Discover the Importance of Hair Care in Children’s Health at Children’s National Hospital – WTOP News

Starting Monday, Children’s National Hospital in D.C. is launching a new program called “Hair for You.” This initiative will help nurses and healthcare providers learn how to care for the various hair types of their patients.

Reneé Roberts-Turner, who leads Nursing Excellence and Child and Family Services at the hospital, believes that personal care, including hair care, is essential for overall well-being. “It’s part of daily living,” she explains, highlighting how simple tasks like hair care can influence a child’s comfort during hospital stays.

Nursing is a demanding profession, and this new training has received mixed reactions from staff. Some nurses express concern over their busy schedules, while others are eager to participate. “I think some staff are overwhelmed, but many are excited about the learning opportunity,” Roberts-Turner notes.

Roberts-Turner emphasizes that hair care goes beyond aesthetics. It can impact health, too. Nurses will learn to assess the scalp for issues like skin cancers or hair breakage due to hairstyles, such as braids or cornrows. Providing appropriate hair products, like medicated shampoo, is also vital to patient care.

She recalls a touching moment with a parent. After a test that involved electrodes on a child’s scalp, a nurse helped restore the child’s hair to its original condition. The parent expressed her gratitude, illustrating how meaningful such care can be.

As Roberts-Turner points out, caring for hair is connected to a patient’s well-being. “When patients feel more like themselves, it can lessen anxiety in a hospital setting,” she adds.

The “Hair for You” program has been in development for several years and aims to become a standard practice in healthcare. It includes tools like wide-tooth combs and universal shampoo designed for all hair types. Roberts-Turner and her team took their time to select the best products to ensure comfort for patients with different hair textures.

“This next generation deserves care that acknowledges their individuality,” she says. “Everyone deserves to feel good about their hair, even in a hospital.”

The emphasis on personal care in healthcare is gaining traction. According to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, 60% of patients reported that feeling cared for by healthcare staff improves their recovery experience. Making hair care training a norm could be one small step towards more comprehensive patient care.

By focusing on such details, hospitals can enhance the overall experience for children and families, making their stay a bit more comfortable and supportive during tough times.



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