Washing patients akward?

yousoldtheworld · Apr 21, 2011

No, it's not awkward when you consider that it is someone that CAN'T do that for themselves. And it's a very large portion of the job, so it's something you have to get used to doing quickly.

Very rarely do the patients get aroused...and on the occasion that someone does, it's simply a stimulation thing, and nothing sexual. It happens. And it's not a big deal, they're going to be more embarrassed about it than you are.

I have to ask, based on this post and the other one - if you find the idea of washing someone awkward and you think you'll gag and throw up at the smells, what makes you want to be an aide?

interceptinglight, CNA · Apr 21, 2011

Dealing with perineal care, body wastes and fluids, offensive smells, and just dealing with the human body in general is sometimes a 'make it or break it' point for CNA's in training. I've seen people bomb out of our CNA program just because of that. You need to have the stomach for it, and for those of us who've been doing it a while it just isn't any big deal. I can peri-care someone who's incontinent of diarrhea, clean up their bed, then go wash my hands and sit down to lunch without any problem whatsoever. Not everyone can, though !!

cmm4ever · Apr 21, 2011

Well I was trying to get into healthcare...and thought this might get the wheels turning. I mean Im sure that other people have gagged before while dealing with some patients. I guess its something that you just have to try out and see.

blackandyellow · Apr 21, 2011

I've always thought of the resident/patient as my relative and how I would want them to feel and be treated. I do it so often now that I don't think much about it but I dont want the resident to feel uncomfortable. There has been a few times I have had to leave men and come back with another aide because they got a little too frisky but it has always been due to alzheimers, dementia, or coming off of anesthesia. It's something that comes with the territory.

caregiver1977 · Apr 21, 2011

If the patient is in their right mind they will probably be FAR MORE EMBARRASSED and uncomfortable than you are.

sunshine100 · Apr 22, 2011

When I first started it was a little strange, until a few weeks went by and now over a year later it is no big deal. I usually just talk to the person while doing it (depending on who it is).

karamarie91 · Apr 24, 2011

During clinicals, I felt awkard, but I learned that its better now than later to get over this feeling of awkwardness.Like another poster mentioned, I think of the resident as a relative.

HeiseC · Apr 26, 2011

Its a job that needs to be done really, so when I came across that situation, I never thought about it that way. Keep in mind, I was 16 when I had started clinicals in a nursing home. The RN we were under explained that you have to finish the procedure quick or else they will get aroused. Before I clinicals, my instructor explained all the 'could happens' and how to go about the situation, so we knew what to expect.

kaiasunshine · Apr 26, 2011

For me, the expectation of doing it was FAR more stressful and uncomfortable than actually doing it...when you're actually there with the person (except for maybe the first few times you do it) it's not a big deal at all. Like everyone else has said, you realize that they are unable to do it for themselves and you know it needs to be done. You want your residents/patients to be clean, comfortable and healthy and if there's a way for you to help them achieve that, you're happy to oblige :)

Another thing I noticed when I was first doing my practicum was that you are so involved with doing it correctly that the rest of the world kind of closes off for a minute! I saw it as more of a task to be done than an uncomfortable situation. Talking to the person while you're doing it (like small talk or having a conversation) also makes it more comfortable for both of you, depending on the person.

It's really not as bad as it seems and you get used to it pretty quickly. I'm sure there's a rare 1/100 person who can never get used to it but like anything, you adjust!