Need help with a very timid child

Specialties Private Duty

Published

Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

This little sweetheart is really scared of stethoscopes, thermometers, sounds, touch, nurses, and undoubtedly doctors.

Does anyone have experience "making friends" with someone like this in order to serve as her private duty nurse?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Tie is really the only thing. They need time to trust you - and to learn that none of that stuff you mentioned hurts.

Well, sometimes bribery works, too...

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

Ooops. I posted it twice. It didnt look like it "went".

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Specializes in pediatric.

Can you let the child play/touch your equipment first (the stethoscope, thermometer, etc)? Maybe the child can take your temp, listen to your heart, etc. Does he/she have a lovey or favorite stuffed animal? Vital signs can be practiced on that. And PP is right: in time, it seems like he/he would come around, especially if you are a consistent, positive influence.

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Specializes in ICU.

If the above suggestions don't work, I would see if there is a nearby pedi hospital with Child Life Specialists who might be willing to give you a few suggestions. Those people are brilliant. I had a class given by one when I was volunteering in PICU, and they were absolutely awesome. They were very involved at that hospital and a great resource for the nurses.

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Specializes in Peds, developmental disability.

Outstanding suggestions, y'all. Thanks!

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

do you wear scrubs?

would it be possible not to wear

scrubs?

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