Shaving balloons?

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I feel really silly asking this question, but if you don't ask ...

I read on another thread about how student nurses practiced their shaving skills by shaving balloons. Is this done in every/most school? I'm a bit worried, because I have developed a latex allergy in recent years. The last time my daughter had a bunch of balloons in the room and was blowing them up for a party, I got so short of breath and wheezy I had to go outside (and she had to get rid of the balloons). :balloons: Totally annoying, because my kids always had balloons at their parties and it was never a problem, but now I just can't tolerate them (or latex gloves, but I know I can get around that and it probably won't be a major issue). Is this likely to be a big deal for me in RN school, which I start in the fall?

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

I doubt it would be an issue, just make it known to your instructors before hand. We have to fill out a paper stating if we have any allergies when we first started.

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Thanks, That Guy. I'll definitely do that. I wonder if there is an alternative offered. I can't think of what that might be, but I guess I shouldn't stress over it. I'm sure there will be plenty of other things to get my panties in a bunch about. :D

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This was never a skill that we practiced, either in nursing school or in CNA training. I wouldn't worry about it so much. As for practicing the skill, maybe your husband will let you practice on him on his days off.

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I never liked the the whole balloon shaving thing.

I never could do it yet I've been shaving for years heh.

I doubt they would 'MAKE' anyone do that knowing the extent of latex allergies.

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I've done that at a public school fair...never for nursing school...you'd think between faces, legs, underarms, other...delicate areas, we'd have figured out the right and wrong way to shave. Its really not that hard.

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I just finished my first term of school, and we were taught that most facilities now use electric clippers now as a safety precaution, so there was no need for us to practice on balloons. I'm from OH, so I don't know if this is something limited to my area.

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Electric clippers for safety?

Electric clippers can cut and let me tell you. It hurt WAY worse than a razor cut. :D

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I been shaving for like I dunno, 18 years??? I think I got it down! Never knew they had to teach you how to shave in NS

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Specializes in critical care: trauma/oncology/burns.

Ha, well back in the day if I had a patient that the family wanted me to shave them, I said "sure, but if I showed you the scars on my legs you would think twice before asking me"....:D

I guess I've worked in oncology too long as I will not shave a patient unless I absolutely, positively have to.

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Ha, well back in the day if I had a patient that the family wanted me to shave them, I said "sure, but if I showed you the scars on my legs you would think twice before asking me"....:D

I guess I've worked in oncology too long as I will not shave a patient unless I absolutely, positively have to.

I was just gonna say I've seen a lot of women that looked like they got attacked by Edward Scissorhands!

I'm only letting hairy men shave me!!!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

I have only ever cut myself twice and that is when I needed a new blade. I am getting laser hair removal next year and then I will never have to own a razor again!

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