CNA trainees peforming peri-care in class on each other? Is this true?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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A friend of mine said that the private school she's planning on taking her CNA training classes requires that the students perform peri-care on each other, according to someone who told her this about that particular school. She also said that when she reacted in a shocked manner, this person added that it is now "mandatory" for future CNAs during their training, and that it is done so that both the males and females become comfortable with it before doing clinicals in LTCs or hospitals.

Suffice it to say, I told her that that didn't sound right to me, based on things I've read and researched on the all nurses site. I told her from what I've read, it appears that peri-care is performed first on mannequins in classes, and then on some residents during the clinicals. I mentioned that I did read that students do vitals on each other like BP, pulse, respiration, etc. within the classroom, but that is about the extent of it.

I'm going to be starting my NA classes in September through an Adult Ed program, and if this is required between the students, I will not continue this program. If I were incapacitated or unable to do this to myself while in a hospital or LTC, then that is another story! But I cannot imagine doing this in a classroom setting with other students!! Something just doesn't seem right with what my friend shared. I told her that I think it isn't true, but if this private school does require this, I told her that I think it would be best to search elsewhere for CNA training.

Have any of you who are current CNAs been required to do this during your training, or have you ever heard of such a thing?? :confused:

I would really check into that. I can't imagine that happening in class!! If so, look for another class!

Can't see where this is helpful or necessary. Seems like someone has a sick mind. I would definitely look elsewhere for a program.

:confused:Wow, I have never heard of that.

Specializes in Geriatric, Hospice, LTC.

That is CRAZY!!!!! NO WAY!!!!! That is the sickest thing i have ever heard, I would never have gone through with it if I knew that was involved! Most states require that you do clinicals, and then you assist in patient care and learn peri-care there. I highly doubt that is true, and if it is, i would find another class, I would never let another person touch my private area, unless I was a patient in a hospital and couldn't do it myself.

Check into this before you panic and quit. I HIGHLY doubt this is a requirement in any CNA class. Whoever told you might be just pulling your leg or more likely, they really don't know. But if by some slim chance, it is true, find another class if this is what you want to do. There are many out there and a lot of good teachers. Don't give up yet!

Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

That is disgusting! I think that training site needs to be reported!!! When it came to peri-care, we practiced on a mannequin in class & then on patients during clinicals. Only one person had to perform peri-care during our skills portion of the test (we took our test at our school) & again, he used the mannequin. But for everything else, we had to practice on each other: nail care, foot care, oral care,feeding,vital signs,etc.. Look into another program immediately!!!!

Most of the CNA and nursing programs I'm aware of have students practice peri care on each other while wearing shorts and a tank top or a modest swimsuit. No actual exposure of privates. They are basically going through the motions without unnecessary intimacy. I would hope the program you're looking into has a similar set-up.

Let us know what you find out.

Thanks for all your replies which I shared with my friend on the phone a little while ago. This really bothered me, so I did a search on the internet for approved Certified Nursing Assistant programs on the California Department of Education website. Well . . . it turns out that this "private school" is not listed. I also did a check on the internet to see if there was any other info about this school, and I could find nothing! Anyway, I sent the CA Dept. of Ed. website to my friend, so she could see the list of private schools, colleges, Adult Ed schools, etc. that are approved. I would have suggested she go to the Adult Ed school that I'll be going to here in southern CA, but she lives in northern CA and it's obviously too long of a drive!

Anyway, my friend was relieved to hear that this kind of thing doesn't happen in class. I too am relieved myself! I appreciate hearing from others who have gone through the training and could tell me that this just wasn't right. My intuition kicked in and said something was very wrong! I really wanted to go through the CNA training and work in LTC, and felt a bit down when I heard this. Now I feel much better and am looking forward to starting my training in September. Thanks again for the responses! :thankya:

Specializes in Mostly geri :).

If this unapproved school has students getting that intimate, I bet the health dept. would LOVE to know....hint hint.......

Specializes in LTC, Rehab, CNA, HHA, Nurse Mentor.

Normally for you to practice perineal care while training is in a classroom environment,with a mannequin or a bad drawing of the peri site on the board. :chuckle

Specializes in Primary Care, Critical Care.

Is this CNA class at the Neverland Ranch?

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