Inpt Bathing

[BeExcellent]

I am now working in our inpatient hospice unit. I may be fretting over nothing but we don't move much less bathe patients very much. Room are assigned by shift for a bath and certainly not every pt needs a complete bed bath every day but if a pt looks "comfortable" they may not be turned or bathed for days. This freaks me out.

I am very sensitive to the dying process and pain issues and all but I think gentle repositioning and bathing is a comfort and dignity issue. Any thoughts?

[sharlynn]

We give bed baths twice a week, shower if they are able.

Turning is q 2 hrs, but as they get closer to the end we decrease at our discretion or according to family request.

All shifts do baths.

I would be concerned, too!

[leslie :-D]

that is deplorable, but all too common.

many are reluctant to even touch a pt, fearing more pain.

we have weekly schedules, but naturally, is contingent upon given condition of pt at that time.

sometimes, i spontaneously bring them in for a shower, taking advantage of the moment. (we have 4 shower areas).

if i need to wash them, i premedicate, on top of their normal regimen.

repositioning usually changes to wt shifts and pillow adjustments.

but to leave a pt lying there, for days on end, is downright abusive.

i've been known to 'butt in' on anothers' assignment, and take over care (or lack of).

and i only do this when i notice pt in same position, same dirty linen, same dried vomit on face, johnny...

doesn't happen often, but when it does...

i don't know what some people are thinking.

absolutely appalling.

leslie

[laurelmae]

it sounds like this is an important issue to you as it should be. you have the knowledge and ability to enact a change at your facility. pt care is #1. Is it just that the staff needs better education Re: care of the dying pt? including comfort care, mouth care, pain management etc? one of the things that families of dying pt's have said is that no one seems to touch the pt anymore. they come in and look, count some breaths, maybe take vitals, but no one props up their hands, puts lotion on their feet, takes out their teeth to at least rinse them etc. if you have the resources, make a simple short handout with some reminders and post it in the breakroom. maybe it will spark discussion and interest with you employees.

[BeExcellent]

Yes, Leslie and all, appalling. I have decided to follow ...'change what I can, when I can" and try to at least, motivate my immediate staff to the wonders of good hospice nursing.