Weird situation this week. We have a patient in with a seizures. She and her spouse insisted that her dog was a service dog and needed to stay with her. Apparently it barks when she is about to have a seizure.
She got a private room and her husband stays with her almost always. He does leave some to get food, I'm assuming to go home and take care of some things. Not sure if he works.
Well, when he leaves, he usually takes the dog with him..????? Now he does take the dog out to potty on occassion, but both days I had this patient, he left for several hours with dog. Plus, whenever I'm in the room, the dog is with husband, not with patient????
It has barked a few times, but when we go in there, it is at people who it didn't know...dietary, housekeeping, etc.
It's a small dog - chihuahua/dauchstand mix and very well behaved. I just think the family is getting away something here. I've been told it has all of its papers, etc.
I know that pet therapy is common and that they use service dogs for more than just blindness now, but has anyone heard of this?
This is a med surg/telemetry floor. The patient is on telemetry, so if she started to have a seizure, the monitors should alert us.
I had a patient once who had a daily visitor with a service dog. She was in a wheelchair and the dog would help pull the chair, open doors, etc. They treated this dog like a service dog...as in we shouldn't pet him when he's on duty etc. This couple from this week just doesn't behave like this.
The dog isn't really doing any harm and it is cute and well behaved, but something just seems....I don't know....fishy about this.
we can argue legalities until we're blue in the face... and "m about to drop dead from the "must have cert vrs the why bother".
Really?? Really? What my SHOES do to contaminate a room is unspeakable, there are germs being spread that have no cure from room to room based upon my SHOES. Now there is family in the room sitting in a chair all comfortable with their isolation gear intact... crossing their legs, touching THEIR SHOES. with their gloved hands now touching the patient, making there cell phone calls, putting the phone in their purse, rubbing their eyes. drinking their drinks, leaving the room contaminated, not washing hands.. opening doors, elevators... contamintating everyone...
Bring the dog in for crying out loud if it helps the patient.. the family is for another thread.
And we're worried about a DOG? I care more about the family..... infecting my other families, and me too.
I think it was Zookeeper3's trend in thinking, that possibly stopped all concern for outside germs contaminating surfaces inside the hospital, adding to bugs already there. Not that I'm critical of it. It's just that once we became inured to infectious possibilities, all barriers to them have been more lax. It shouldn't need another act of Congress to establish better prevention practises, but an award well publicised could spread them.
It wouldn't hurt visiting dogs to have their paws placed in a warm, sudsy disinfecting solution in a pan (by the family, who would then wash their hands and clean up any mess), and mats at all hospital doors that irradiated the soles of the shoes of all entering there*. That is an expense that would more than pay for itself, in the lower infection rates, less antibiotics needed, etc.
Pictures are worth many thousands of words, and simple ones could inform the public about transfer of infectious agents, with the correct measures. Where I live, there are TV commercials on frequently, with an infectious jingle, showing where germs are harbored, and squeaky clean hands following handwashing. It wouldn't hurt to have an orientation DVD for visitors, so they become aware of their own infection causing behavior (no, I'm not suggesting the videophotographing of them).
The emphasis needs to be on everyone's welfare - financial and health-wise.
*Aside: Have public pools still got those disinfecting pans for human feet entering them? I dislike the way bathrooms at restaurants say "employees must wash hands", leaving out "with soap" or the fact that everyone needs to do that, or germs unwashed hands place on dishes, that get on workers' hands when those dishes are cleared....... I've been known to add "with soap" and "everyone" on signs like that.
It would be great to have a video that automatically starts (with the word STOP!! Germs are leaving with you!!) as people step away from stalls in public bathrooms that explains why it's wise to wash with liquid soap, for the length of a stanza of "Twinkle, twinkle little star" and encourages a sing-a-long....to encourage participation. Oh, I can see happy, less germy looking people leaving rest rooms, now! :clpty:
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Irradiated shoes? I'm not so sure that is a safe effective alternative......if there is concern supply shoe covers. There is more bacteria on the bottom of nurses shoes....just think of what we step in! I wouldn't want my dog licking her paws after being in a hospital.....I would clean them with baby wipes then let her go outside and into my car. I don't wear my shoes home or into my car...when I was an ED nurse...I stepped in some unspeakable puddles!
