Hospital Corners . . . 1, 2, 3, lift

We practiced our nursing skills in the practical rooms of the School of Nursing. Curiously, groups of 18 and 19 year old women, staying in voluntarily, during their break, possibly previously unheard of! This was all done to impress our nursing tutors to gain good assessment marks with our crisply made, regulation hospital corners. During these juvenile training days, we also had to practice patient 'lifting' techniques. Of course, all 'lifting' techniques being completely outlawed these days; but we were expected to be able to confidently and safely lift patients in the designated ways. We'd practice these at the most inopportune of moments; the middle of a crowded pub being one that springs to mind. We were proud that we were considered 'good lifters'. 

Washing a patient in bed was one of the most fundamental skills we were taught during 'block'. Typically known as a 'bed-bath' it seemed to me that patients would have a bed-bath; no, sorry be given a bed-bath whether they wanted/needed one or not! There were masses of rules for this one. These listed, number of times you changed the water, temperature of the water, privacy, patient comfort and modesty (debatable at times), number of towels and exactly where to be placed, washing order, you name it, it was covered, but mostly in the patients' case uncovered. A patient in bed seemed to automatically trigger a bad case of pyjama/nightie induced paralysis. It was expected back then, to wash every one within an inch of their lives. Now we actively encourage patients to care as much as possible and practical, for themselves, fostering their independence and cutting down on our nursing time. But, there was another reason for this labour intensive bathing; you were able to chat to your patient and see how they were feeling. A far better opportunity for one - one conversation; than when the Consultant and Sister entourage hit the wards for the ward round and asked the patient in ceremonious fashion from the foot of the bed . . . " How are we feeling today"? 

damage to their skin. The treatment of choice was to apply talc to the affected area, buttocks, heels, hips etc and heaven forbid, rub the skin to 'improve the circulation nurse'. Aah! not now though... rubbing the skin was shown to cause friction and potential damage to the areas of skin, thus adding to the pressure area equation. Relief from the 'boney prominence' was also recommended, and is chiefly the way to prevent pressure areas and ulcers today. A 'turning chart' was duly filled in when said 'turn' had been carried out, for those patients who were unable to change and shift position themselves. Again, back in the 21st C patients are educated and actively encouraged to help themselves, 'to help themselves' where ever possible. A huge amount also depends on the state of the patients' nutritional status, medical history and numerous other factors, but this is the simplest way. Gone also are the, well meaning pressure relief aids, such as sheep-skin mats, and rubber rings, water-filled gloves and god knows what, that were used before research proved that in fact we were potentially causing more harm than good. It was all down to the mattress now! Multitudes of mattresses were duly outcast to the bowels of the hospital and new high spec pressure relief ones took their place. Mattresses were no longer sprayed with alcohol spray which was apt to make the covering brittle and eventually crack . . . but that is going to lead on the ward cleanliness and well, that's another story. . .