I heard somthing very sad the other day. I gave report to the oncomming nurse on an HIV baby that is very sick and she said "Ewe! I hate taking care of these kids. I mean what's the point? He is going to die any way" Is that not sad or what? This baby is sick, no fault of his own, he deserves kindness and compassion or am I just old fashioned. Anyway I said a prayer for this little one.

I agree!! If we have a premie that is going to die, we still hold them and nurture them until their last breath. After all , this was a living being!! "Ewe" is such a sad term to use on an innocent baby:o

Not that it makes a difference but he's not necessarily going to die of HIV! What a terrible attitude to have! What a cow!

I'm not a NICU nurse but....

:uhoh21: :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

She is not in the right area of nursing....

The child in question also has about a gazillion other things on top of HIV..hep C, r/o mycoplasma, r/o systemic TB. That child will most likely convert to AIDS...his mother wasn't treated, probably had it for a long time as they came right from Africa.

Everyone makes comments like that, and you can't tell me not you have never said ewww, or gross, or whatever and NO one in our unit is mean or uncaring to any children in it. Be careful with how you phrase things...it is very hard to convey what a person said over an internet board.

The child in question also has about a gazillion other things on top of HIV..hep C, r/o mycoplasma, r/o systemic TB. That child will most likely convert to AIDS...his mother wasn't treated, probably had it for a long time as they came right from Africa.

Everyone makes comments like that, and you can't tell me not you have never said ewww, or gross, or whatever and NO one in our unit is mean or uncaring to any children in it. Be careful with how you phrase things...it is very hard to convey what a person said over an internet board.

Obviously one nurse in your unit felt the comment was inappropriate; but you're right, I think we have all had patients that we go "ewe" on, and we all still take excellent care of our patients, no matter how we feel. My deepest respects go out to you gals that work in NICU, you all are angels to be able to take care of such tiny souls day after day, only to lose some of them. I don't think I am strong enough to deal with the heartbreak so much.

JMHO,

Pam

The child in question also has about a gazillion other things on top of HIV..hep C, r/o mycoplasma, r/o systemic TB. That child will most likely convert to AIDS...his mother wasn't treated, probably had it for a long time as they came right from Africa.

Everyone makes comments like that, and you can't tell me not you have never said ewww, or gross, or whatever and NO one in our unit is mean or uncaring to any children in it. Be careful with how you phrase things...it is very hard to convey what a person said over an internet board.

Not sure how you know about the baby Rose posted on, but you have more info than I have. HIV babies I care for are treated right from the get go and 99% go home. I assuumed since this child is premature and very sick that HIV may be the last problem they have to worry about.

An actualy no, I've never heard anyone make any kind of comment like that in all of my career of nursing.Not even when caring for fresh ostomy pts.Yes, I've heard "Eww, that smells gross." or "Yuck! That looks awful" But nothing as uncompassionate as a pt in general is disgusting and not worth caring for.

I don't know "your unit" staff. Only what I am told.

I believe they work together- there was another post a while back that alluded to this. I'll tell you this, though...I'd change my user ID lickety-split if I had a co-worker coming on here and correcting what I typed!

Let's remember, also, that we sometimes say things that we don't mean literally- I doubt any of us have never been guilty of foot-in-mouth, right? It sounds to me like that nurse may be burned out or frustrated with her work and in need of a break; nevertheless, it doesn't necessarily mean that that baby won't get the most excellent care under her hand. I may complain from time to time but I ALWAYS bust my butt to give the most tender care to my babies, especially those who have such poor outlooks (and who, of all children, deserve loving touch and compassionate care). That being said, I try not to say things like that unless I'm at home. :) Where the only person to hear me is my husband.

You are right Kristi. Things posted on a public board are just that,for all to read.

I know of nurses posting here that have been called into the NM office because of what they have posted @ Allnurses. Even if you don't use names people think it is a breech of confidetiality.

Hello from ******** Hospital. You are in the unit everyday, everysecond and hear every word.? RIGHT and no the baby is not from Africa.

The child in question also has about a gazillion other things on top of HIV..hep C, r/o mycoplasma, r/o systemic TB. That child will most likely convert to AIDS...his mother wasn't treated, probably had it for a long time as they came right from Africa.

Everyone makes comments like that, and you can't tell me not you have never said ewww, or gross, or whatever and NO one in our unit is mean or uncaring to any children in it. Be careful with how you phrase things...it is very hard to convey what a person said over an internet board.

Identifying info of hospital removed by moderator. Please keep HIPPA in mind when posting. Thank you!

I no longer think this form is a good idea.

I don't think that was an appropriate statement. If it was just a case of foot and mouth disease, that's one thing. But, unfortunately I have seen several nurses show real ignorance and prejudice towards babies who may have HIV. It is disgusting, unprofessional and stupid.

I am concerned that so much specific info has been posted regarding this child. I am closing the thread pending discussion by the moderators.

prmenrs, moderator