Patient hygiene-How far is too far?

kool-aide, RN · May 19, 2011

You'll have to get over that if you're going to be a nurse… lol I think this is going to be a very popular thread.. :lol2:

Cat_RN, ASN, BSN, RN · May 19, 2011

If not for procedure prep, why would you be shaving their pubic hair?

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · May 19, 2011

Your marital status shouldn't prevent you from caring from any patient. The patient can refuse care. The usual case is female patients refusing care from male CNAs.

Yes you will have to clean both genders. Get over that one right now. If a CNA came up to me and said what you just told me .. well my response wouldn't be too friendly. And it takes a lot to get me angry.

Shaving their pubic region is not required during care.

derikajames · May 19, 2011

If not for procedure prep, why would you be shaving their pubic hair?

Because keeping the pubic area free of excess hair is crucial to reducing the amount of bacteria. It is a simple hygienic measure.

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · May 19, 2011

Because keeping the pubic area free of excess hair is crucial to reducing the amount of bacteria. It is a simple hygienic measure.

No, Peri-care is a simple hygienic measure. Shaving the pubic region is a personal choice for the patient. You are doing more harm than good for that one. You could cause nicks, and all kinds of skin infections.

lckrn2pa · May 19, 2011

Your going to have to get over that because in school your assigned a patient based on learning objective and not gender. Your clinical instructor probably will not be forgiving of your view on how appropriate it is. As a health care worker you are expected to care for anyone/everyone regardless of age, race, gender or religious beliefs. With that said, once in the real world of working then "deals" can be made with co-workers to exchange duties so to speak. My background as a nurse was 19yrs in the ER and we always had an understanding with my female colleagues that I'd do all their male catheters and personal care if they would return the favor on my female pts. It works out most of the time but have been instances where it was my job and I did it. It's will be your job to take care of people at the worst possible moment in their life and you owe it to them to deliver the best care that you can regardless of how uncomfortable you may feel about it and to do so in a calm, confident and reassuring manner as to allay any fears or comfort issues your pt may have.

lckrn2pa · May 19, 2011

Because keeping the pubic area free of excess hair is crucial to reducing the amount of bacteria. It is a simple hygienic measure.

actually, your wrong. Shaving/grooming damages the skin and breaks down its effectiveness as a barrier. Largest organ of the body and 1st line of defense.

derikajames · May 19, 2011

I am sorry, but I have never heard that the removal of pubic hair is a "personal choice." My mother had to have it removed when she gave birth. It was required by the hospital, as it is an infection-reducing act. Patients who object should consider if they desire treatment at said hospital. If for some reason razors cannot be used a depilatory powder or creme may be used.

CNA2PA · May 19, 2011

Wow i dont think you should go into this field with that mindset. Ive NEVER seen or heard of any nurse getting assigned to another patient due to male genitals....As far as shaving them probably wont be necessary depending what you specialize their could be certain circumstances. As far as this economy you may have to work in LTC at some point in which you will see/deal with male or female privates regularly, what if a male pt had a severe rash there? YOU as the nurse would have to asses it and put on cream if it was medicated. I think you should think long about this as a nurse you WILL have time were you will need to clean males up, with todays hospital staffing their isnt always going to be aides to help. If you refuse to do that, it may be neglect if you leave a soiled patient, you can count on having males on a regular basis. As far as you fiancee, he wont have any say in your potential assignments and if he is insecure about you MEDICALLY treating a male patient and your siding with him i think maybe you should look for another career, my husband is mature and understands that its my job and it is not in ANY way sexual when i deal with male patients, i think maybe your man lacks proper understanding on the nurses duties. I HAVE NEVER EVER seen accommodations for female nurses made to avoid male privates, married single or male your here to do the job and will not get PREFERENCE b/c your engaged or married. I think anyone would probably LOL at that and think you were kidding if you seriously asked. Im kind of shocked it seems as though your really naive about potential job duties, PLEASE do some research about expected duties as a potential nurse and when you ask questions on here. I dont know about anyone else but im almost OFFENDED. As a married female i wouldn't dream of refusing a patient care because of their gender and expect to let one of the single females/males people to do it.

kool-aide, RN · May 19, 2011

I smell a troll!

Forever Sunshine, ASN, RN · May 19, 2011

I am sorry, but I have never heard that the removal of pubic hair is a "personal choice." My mother had to have it removed when she gave birth. It was required by the hospital, as it is an infection-reducing act. Patients who object should consider if they desire treatment at said hospital. If for some reason razors cannot be used a depilatory powder or creme may be used.

Its removed during a c-section or gynecological surgical procedure. Any nurse or CNA can tell you that shaving of pubic hair is not done in a hospital. Nor do we use depilatory powder or creams. I can just imagine the burns on their skin with that.

You have a lot to learn in nursing school sweetie.