Care of the body: maintaining dignity and respect

Technology has always been part of nursing. The use of technology now, although it is more advanced and sophisticated than technologies of the past, will remain a crucial component of nursing practice. Nursing has the ability to successfully mediate the effects of technology in nursing practice. Regardless of the technological advancements, there are certain elements of practice in nursing, such as bathing, which have not changed in many was over the years. A reflection on the care of the body, both from a historical perspective and within a caring-healing-health paradigm informs nursing practice. The daily practice of tending to and comforting the patient through preservation of cleanliness requires skilled knowledge and a deliberate choice of action that honours the patient during this sensitive aspect of nursing practice.