SactoRN

One of the things I noticed NOBODY mentioned was the role of the family in all of this. I always try to involve family in the care of the patient, and one of the things they can do is bathe the patient in those areas that are easily accessed and not injured. I give family members small tasks all the time, and often I find that they become more comfortable with the situation and feel less powerless. The family must be part of the health care team, as well as the patient. Patients who are A/O and fairly mobile get small "tasks" as well. I'll tell them, wash everything that you can reach comfortably and avoid your dressings, I'll come back and help you with the more difficult parts. I honestly believe this helps the patient in many ways. It gives them a sense of involvement in their care, it gives them a sense of control over their own body, it gives them motivation to help themselves (even if it's just this small way), it establishes a collaborative relationship between me and the patient, and it gives me teaching opportunities. Even the apathetic patients will do it because I tell them that if they can take care of washing the easily accessible bits, I may have time to give them a backrub (always appreciated). We aren't afraid to touch our patients and we should help the family to not be either, and I think we can give the rehabilitation stage of recovery a real boost by getting the family and patient directly involved in their own care ASAP :) P.S. - This philosphy applies to either day shift OR night shift. I think that assigning a task to one shift only is a mistake. It creates a "task" oriented culture which is NOT what being an RN is all about.