Introduction
Today’s topic from nursing practice touched on a fascinating and socially awkward topic: using a urinal and helping patients. The issue under consideration concerned the preparation of the procedure and the description of the process itself (physical, social, psychological, and emotional aspects). It is necessary to wash the urinal and dry it and enter the patient’s data. This topic is considered one of the most important for nurses since all of them will encounter the provision of care to patients in this way. Here, the chosen nursing specialization plays almost no role except for a couple of cases (dentistry, for example). This topic is uncomfortable to discuss in society, so they prefer to avoid it or communicate about it using only brief comments and light jokes. All students of medical universities, during their practice, participate in support of patients who use the urinals in the hospital. Therefore, education on this topic is an indispensable part of the program of modern nurses.
Feelings
Shortly before the training, like many people, I felt uncomfortable about this topic. However, I tried to be strict with myself and said that using a urinal is a fundamental nursing operation to help the patient. This issue was very stressful for me, and I was ashamed to discuss it. I did not know how to find sources that would not be ephemeral but would convey to me in concrete language how to properly use the urinal with the patient. During the study of the material, the feeling of unease was still present in me, but I tried to be very serious. The people in the video demonstrated with all their appearance that they were calm, and I gradually became more relaxed. After studying the topic of using the urinal, I gained confidence that I can handle even such emotionally charged problems.
Evaluation
My first attempt at using a urinal to help a patient went without trouble as I tried to get it right the first time. I felt a profound responsibility to the patient, as the process was very communicatively intense. I started by sanitizing my hands and did it deliberately in front of the patient. With a smile, I approached him and explained what kind of procedure would now take place. I showed him the urinal and asked about his general health. I wondered if urination was usually painful or if he was bothered by itching and pain in the groin area. In summer, patients lying down need to be ventilated in certain regions. Even though this is not the first time the patient has used the urinal with the medical staff, I believe I did my job well and was attentive to the patient’s private space.
Analysis
I did not have enough inner peace to perform the procedure well, and I believe I failed to relax the patient. My smile looked strained, and there were too many thoughts in my head from excitement. He helped me place the penis in the urinal, and I left him in another room, going out (Skills Lab, 2017). When I returned, I removed the urinal, but from excitement, I held it in my hands for too long, not understanding what surface it would be better to place it on. I dragged out the procedure and suggested that the patient disinfect his hands too late. I did not know how to phrase a suggestion to clean his groin area with tissues. The procedure is generally communicatively stressful and complicated for me, although there are no problems with the technique.
Conclusion
In today’s lab lesson, I helped a patient use a urinal for the first time. Having studied some of the materials first, especially the detailed demonstration videos not with mannequins but with live nurses and patients, I proceeded to the procedure. Despite the great excitement, the laboratory lesson seemed to go well, and I have much to learn in the future. The more I help patients, the less communication awkwardness I will encounter. All patients will be different emotionally and respond differently to discomfort. In the end, further patient care studies will help to ignore the awkwardness. Technical aspects of skills are essential here, as well as emotional, care, and understanding.
Action Plan
I need to take a closer look at this topic and pay more attention to the communicative aspects of treatment and care. The procedure must be performed quickly and smoothly, while at the same time, it must harmoniously fit into the treatment; otherwise, the patient will become very stressed. It is essential to leave the room or cover the patient with a curtain not to deprive him of private space. The urinal must be handled carefully so as not to spill the contents but at the same time quickly. Knowing which surface the urinal will be placed most reliably in advance is better. We must not forget hand hygiene for the nurse and patient who helped in the process. It is necessary to wipe the patient after the procedure (if required) quickly and at the same time qualitatively.
Reference
Skills Lab. (2017). B 501 assisting with a urinal[Video]. YouTube.