Starting Monday, Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., will launch “Hair for You,” a new initiative aimed at training nurses to properly care for the diverse hair types of their young patients.
The program, spearheaded by Reneé Roberts-Turner, Executive Director of Nursing Excellence and Child and Family Services at the hospital, aligns with the hospital’s broader mission to assist patients with all aspects of daily living.
“Hair care is as essential as brushing your teeth or washing your face,” Roberts-Turner explained. “It’s a key part of supporting overall well-being.”
Nurses at the hospital, who already perform comprehensive head-to-toe assessments as part of their care routines, will now be trained to recognize and address hair-specific health concerns, such as scalp issues, skin cancer signs, or pressure injuries from hairstyles like braids or cornrows. The training will also cover the use of specialized shampoos for patients with specific needs.
While some nurses initially expressed reservations about the added training module, citing busy schedules, others have shown strong interest. “There are definitely mixed reactions,” Roberts-Turner acknowledged. “But for many, it’s an exciting opportunity to enhance patient care.”
The initiative was inspired by the positive impact that hair care can have on a child’s overall comfort and sense of self. Roberts-Turner shared a poignant example of a parent’s gratitude after a nurse assisted in removing residue from a child’s scalp following a medical test that involved electrodes.
“That mother shared how meaningful it was for her child to have their hair restored to its original state,” Roberts-Turner said.
According to Roberts-Turner, hair care goes beyond vanity. “It’s a vital component of well-being, particularly for children who may be experiencing stressful medical treatments,” she emphasized.
The program, which has been in development for several years, is set to launch next week and will be rolled out as part of standard care at the hospital. Roberts-Turner hopes the program will eventually be adopted at hospitals nationwide. “It’s important to make children feel as much like themselves as possible, even in a hospital setting where they have limited control over their environment.”
The program provides nurses with a variety of tools, including wide-tooth combs and brushes designed for curly hair, as well as a universal shampoo that is suitable for all hair types.
“We really took the time as a team to research the best products,” Roberts-Turner said.
Looking to the future, Roberts-Turner is hopeful that this initiative will set a new standard of care. “When I think about the next generation, I want this kind of care to be a given at every hospital,” she said. “Most people want their hair washed, clean, and cared for every day, and that should be part of the care we provide.”
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