Assisting a Client to Shower

WARNING: This simulation contains nudity.

Assisting with personal hygiene provides an ideal opportunity for nurses to observe and assess clients for any abnormalities or changes in health status. It also provides a time to talk informally together, enabling nurses to gain insight into the psychological and spiritual wellbeing of their clients.

Prior to assisting a client with showering, consider the client’s:

• preferences and/or care plan for shower time and individual needs
• level of independence and capabilities
• need for assistance to transfer from bed to shower cubicle
• ability to communicate.

Nurses must, on every occasion, seek the consent of the client prior to commencing any personal hygiene procedure.