Decannulated... What now?

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

My little client who had reconstructive surgery to fix her tracheomalacia last September is getting decannulated this week. I'm excited for her and the family, at the same time sad I'll be losing my sweet client and very nice family. The problem (for me) is that nobody really knows what happens now with nursing. They keep scheduling me for her but I might get stuck w no hours. How long until they pull nursing services for a decannulated child? Will they keep one on to monitor for a week? A month? She is healthy in every other way. What has been your experiences first hand or hearsay from other nurses?

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I was told on the case where I encountered this, that nursing would continue for two weeks unless there were complications. Since that wasn't my regular case, don't know what actually happened.

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From what I have seen on various parent boards, nursing can last anywhere from two weeks until the end of the school year depending on what the parents, doctors and school are comfortable with.

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Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

Congrats! The patients I've had that were decannulated, got 2 weeks. I've heard of a month, but never personally seen it. I've been told the reason behind it is in case they have respiratory trouble r/t not having the trach.

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Specializes in pediatric.

My patient decannulated last week but it wasn't planned ;)

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Specializes in Pediatric Private Duty; Camp Nursing.

Well, she came home last week and has been doing great. They're keeping a nurse on overnights for 6 weeks. About a year ago, her mom wanted me to go out w her and her friends on her birthday to a bar. I had to decline, for obvious professional reasons. But I told her I'll buy her a drink after she's decannulated and services terminate, so we'll be going out soon!

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It's so bittersweet. You get to see your patient improve, but then you lose them. Best of luck with your next case :)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I encountered a beautiful little girl this weekend (early elementary) who proudly supported a naked neck (successful decanulation on Friday). Told her she needs a new sparkly necklace to highlight her beautiful smile. Thought of you immediately. ;)

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I encountered a beautiful little girl this weekend (early elementary) who proudly supported a naked neck (successful decanulation on Friday). Told her she needs a new sparkly necklace to highlight her beautiful smile. Thought of you immediately. ;)

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