Providing Personal Care

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First of all, sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong area... didn't know if I should post this here or in the CNA area.

Currently I work as a RN in a home care agency and was asked a strange question today. One of the caregivers confessed to me that she was uncomfortable in having to clean up after a client after the client has had intercourse.

I asked one of my supervisors how she thought we should handle this situation, and she simply stated that the caregiver should not be squeamish about the situation, as it should be part of the personal care for the client.

Therefore... I am currently wondering if I should just leave the matter as it is, or if I should have a talk with the client about this situation.

Thanks. :nurse:

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It might depend on what was her purpose in telling you. Was she only venting? Was she hinting that she is refusing to do this, or wants to refuse and is looking for permission to refuse? The client can't remain soiled, so what is her solution? I would have the talk with her, and let her know that she is expected to do all care until a more suitable case is found for her. And make certain that the replacement caregiver is oriented to this aspect of care so the issue does not resurface.

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The caregiver told me this in passing, I think she was venting. She had told me she had never expected to clean bodily fluids from the client that were not the client's own.

I think I will go have a longer talk with her in regards to this situation. Thanks =)

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Specializes in COS-C, Risk Management.

Is she perhaps squeamish that the patient is still sexually active?

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I agree with Caliotter and it does sound like a psychological issue with the caregiver if her only problem with it is that the DNA is different. I would really hope she doesn't transmit her feelings of distaste to the client - I don't know if this is common but a female patient I had was deeply insecure that she (her words) "was disgusting" because of her wheelchair/vent dependent status. There have been times I was a little squeamish doing care related to the client's sexuality but I tried my hardest not to show it in any way.

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Specializes in LTC.

I'm going to be honest. I would be a little squeamish too cleaning up semen or lady partsl fluids after a client has had intercourse. Sorry but I'm human and I know I would just feel squeamish. However, I would do my job and remain professional about it. I'm sure the nurse was just venting. I don't see it as being any different as being squeamish over blood or something.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

I have to wonder if something else is going on. Is the nurse expected to help with other aspects of the client's sexual habits? Is the client's partner unable to help them clean up? Is the client using prostitutes?

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I have to be honest, this would gross me out. Seems like the person who had intercourse with her should be the one cleaning it up.

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I have to be honest, this would gross me out. Seems like the person who had intercourse with her should be the one cleaning it up.

I agree with this statement, but the client can ask that this be done, and as long as the agency supervisors don't put their feet down and state it is not going to be a provided service, then the caregiver is stuck. Or, they can ask to be put on another case.

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I have to be honest, this would gross me out. Seems like the person who had intercourse with her should be the one cleaning it up.

That is what the caregiver is hoping will happen as well. I would be uncomfortable if I was providing the care as well because it is during digital stimulation that the caregiver gets the most uncomfortable.

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