Do you bag your bodies naked?

[mama_d, BSN, RN]

I had a death the other night, and found out that our new policy to save $ on linens is to bag the bodies naked. I flat out refused.

I know she was dead, so it shouldn't really matter whether she had a gown on or not, but it just seemed indecent to me. There was no way I was putting her into a plastic bag without being covered.

I was just curios if other facilities do this...and does it bother most people or am I just being weird?

[wintersantanaRN]

I would say this is werid, and in my opinion a blatant disrespect for the dead. There is usually post mortem care performed a post mortem kit that has a drape grown provided. I would have refused also. I am certain that these patients family members would not appreciate knowing their loves ones are exposed in such a way after death.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

I could never do that either. I always leave a jonny on. Sometimes I even put a clean one on them if it's needed.

[leslie :-D]

i would also outright refuse to do this.

the way that we perform post-mortem care, is our final act of dignity to the pt.

make it count.

leslie

[locolorenzo22, BSN, RN]

no way....leave them covered. If the facility is really going to nickel and dime this way, it won't be long until some funeral home director comments to some obit guy at the local paper and BOOM, big story. It's a dignity issue. I would be really po'd at the person who didn't cover my loved one.

[germensano]

In my past hospital we packed they naked. In this one no.

[Biffbradford]

Naked.

[billyboblewis]

In forty plus years of experience I dont ever remember being put in a body bag clothed in anything. Funeral Homes take care of preparing bodies for family ant the public. In the hospital the family has generally seen them before they are bagged

[Mike A. Fungin RN]

It's always been my experience that the deceased are bagged without clothing. Why in the world would anyone do otherwise?

I've never heard a word about it being financially motivated, it just seems like common sense to me. The remains are going to be transported in an opaque bag to an autopsy, embalming, or cremation and there's absolutely no need for clothing.

As for post-mortem care requiring the utmost respect for the dignity of the deceased, I wholeheartedly agree. I don't think that is at all mutually exclusive with bagging the remains unclothed though.

[mozella]

In forty plus years of experience I dont ever remember being put in a body bag clothed in anything. Funeral Homes take care of preparing bodies for family ant the public. In the hospital the family has generally seen them before they are bagged

how many times have you been put in a body bag? what did it feel like being naked in there? just kidding. lol

[billyboblewis]

that is what happens when you dont edit your letters....I imagine I will not be too worried about it when the time comes.

[tencat]

Disrespectful and not necessary. I know the person doesn't care, but the loved ones DO.