washcloth. Also, don't forget that this is the perfect time to assess. Check symmetry, scars, lesions, color....anything you can see.
I'm so glad I found this thread as this is something that I have been worrying about. I keep saying to myself that if other people can do it then so can I (over and over and over again :chuckle )
I worry about this as well and I have three children too. I have never even bathed my husband (not even for pleasure!:imbar ) I know that it is part of the job and I am sure I'll be okay until I get to that young hunk that needs bathed! :chuckle It's just another hurdle of many that we have to get past, I guess. I am so glad that you brought it up though so that I could see the responses from all these smart, seasoned nurses!
I am in my second clinical rotation and this is still the thing that gives me the most anxiety. I gave my first shot with barely any anxiety but when it came time to give the bath...... :uhoh21: I am expecting it to pass with time. I still am not sure quite why it scares me but it will get easier!!
I gave my first shot with barely any anxiety but when it came time to give the bath...... :uhoh21: I am expecting it to pass with time. I still am not sure quite why it scares me but it will get easier!!
wonderbee, BSN, RN
1 Article; 2,212 Posts
You will get so accustomed to seeing and handling skin and memberes and lady partss and all of the supporting parts that it will become routine in no time. The younger ones who might pose some apprehension are generally self-care on the med/surg floor.