New to home health

[bdbrdb]

I just started working in home health. I have experience in LTC and did 12 hour shifts where I took care of 45 residents on both my hallways, my night would pass by pretty quickly and I was always busy. I have a pediatric patient with cerebral palsy, and I'm only with him for a 7 hr shift. My question is after I give his meds and scheduled gtube feedings, his shower and reposition him to wc or standard. What other activities can I do with him, any ideas?? Something that will keep him entertained and help keep him engaged? I hate feeling as though after I clean his equipment and do meds and feedings that I'm just sitting there watching him and making sure he's okay. I read to him, sang ABCs to him, played videos for him. Held his hands and had him dancing with me. But I just don't want to feel like I'm not doing more. Any ideas or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[psullivan95]

I hear you. I also do ped home care and some shifts feel like they drag on forever.

What exactly bothers you? "feel like you're not doing more" does that mean you would prefer the hustle and bustle of floor nursing or

do you feel like there is more care that you could be doing? If it's the latter, just remember that socio/psycho/spiritual care is just as important as ADLs and meds tx. I always keep in mind that my patients are adolescents/teenagers who are bedbound. Just reading to them, having conversations with them, and watching their favorite shows with them can be as therapeutic as any med. I try to keep up to date with the Disney and Nickelodeon shows they like so I can talk to them about it (they can't communicate but they are in there!). Also, simple things like PROM and massages are great. Take your time with it. Who doesn't like a good rub down? (LOL) Lastly, I do all I can to try to include them in what their family is doing... even if it's getting them in their chairs and bringing them out during a family dinner or out in the backyard where their family is swimming and BBQing. The family loves having their child participate in the family dynamic and it's wonderful for the child's well being.