Posted elsewhere:no response. Tub bath info pls!

[Saralynelle]

Tub bath. I posted elsewhere and no response. Tomorrow I give a tub bath to an elderly lady. I am wondering how this is dine?

Asking why I need this information? Because my job with HHC is tossing me into this situation. Feeling my job may be at risk due to needing time off because child(ren) issues beyond my control.... Needing this help, please.

Thank you!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Way too few details to give concise answers.

How old is the patient?

How much mobility does she have?

How much does she weigh?

How strong are you?

Truly, if you are a nurse or have had any training in caring for the elderly, I'm guessing you will be able to assess the situation when you get there and figure out the logical, safe way to accomplish the bath.

[caliotter3]

Patient safety is of utmost importance, followed by dignity. As long as you keep those matters in mind, you should be able to get through this. BTW, sounds like you may need to be looking for a new job anyway.

[FLArn]

Is this in a facility or a patient's home? Where are you located? In Florida to do personal care in a patient's home you must be either a licensed nurse or a Home Health Aide -- in a facility you must be a nurse or a CNA. I don't know what an RMA is -- you may need to clarify your scope of practice. BE CAREFUL not to overstep your professional boundaries.

[Saralynelle]

Pt home. In her 80s. She ambulates wo wheelchair.

I am Registered Medical Assistant who paid a lot of money for an education I can not use.

I found a job as a caregiver. Now this job is asking me to do the responsibility of giving a tub bath. I can't just say no. Hence coming to a community I was hoping to get answers for this situation.

Is it out of my SOP? I am not a CNA. Do I want to keep my job because I need this so my kids have Christmas!? Yes.

I am also already looking for another job.

This company took me off a case already because I refused to admin s narcotic as a caregiver to a pt.

See where this is going? In Jan I can have one year xp under my belt. Hopefully find a job elsewhere.

For now? I just am asking for a run down on how to do this tub bath. Thank you.

[rn/writer, RN]

Does she have a bath chair that will fit into the tub? That and a hand-held shower nozzle might make the process easier and safer for both of you.

If you don't know about the shower chair or if she doesn't have one, see if you can get your hands on a sturdy plastic folding chair.

Other things to pay close attention to--water temp, slippery surfaces in tub and on bathroom floor, proper draping with towels, keeping soap/shampoo away from eyes. You probably know these things already.

I wish you the best. Let us know how it goes.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

The elderly are always cold. Most dislike baths because of that. They feel exposed and cold. Truly, if you can manage to do a full, all-body cleansing without immersion in water, your patient will likely be very happy.

Try having the patient sit on the towel-covered toilet while you stand at the sink and wash her in stages, keeping all the other stages covered/warm with towels.

On the other hand, you may get there and discover that she enjoys her baths and has a firm idea of how to go about it. Don't forget to ask what she would like. She should direct your care if she is at all able to.

Good luck.

[caliotter3]

If this employer expects you to administer narcotics to patients, clearly not in the scope of practice of a Home Health Aide, you definitely need to find another employer.

[Saralynelle]

I agree. In this economy I am just trying to hold on for xp sake. Pull me through for a year so next perspective employee see I have a good work record.

Thank you for the tips and advice !!!

[Flatbelly]

This is no easy task. The proper sequence should be:

1. Observing how it is done by someone who has experience.

2. Assisting.

3. Performing under supervision.

4. Performing independently.

Looks like you jumped straight to no 4. Call me panic-queen, but that is dangerous IMO. Too much of a risk of serious injury to yourself or/and the person you're taking care of. I would refuse to do it.

[Saralynelle]

Flatbelly, again I will agree with what you and the others have said here. I'm not denying this at all.

I didn't go straight for number 4. My employer said you are taking on a new client and this is what we need from you. Riding on thin ice because of being removed from a case for not administering a narcotic a client a caregiver was strike one. Having to take off three shifts due to dealing with my own personal life (my children beyond my control) was strike two.

This is me now trying to CYA and keep my job. I don't have a license to lose at this point. That doesn't make me any less nervous about giving a bath to someone when I've not been through the process. Hence, my post on these forums asking for help.

RN/Writer: My concern is proper draping of towels. The rest of what you mentioned is purely common sense.

At least when you look up bed bathing you can find several step by steps on how this is done.

Thank you again :)

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I think you just need to focus on safety and comfort. Find out how she has done it in the past and what is most comfortable for her.