Did you get their bath done? Seriously?

kakamegamama · Mar 21, 2011

So, I gather there aren't CNA's on your floor? Sounds like you are already one of the close to being burned out ones. Yes, it's a bath. Maybe some days "only" a bath. However, if you've ever been sick in a bed for a long period of time, a bath--even if it's just a cloth to wipe face/under arms/wherever--does wonders to help the patient feel better, and in some cases, decrease infection risk/skin breakdown risk. Sorry the floor is so tough, but please reevaluate---I have a feeling you are close to an attitude that could become less than beneficial for you, the patient, and your co-workers really soon. Just my 2 cents worth.

CMALynzer · Mar 21, 2011

My response to this is "that's what the nursing assistants are for" Yes, I believe that nurses need to pick up the slack and help when it is needed. I have no problem giving a sponge bath and helping toilet patients when the nurse's aides are too busy, but it is true that our workloads are just as heavy. I appreciate my nursing assistants because they do the gruntwork that I don't have time always to do.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

Although I hear what you are saying..........I pray that you, or a loved one, are never so sick or in pain, not allowed or unable to get out of bed, urinating on a bedpan, sweating from medications, tied to an IV pole,SED's and whatever other equiptment a hospital can dream up to place on a person........for 24 hours or greater with bunched up wrinkled sheets, bad breath, furry teeth and BO trying to find a cool comfortable spot on the pillow all the while feeling like crap just wishing you could rinse your mouth, brush your hair,wash your face,pits and privates and try to start the day.

Do you..............take a shower everyday? brush your teeth and wash your face-everyday? put deodorant on and brush your hair-everyday? Do you stay in bed for 24 hours straight never leaving it.....not even to go to the bathroom-everyday?

I will concede that not every patient needs a full bath every day but a P&P (pit and private),swish and spit should be done at least once a day. I also feel that fresh sheets and pillow case go a long way to making somone feel emotionally better which in turn goes a long way to getting them physically better. It makes you feel like someone cares..........

If you feel that if any loved one of yours is recieving the best care they can recieve if they were on the recieving end of your care then that is OK for you.......................it wouldn't be OK for me or my family.:twocents:

kakamegamama · Mar 21, 2011

Esme12--well said.

OldNurseEducator · Mar 21, 2011

So, I gather there aren't CNA's on your floor? Sounds like you are already one of the close to being burned out ones. Yes, it's a bath. Maybe some days "only" a bath. However, if you've ever been sick in a bed for a long period of time, a bath--even if it's just a cloth to wipe face/under arms/wherever--does wonders to help the patient feel better, and in some cases, decrease infection risk/skin breakdown risk. Sorry the floor is so tough, but please reevaluate---I have a feeling you are close to an attitude that could become less than beneficial for you, the patient, and your co-workers really soon. Just my 2 cents worth.

As a former patient, you really are correct. It feels wonderful to at least wash your face and brush your teeth. I was set up once by a CNA (in a big university hospital) to wash myself and brush my teeth. My right arm was in a sling, my left arrm had an Dilaudid PCA, IV. I needed help. I have often pretended that I already washed up as a patient. No one wants to help. In some cases, it's just a matter of keeping your priorities straight. I wish every nurse could be a helpless patient just ONCE. Just sayin'... :nurse:

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

To the OP: I think you have a healthy attitude about your job. I don't see you being burned out because you recognize your limitations and make adjustments with the time you have. I like that you don't apologize for not being super woman.

The question, "Has their bath been done" has to be asked, but I think your answer is reasonable.

It would be interesting to know the CNA/pt ratio on your unit.

Are baths not being done because of not enough staff? If so that should be brought to attention of your supervisor

smily nurse, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

So here's my view on giving baths and changing sheets. If you stink and are visibly soiled, I will bathe you to the best of my ability in the five minutes I have to do it. Otherwise, I assume the opinion that you did not come to the hospital for a bath... and really, you didn't. Rarely do I have my time divided to where a bath is top priority. It never is. And as far as sheets go... again... are we visibly in need of a change? Because I can tell you that I don't change my own sheets every day. If you're not sitting in a pool of blood, and I have time to change 'em... I will.

With all the pressures of our job.... I will never go home beating myself up over (or even thinking twice about) the fact that my patient didn't get a bath or their sheets changed. If you are medically better off when I leave then when I came (or at least not worse), I feel good.

The bath is often when you assess skin. Wounds are a huge issue on acute care units. Home care nurses talk about nurses who do not care wholly for the pts in the hosp. I agree with all the comments re "do you wash?" Basic fundamentals NEVER change!!!!! :heartbeat The pt will not be better off if you have not care for the largest organ in their body!!!

thinkertdm · Mar 21, 2011

Exactly! Don't think of them as people in pain, think of them as just obstacles keeping you from doing the important stuff.

Who needs a bath when you have important boxes to check off on the EMR?

It's nice to hear a nurse...talking like a doctor.

Efficiency! Chop chop!

I'm thinking of you just prancing by sick people moaning in pain, unbathed for days at a time- "I can't help you, I have to chart"...nice! I would hire a whole hospital of people like you.

backatit2 · Mar 21, 2011

a nurse one said to me, "patient care always comes before paperwork."

simple - yes, but often forgotten.

of course the paperwork DOES have to get done, but if you actually WORK then chances are it won't be a big problem. that same nurse just so happens to be the only nurse who i never see sitting around texting, talking, or generally doing nothing. go figure.

chevyv, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

There are so many days like this. I love the days when I have a few extra minutes and my patients all tell me no. Gotta love nursing :)

Whispera, MSN, RN · Mar 21, 2011

Personally, I'd let charting slide before I'd avoid giving a patient a bath (of whatever sort is needed) and mouth and hair care....