Bathing Trouble

Don't feel stupid! It takes practice to get good at giving showers and baths without soaking yourself in the process. After a while you will get a routine down, but even then you may have to tweak it for certain residents. Is your instructor or a CNA available to assist you next time you give a shower? It might be helpful to receive some tips and feedback while you're actually showering someone. I don't know of any step by step guides, but honestly the best way to learn and feel more comfortable is to just keep gaining experience.

I can email my clinical instructor. I think she implied that I would have some practice before I try to test out again. (I am nervous since I need to get all my test outs done by 8/4/17 and I only go to clinical once a week)

I would appreciate a step by step guide from someone. I just need to be instructed on every little thing. I'm the sort of person whose mind is built differently. I don't get "common sense" things unless they're explained to me. That's why I saw Occupational and Physical Therapists as a kid.

https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/nurseaide/documents/NAClinicalSkillsChecklist.pdf

Try this one. Practice on a friend several times, print out the checklist so your friend can grade you afterward to see what you missed/did right.

Oh, man I have no advice, just sympathy! I remember giving my first bath alone--the poor resident and I were both terrified.

And during my second bath, I had just gotten the resident out--still sitting in the hoyer-- when the fire alarm went off! I had no freaking idea what to do.

It *does* get easier.

The link doesn't work, but I was shown a checklist in the back of the book. I will look for the red cross video as soon as I get home.

Edit: I see the second link works. :)

Don't stress yourself if your nervous about completing the skill you will forget steps just take your time and focus!!! I recently completed clinicals I'm 6 months pregnant and it was hell.....but I did it and am now a licensed cna... Remember to ask if your client can do things like stand while using a grab bar don't assume they are completely dependent.... Remember to check the temp of the water and have them check wash the hair first keep a towel around the shoulders while washing their hair remember to bring washcloths for the peri area

Just try to remain calm and remember your training....i did horrible at clinicals but still made it you got this!!!!!! Good luck

I've been practicing on my brother. I think I'm doing better.... I should also try practicing on myself since I kept forgetting the steps.

Practice makes perfect with all skills!!! Keep at it and your confidence will improve each time- I promise. (As a nurse I've learned not to promise much!) I used to practice "inserting" a Foley catheter in a huge stuffed bear at home over & over until I didn't feel like a nervous wreck. If anyone was peeking in the windows it must've been quite a sight.

My first solo bath was a disaster (and that was without anyone there to make me nervous!) Spilled water, couldn't figure out the gown snaps, the sheet WOULD not fit the bed, a BM as I was drying him. Ugh, felt like a doooooofus. But here's the thing- we all feel that way. Your heart & good intentions are what will matter in the long run, after you've got those skills mastered that worry you now. YOU GOT THIS! Repeat that to yourself. Go get 'em (and breathe & smile)

Once you get over the initial awkwardness, bathing will be super easy! Just start at the face then work your way down. You can either wash them head-to-toe or you can do a partial bedbath which consists of doing the face, under the arms, under the breasts, peri area, and then their bottom. Either for a full bedbath or a partial bed bath always start at their front side first then roll them over and then do their back/back of their legs/bottoms last. I always bring in 4 or 5 wash cloths if I am doing a full bed bath because I like using fresh wash clothes for all over the different areas and then I don't reuse them afterwards. I always do feet and bottoms last. I always use a fresh wash cloth for feet and discard it after.

It sounds also like you're not squeezing a lot of water out. When I first started I squeezed a lot of water out but tried to keep a little bit and I wrapped the wash cloth around my hand and washed that way. But to really give someone a good wash it's best to not squeeze it out all the way, and you will definitely get the bed soaked that way, BUT if you bring in extra towels and put it under the patient/resident's legs and arms before you wash those areas then the water will get on the towels and not soak the bed.

Those are my tips!