When did we stop washing hair?

[LaNorteBellaRN]

I remember about 6 years ago, it was an abnormally slow day in the ER where I worked. This gentleman was brought in by EMS, more for a social situation, although he did have some medical issues as well. I remember him being so disheveled, unkempt, his beard was nearing ZZ Top proportions, and not because he wanted it that way. He just seemed so 'sad'. He kept apologizing for his appearance, "I am usually so clean shaven but I haven't been well lately." I let him talk as I listened because it seemed to help him relax. When I was done his EKG, and drawing his blood I asked him if he'd like me to help him wash up at the sink and I would give him a shave. He said no at first, "You're too busy, I couldn't ask you"....but he hadn't asked and I was not busy at all. So that's what we did, and I remember his smile and actual tears in his eyes. "Thank you so much, you don't know how much better I feel just being cleaned up a bit."

I was reminded of this today as my Grandmother cried on the phone when I called her in a hospital three and a half hours away, where she has been for a month recovering from bypass surgery. Three weeks. Her hair has not been washed in three weeks. The last time it was washed was three weeks ago when I travelled to see her and I washed it for her. Everyday the nurses go in and get her up to a chair, wash her, change her bed and put her back. And in three weeks no one has had the time to wash her hair. "I know I'd feel so much better if I could just manage to wash my own hair, I feel aweful" is what she told me today.

I've been a nurse for almost 10 years. I know, and I can appreciate the compromises nurses have been forced to make because of cutbacks, lay offs, shortages and overcrowding. And patient care has suffered directly because of it. But I also know that surely to heaven, there must have been 15 minutes in the last three weeks that someone, ANYONE could have spared to wash my grandmother's hair.

I'll be leaving right after work tomorrow to drive 180 miles each way so I can wash my Gram's hair and see her spirits lifted just a bit.

[susanrae]

the hospital i work in has blistex in little single packs that you rip open, and let me tell ya the patients really love that!

[Jamesdotter]

If your facility has volunteers, maybe they could do shampoos for patients. If they really want their volunteer service to make a difference, hair care has to be at least as important as passing magazines around.

[mper]

For 18 years in a developing country (so called third world country) I showered, sponged, washed hairs and mouths and all orifices required. to keep my patients clean - despite very limited resources. :nurse:Proud to be a nurse.

Migrated to a " developed progressive country " few years ago

Yes had to re-learn nursing - so called pre-registration course. Was taught a few new "procedures" like sponging a patient with only one small basin of water - josh that was gross - got told off when I tried to wash off the soap - of course mouth washes were not necessary - and hair washes - oh that's hilarious - which planet do you come from? Communication - where's the time for that? Nursing is all about IVs, medications and documentation documentation documentation - and of course - the nursing process.

Cynical - bet I am

Proud to be a nurse ????

:imbar Lucky I got through the course. Back to being a nurse - a real nurse. Obsessed with mouthwashes and hair washes - bet I am

We have a no rinse shampoo that we use for our more bedbound patients. I havent heard one complain yet about it so i guess it works well enough.

I'd like to know when they stopped giving oral care? Thats another area that is so neglected in both LTC and hospitals. And forget about PM care, remember when they at least offered a short backrub? Now all you hear are the evening nurses complaining if they have to bath someone. God forbid the patient might sleep better. Sorry,, i'm soundin grumpy tonight,, been a long day.