[OzMW]

Vitamin K isn't a vaccine, its just that...a vitamin. I'd suspect your ethical /legal dilemma lies in giving a substance to a newborn that the parents have not consented to. Where I am you'd have a greater chance of losing your license if you gave it without the parents consent. The hoo ha over vitamin k deficiency bleeding in newborns is crappola really! Before vitamin k was given routinely it was a rare occurrence, and funnily enough despite the widespread use of vitamin k, it still happens!
My kids had it and any future ones will, but its a parents choice, and I fail to see why governments would be at all interested in such a rare disease!!!!! And if they are, who the hell is allowing them to tell parents what to do with their children.....eeck!

[OzMW]

Originally Posted by babyktchr

I am always fascinated by patients who come armed with legal documents and birth plans and heavily researched this and that. I always ask why they have chosen their path, what their research has taught them, and try to discuss ramifications (other than, this is what I want).????

So as nurses are we all aware of the facts in relation to vitamin K deficiency bleeding in newborns? Maybe these parents who came armed with the research are the clever ones! I welcome parents who research and inform themselves...wish there was more of it actually! Our appallingly high rates of intervention around birth would probably be alot less if more of 'em questioned stuff rather than blindly accepting the "professionals" opinion!:h eartbeat

[babyktchr]

Oh, I do agree with you. I am truly fascinated that people take the time and research stuff. However, I am interested in HOW they came to their decisions. Because Oprah said so isn't a real answer for me. Some people merely pick a path because they read it on the internet and it sounded good, and have no idea of what it really is they are asking for. More power to people who do their homework. ( I do it myself).

[babyktchr]

I wanted to add this..but I got cut off and couldn't go back...ack!!! I am all for supporting a parent and their wishes. I don't give any medication without consent ( vit k, hep b, and erythromycin oint). I guess I am disheartened when people come at you with threats of lawsuits right from the get go (as in the original post stated).

[OzMW]

Completely agree with you, but I guess I can understand why they do come in waving lawyers letters around (and I of course come from a very different practice setting where litigation isn't as big of a issue). If people are saying "this is state policy, you have no say" well I'd darn well get myself a letter too!!! We need to practice in partnership with women, and encourage them to take responsibility; and that means letting go of the thought that we always know best! And of course we have a duty of care to ensure the info they have is correct and from a reputable source. It just smarts sometimes when it is; and our patients actually teach us something!!!

[Spidey's mom]

I agree with Jolie's post . . . parents have the right to opt out of Vit K and other things without the nurse being legally liable.

I too am curious about the state where you reside.

steph

[GrumpyRN63]

I just don't see any legal ( nevermind ) ethical dilemma/nightmare, they don't want it, fine, they have the right to refuse, I would be having the nightmares if I did give it against their consent

[OzMW]

Originally Posted by GrumpyRN63

I just don't see any legal ( nevermind ) ethical dilemma/nightmare, they don't want it, fine, they have the right to refuse, I would be having the nightmares if I did give it against their consent

ME TOO! Big nightmares....................

[cherokeesummer]

Originally Posted by babyktchr

Just an aside here.......does anyone else find that the "birth plan" usually goes to hell in a hand basket.....and everything they didn't want (C/S, epidural, pain meds, etc) happens??????

Yes yes yes and yes!!!!!!!! I've only been in the field for about 6 months now but everyone I work with says if a pt. comes in with a birth plan it seems to always end up in C/S. I have a friend who is getting ready to deliver in a few weeks now and she was asking me some questions as she prepared her birth plan. I did not have the heart to tell her that sometimes things don't go as planned so hopefully everything will be the way she wants it. She isn't planning on anything out of the ordinary, just little things like making sure dad is with baby from the delivery on and for the first bath, which we do anyway if dad wants to so thats cool.

Anyway yes I've heard birth plans = c/s quite often. Strange!

[cherokeesummer]

I work in the state of VA and I've never seen a consent for Vit. K. We have the consent for Hep and we have to see it before we give the vax but never have I seen any consent for Vit. K or ointment. I've never had anyone yet tell me no but I'm sure it will happen!