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
:redlight:
shar pei mom has the best suggestion:up::up::up:....look at this site for registering a service dog. they do not need to have paper work or identification. there are strict rules about service dog mandated by law. you may not even ask what tasks the dog does for its owner, it stipulates furhter that if the dog not dangerous you may not ask them to leave. are these people working the system:confused:.......maybe....but saying anything may get you and the facility in trouble for violating the patients rights and not accomodating a disabled person and their service animal...first and foremost educate yourself....look up the law....know your hospitals policy.....let the higher ups make the call.....talk this over with your manager in private!
That being said...I worked at a hospital that allowed pet visits. They had rules but animals were welcome noon til 2 and 4 to 6. The anmals had to have proof of immunizations,clean,flea free ect....leashed or crated (ferrets and chinchillas welcome)....reptiles or birds in a designated area... .no lions, tigers, or bears:confused: and yes it did stipulate that.. pedi had no dogs policy but had their own spot to visit too. A doctor once wrote "dog to visit STAT":lol2: and once at another hospital had a minature fallabella pony visit. I will tell you...more hospitals should accomodate this train of thought. The benefit to the patients cannot be measured! besides it was fun on rounds to see all the animals and interact with the patients at their happiest time of the day.:redbeathe
This debate will continue......people need to Know the law where the ADA is concerned whether you personally like it or not, you must comply! To not accomodate is illegal and you can get you and the facility in alot of trouble. I still loved the hospital I worked for the had pet visiting hours. They were able to set up rules
to be equitqble for everyone and were enforced.....there were reqirements for being sure the pet was bug free and had their shots. There was an amazing level of compliance amongst the pet owners. Usually people who wnat their pets to visit view them as children and family and care for them accourdingly....pamperd, powdered and clean! We all still need a few thoughts about tolerance.......what your cup of tea is, is not someone elses, but as a nurse it is not for you to judge.....but to try to see and understand and accept someone elses race, religion, beliefs and family structure....:redbeathe
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
It really doesn't much matter what we think. According to federal law, a business owner(including hospitals) are allowed to ask about the pet but cannot ask the owner for any papers to prove the dog is a service animal.
Especially hospitals.....they recieve government money (medicare/medicaid)! That money would be revoked if found to be not in compliance with federal regs.....
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
I can only speak for myself on that one.
I don't work in places that allow smoking....additionally, I know who the smokers are, so I avoid them to avoid the smoke on their clothing.
Working in healthcare, goes a long way in avoiding strong perfume from co-workers. If it was a patient or guest I'd avoid if possible, or swap assignments with a co-worker. This at least is a self-evident problem....no finding out later on this one.
So, I wouldn't work in a bar (smoke & perfumes there), or a pet store......but don't expect to worry about avoiding dogs in a hospital.
If it's a case of a real service dog, well I'll need to figure out how to avoid as much as I can, and medicate myself appropriately. But a dog on the floor just to visit? I just don't see it as being appropriate....as it's unlikely I'm the only person allergic.
You may not be the only person allergic......but you still must comply with federal regulations. This is not an option for you. I realize that you probably would not work at a hospital that had pet visiting hours. But when it comes to a patient rights to religion, beliefs, living/personal situations or a service/therapy/companion animal......it is not about you especially in the hospital setting. You cannot discriminate.....even if you are over heard being argumentitive or derogative can be held accountable/liable. If someone is "abusing the system" let managers/supervisors know, keep your personal bias to yourself and switch assignments or temporary reassignment to another area (your right to a safe work enviorment) Choose your battles carefully.......and remember that patient satisfaction hold alot of weight....
You may not be the only person allergic......but you still must comply with federal regulations. This is not an option for you. I realize that you probably would not work at a hospital that had pet visiting hours. But when it comes to a patient rights to religion, beliefs, living/personal situations or a service/therapy/companion animal......it is not about you especially in the hospital setting. You cannot discriminate.....even if you are over heard being argumentitive or derogative can be held accountable/liable. If someone is "abusing the system" let managers/supervisors know, keep your personal bias to yourself and switch assignments or temporary reassignment to another area (your right to a safe work enviorment) Choose your battles carefully.......and remember that patient satisfaction hold alot of weight....
Of course I'm not looking to break the law....what a ridiculus idea:uhoh3:.....if you follow the thread of the conversation, this response was about petsVISITING the hospital. Which is entirely inappropriate in my opinion.
