Hello, i'm about to start nursing placement, and bathing people doesn't bother me, but i was wondering....how do you wash people's bits????do u have to get into all the ins and outs....is it a quick once over with a sponge....its just i'm worried about the awkwrdness, though i'm sure i will get used to it!
Just put it this way, be thorough! Plenty of warm water and soap, disposable wipes, not face cloths (risk of infection) and wipe from front to back on a lady, not going beyond the labia. Repeat until clean then wipe again with another wipe with no soap to ensure no residue left as this can cause irritation. With a man, again wash the penis first, paying special attention around the foreskin as this is usually the grubby bit, then wash around the bottom. Apply barrier cream on sore bits, and avoid talcum powder as it tends to cake and can make people sore. And make sure you dry thoroughly. I always encourage patients to wash themselves if they can even if bed bound as this encourages independence, but obviously some people are not able, I always think it is polite to see if they would rather do it themselves first though as they may feel awkward themselves. It may sometimes feel awkward for us to do it, but imagine how embarrassed your patient may feel. Make sure you never pull faces as this is unprofessional, regardless of smells and what you might see. It's not their fault they cant look after their hygiene needs. You will get used to it, and in the end see it as a priviledge of the job, we are lucky that we are given the chance to perform such a sensitive and personal service. Good luck with your nursing placement!
Source(s):
Staff nurse, qualified for 2 years
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