Would you ask a patient's child to dress his or her parent?

[ThatPoshGirl]

The title is supposed to be a patient's child, sorry.

Not too long ago my dad had a routine colonoscopy. I was waiting for him in the car and for some reason they sent someone out to have me come inside. There were no complications or anything like that. When he was done the nurse asked me to dress him. I told her "no" and she looked at me like I was a horrible person.

My dad is older 69, but he is able bodied and capable of dressing himself with no problem. If the nurse felt that he needed help isn't that her job? I am not okay with seeing my dad naked!

[Jules A, MSN]

Now, in my eye, this doesn't mean that a relative who is knowledgable of the conditions of health care today; the nursing shortages, overcrowded hospitals, the higher acuity of the patients, etc...should not pitch in when needed. People may feel differently on this thread, but I do believe that there are things that families can do that would free up nurses to do many other crucial things. Feeding them, providing water and ice, bathing (provided that it is safe-much of that depends on the condition of the patient and equipment utilized), holding their hands, etc... I believe that an observant, savvy family member would try to decrease the burden, and it also makes the staff appreciate them more.

It is an unfortunate fact that many times, the patient that has family members that come, the squeaky wheels (those that assert themselves, and the patient/families that are considerate get better care. Most nurses try to do their best towards everyone, but this is a fact of life for many of them as well. But, I don't expect them to care for the patient, I sometimes WISH they would, but that is different.

Well put. I have also seen the patients that have great families, imo, who will pitch in and contribute to their care get more attention from the staff. Not that it is fair just an observation.