My grandmother was allowed to leave the hospital only if someone could give her heparin injections daily for a week. She asked me if I could do it and I said yes. A home health nurse had to watch me do it the first time and sign off on it. I feel 100% comfortable doing it and honestly never thought twice about it until reading a few posts on here. Is it bad that I offered to do this? Even though I do not have a job as an RN, I did buy liability insurance already, if that makes a difference.

Thanks in advance

Are you worried your grandmother will sue you?

People give family members injections all the time (lovenox, heparin, insulin). I am guessing that the heparin is pre-drawn? I am also guessing you were signed off by the home health nurse? Go for it! This will help your grandmother feel more comfortable and be at home.

My father had a total knee replacement last winter. I was an LPN student then.

He was discharged to home a couple days after the surgery(He was doing too well for rehab in a facility). I had to give him 25 lovenox injections. Those were my first 25 injections. (Well I screwed up 2 syringes so he only got 23 lol).

I didn't have anyone watch me or teach me how to do it or sign off. I just made sure I followed what I learned in the BOCES "pharmocology" class on how to administer SQ injections.

No its not bad at all. Its good practice. Whenever we get new admits(rehab patients) who get lovenox or heparin injections I tell them my story. That usually puts them at ease because I look very young and they all think its my first injection. lol

Good practice for you and more comfortable for your grandmother dealing with a relative. Grandma won't sue you, she's grandma. Family members give care all the time. Usually nothing to worry about.

This is perfectly acceptable as I am certain the Home Health nurse instructed you and verified your understanding and competency. I have instructing caregivers and family members how to administer all types of therapies in the home.....TPN...antibiotics,,all kinds of SQ and IM medications...medications by hypodermoclysis ..and on and on. Home care is a completely different ball game than in a hospital setting so really no need to worry

Thanks everyone! I figured it was ok, and feel much better now. The Heparin is in pre-filled syringes and I just need to waste a portion to get the correct dose..