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
There are service dogs for seizures so they aren't lying about that. If it has papers to be a service dog and it appears another nurse checked them it seems this dog is trained to help the patient. Is it possible the dog is more of a companion now? Sure. It appears it's well taken care of and not a drain on the staff as it is being walked by the husband so I would have no issue with it.
I am all for service and therapy dogs. I think they are a wonderful addition and tremdously uplifting to those in need. I'm also not against pets visiting if they are well behaved, clean, and someone is there to take them out as needed. I think that can be such a positive for patients.
While I agree with what you said about liking pets visiting and being uplifting......you sitll need to go to the ADA.gov website as sharpeimom placed all over this thread......the nurse cannot decide whether a dog is a therapy/service animal she cannot make the determination if the dog/animal is trained or not and once again.....THERE ARE NO PAPERS REQUIRED TO SHOW FOR A SERVICE ANIMAL...THAT IS A FALLICY......IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO ASK FOR PAPERS OR REFUSE ADMITTANCE OF SUCH ANIMAL IF INDICATED AS A SERVICE ANIMAL. Please educate and empower yourself to save you from accidentally making a mistake that can get you sued!
While I agree with what you said about liking pets visiting and being uplifting......you sitll need to go to the ADA.gov website as sharpeimom placed all over this thread......the nurse cannot decide whether a dog is a therapy/service animal she cannot make the determination if the dog/animal is trained or not and once again.....THERE ARE NO PAPERS REQUIRED TO SHOW FOR A SERVICE ANIMAL...THAT IS A FALLICY......IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO ASK FOR PAPERS OR REFUSE ADMITTANCE OF SUCH ANIMAL IF INDICATED AS A SERVICE ANIMAL. Please educate and empower yourself to save you from accidentally making a mistake that can get you sued!
I know the guidelines. No need to yell. Thank you.
What about people who are afraid of dogs - especially large dogs? Yes, I know, your dog is wonderful and wouldn't hurt a fly. But there are many people with this fear. I was one of them until I moved in with a friend who had a greyhound.
What about people who are afraid of dogs - especially large dogs? Yes, I know, your dog is wonderful and wouldn't hurt a fly. But there are many people with this fear. I was one of them until I moved in with a friend who had a greyhound.
I have a horrendous fear of spiders, but I encounter them on a regular basis.
People who have real fears know they will not go their entire lives and not be confronted with them. No one is being forced into the same room as the dog.
so, how does an asthmatic avoid being exposed to perfumes, 2nd hand smoke and other triggers, in the workplace?
I am very allergic to cigarette smoke and get sick when I am around co-workers who smoke because of the residue left on their clothing and hair. I briefly worked in a very small office with a smoker and I couldn't take it. Ironically she complained that a reed diffuser that I placed in the room to counteract her smelling like smoke was offensive....
I knew of someone who was allergic to perfumes and certain flowers and the nurse manager put up signs around the station warning that patients and visitors needed to not wear perfume or bring the flowers to which the nurse was allergic to the floor. I am sure some people were offended because this "violated" their "freedom" but it was a matter of someone else's health.
So although I am definitely in favor of therapy and service dogs, have brought my dogs to visit people in nursing homes, and plan to have the next dog I own to be trained as a therapy dog (specifically for LTC visits) I am completely empathetic to the needs of persons who are allergic.
Aren't the needs of nurses and other staff who are allergic covered under the ADA? I mean, considering that allergies can be life-threatening, they should be...
:up:
I will tell you...more hospitals should accomodate this train of thought. The benefit to the patients cannot be measured! besides it was fun on rounds to see all the animals and interact with the patients at their happiest time of the day.:redbeathe
Zookeeper3
1,361 Posts
we can argue legalities until we're blue in the face... and "m about to drop dead from the "must have cert vrs the why bother".
Really?? Really? What my SHOES do to contaminate a room is unspeakable, there are germs being spread that have no cure from room to room based upon my SHOES. Now there is family in the room sitting in a chair all comfortable with their isolation gear intact... crossing their legs, touching THEIR SHOES. with their gloved hands now touching the patient, making there cell phone calls, putting the phone in their purse, rubbing their eyes. drinking their drinks, leaving the room contaminated, not washing hands.. opening doors, elevators... contamintating everyone...
Bring the dog in for crying out loud if it helps the patient.. the family is for another thread.
And we're worried about a DOG? I care more about the family..... infecting my other families, and me too.