Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

FWIW, nurses use the excuse of "the baby is too unstable" when the real issue is that it takes time and energy to get that baby out for parents to hold. I can't tell you how many times I've been the nurse who was the one that let parents hold for the first time. After WEEKS of hospitalization.

Granted there are times when the baby is too sick to be held. But more often than not, it's the nurse not wanting to take the time. JMHO.

Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

Originally Posted by SteveRN21

FWIW, nurses use the excuse of "the baby is too unstable" when the real issue is that it takes time and energy to get that baby out for parents to hold. I can't tell you how many times I've been the nurse who was the one that let parents hold for the first time. After WEEKS of hospitalization.

Granted there are times when the baby is too sick to be held. But more often than not, it's the nurse not wanting to take the time. JMHO.

You might be right. But I will never second guess another nurse's motive. Maybe it was beyond their comfort level to take out the baby with lines or maybe they had a bad feeling about taking the baby out at that time. I'm usually happy to be the first person to let the parents hold their baby and don't worry about why no one else did.

Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

Not with an arterial line...too risky and our population tend not to be too careful and only think that they know what is best for their baby. I've seen them play pass the baby when the nurse turns her back and yes, we have had lines pulled out...not fun. UVC's we play by ear...if it is the kids only access at that point and has access issues, the kid stays in bed.

It only takes a few bad experiences to ruin it for all families, but we have to safeguard our kids, they are our number one priority. Our unit manager backs us up when we make decisions not to take the kids out, thankfully!

Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

Just today took out a vented baby with UVC/UAC, dopa at 15 to give to Mom.

...

But baby is brain dead with no pain response, so I thought it was okay. It's just a matter of having the lines organized, another person to help, and telling Mom which tubes are important.

Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

Maybe these parents will understand while they're holding their infant with a UAC and the line comes out and blood spills all over? Some parents are ridiculous. Just like the home birth gone wrong families who bring their babies in to get medical help and then refuse it!!!
This is about nursing judgement. The managers ARE NOT at the bedside and do not "get it" 9 times out of 10...they just want to kiss parents' butts so as not to get complaints. Forget about pt. safety! what matters most is what the parents want!
Sorry if I was too harsh, but crap like this bugs me a lot.

Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

Originally Posted by SteveRN21

FWIW, nurses use the excuse of "the baby is too unstable" when the real issue is that it takes time and energy to get that baby out for parents to hold. I can't tell you how many times I've been the nurse who was the one that let parents hold for the first time. After WEEKS of hospitalization.

Granted there are times when the baby is too sick to be held. But more often than not, it's the nurse not wanting to take the time. JMHO.

Sometimes this is true...but don't forget about those times when the parent is holding for 5 min and decides they're scared and want the baby to be put back...or when the baby becomes unstable in the parents' arms and has to be bagged or suctioned. I agree with UAC's, PIA's and UVC's it;'s too risky. Those lines are the life-lines and are not always easy to get in. We also have to worry about PICC lines as well. The parent has other options...touching, placing hands in a cradling position, soft music, etc. If I had a sick baby and it was too risky to hold the baby, I wouldn't do it...but then again I'm a NICU nurse!

Re: Holding with UAC/UVC lines

we really encourage kangaroo care at our facility and if the infant is stable then we allow them to be held with lines, vents etc... we just monitor very closely, usually mother and baby are very happy about it. so far i have not run into any problems doing this.