This has to be one of my BIGGEST pet peeves, from way back when I was a CNA. Maybe *technically* they are diapers, but COME ON....how disprespectful can you get? I call them Depends or briefs, it at least maintains SOME dignity for the patient. Especially if they are post op, say, and are having trouble controlling their bowels as function returns to normal, and they've never had to wear them before. It's rude and demeaning.
I read an LPN's narrative charting a few weeks ago, where she actually WROTE the term "diaper." Now it's in that person's chart for all eternity. Great. Aside from the fact that it isn't something that even needs to be PUT in the narrative notes (this LPN is notorious for that, though, but that's a whole other story).
I don't consider the terms I use to be simply "politcally correct." I also think telling a pt that knows what's going on, and already embarrassed by their incontinence, "Let me get you a new diaper" ISN'T treating them with dignity and respect, and that's the whole point.
You didn't say that in your OP. You were talking about what was written in the chart.
where I work we call them "attends' what about Bibbs? We call them "Clothing protectors" what does anyone else call them? (the bibbs?)
We call them "Attends" and bibs are "clothing protectors" where I work too. When I was growing up I heard disposable briefs being called "Depends" so I was curious to hear them called "attends" at my new CNA job.
We don't say diaper in Australia, but usually write something like 'pad in situ' or 'incontinence pad changed and in situ'. But thanks for making me more aware of the terminology we use; I never even thought about it at all!
I suppose the newer pull up briefs we just call pads cos that's what we are used to calling them. I wonder if I/we should write 'pull up briefs with pad in situ' or something like that?
Yeah down here we call diapers 'nappies' and I agree that it does sound disrespectful to refer to incontinence pads as nappies. I usually just call them a pad as well. Yes they have the same function as nappies but it's bad enough losing control of your bodily functions, I try and maintain what dignity someone has left.
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
The way I see it is if you use a euphemism such as "briefs" and the resident calls them diapers or banana slings, it's no harm no foul, but if you call them diapers around some people, they'll be reminded of a fact that is humiliating to them. Best to do the former.
Calling it a depend doesn't make it less truthy, it makes it more blunt. If you can't tie a gown or take a BP on an obese patient, you wouldn't say "your arm is too fat for this BP cuff".
Specializes in Gerontological Nursing, Acute Rehab.
NOW..we start talking about marking date/time or otherwise emblazoning their lack of independence across their crotch just to make fault-finding easier, I have issues.
:yeah:
Now, that is my BIGGEST pet peeve!! I absolutely HATE that! I remember having to have a "talk" with one of my CNA's about doing that. She said she did it to prove that she changed the resident. I told her that if she did her job the way she was supposed to do it, then there would be no need to do that. Anyway, sorry for hijacking the thread...
BTW, I used to call them briefs. Most of the residents called them diapers.
This is the first time I've come back to this thread (well, the computer at all :) ) since I posted the topic. I appreciate the input on it.
It honestly surprises me, though, how many people are so blase about the issue. It's not about "calling a spade a spade," or being "blunt," or whatever. I'm as blunt as they come, most here know that. A few have said, "I'll call them diapers, but I wouldn't put that in my charting," well....what does that tell you?
Using the excuse that "that's how they're listed in the storeroom directory"....please. Our storeroom lists EVERYTHING in strange terms, which is why it's hard to find just about anything you need to order. Doesn't make it ok.
Now, that is my BIGGEST pet peeve!! I absolutely HATE that! I remember having to have a "talk" with one of my CNA's about doing that. She said she did it to prove that she changed the resident. I told her that if she did her job the way she was supposed to do it, then there would be no need to do that. Anyway, sorry for hijacking the thread...
BTW, I used to call them briefs. Most of the residents called them diapers.
I never initial and time the depend. In my experience, it's always been a nurse or member of administration bent on catching a slothful CNA who sneaks into rooms to do this, not other CNAs. I also *love* when little notes are left under the resident's rear end: "Please return this note to the charge nurse as soon as possible" to see how soon the aide goes in to turn someone. People with that much time on their hands should just turn or change the resident while in the room and give the CNA a break.
Briefs/pads/pull-ups... whatever you call them, are DIAPERS. They are worn/used to collect/protect against incontinent bladder/bowel. That's what a diaper IS. Just like a bib protects your clothing, if you call it a clothing protector... it's still a bib. Potato potata, tomato tomata. They are simply WORDS... names for things we use to communicate. The WORDS don't change what the item IS or what they're used FOR, they simply communicate in a way that may or may not offend the listener. Potato potata, tomato tomata!
Having said that, I will say potato to the potato person and tomata to the tomata person. It's no skin off my nose either way. I do my best to communicate with patients and their families on THEIR terms.
Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.
Everyone knows what it is for.
However, as a rational adult if you call it that around me and mine who are adults I am going to have a problem with that. And i am a very easy going person.
You can choose a term that is a little more sensitive to how an adult may feel. That adult in bed could be YOU some day. And like you say, it is no skin off your nose so why not use a term that is a little more tolerable to the majority of adults?
Briefs/pads/pull-ups... whatever you call them, are DIAPERS. They are worn/used to collect/protect against incontinent bladder/bowel. That's what a diaper IS. Just like a bib protects your clothing, if you call it a clothing protector... it's still a bib. Potato potata, tomato tomata. They are simply WORDS... names for things we use to communicate. The WORDS don't change what the item IS or what they're used FOR, they simply communicate in a way that may or may not offend the listener. Potato potata, tomato tomata!
Having said that, I will say potato to the potato person and tomata to the tomata person. It's no skin off my nose either way. I do my best to communicate with patients and their families on THEIR terms.
Simply words, huh? Are "overweight" vs "fat" just words? After all, they're the same thing! Should those be interchangable when talking to a patient, or to anyone, for that matter?
:yeah:
A few have said, "I'll call them diapers, but I wouldn't put that in my charting," well....what does that tell you? 
Should those be interchangable when talking to a patient, or to anyone, for that matter?
Kooky Korky, BSN, RN
5,216 Posts
You didn't say that in your OP. You were talking about what was written in the chart.