Does anyone have a "script" to deal with this? (more)

[Finallyat40]

I am an active member of our units bereavement committee and in an effort to more therapeutically help our families, we are wondering how other units deal with this:

The baby at your bedside is decompensating, the writing is on the wall, the parents need to be notified and urged to come to the hospital quickly.

Typically this phone call on our unit is handled by a physician, resident, chaplain, NNP, etc, but sometimes the bedside nurse. One of our physicians has suggested that we put together a "script" of sorts to assist the callers when making these calls, especially in the form of therapeutic communication. It seems that since these calls are made in the "heat of the moment", they tend to be more of a "hurry up and get here" rather than more of a realistic overview of the situation.

Any suggestions you have would be most welcomed. I'll be compiling any responses to take to our committee meeting to utilize in the making of this script recommendation. Thanks.

Jamie

[Karley9336]

I don't have the answer to your particular question but I do have a recommendation for you regarding something that I spotted at another post. Go to NowILayMeDownToSleep.org This website is about newborn/fetal bereavement and believe it or not Photography. I thought that it was pretty interesting and helpful, though not what you are looking for. I know that this does not help you with your particular question but may help you at another time. Another suggestion would be to contact a bereavement counselor in your area and ask what their recommendation is or if they might be able to help you compose something that is compassionate and effective?? Good luck in your search.

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

I would think it'd be hard to script something like that. Every situation, patient, parent is different, so you wouldn't talk to each one the same. I would think saying, "Baby is very sick and getting sicker. S/he is on 100 % oxygen and maximum of XYZ med. You need to come in." would cover most bases and you can tweak it to the situation and parent.