First the case, a pedi vent pt between 2-3yo who is cognitively all there but has severe muscle weakness. He is able to grasp and move his arms but has very little fine motor control. I've been with this client for over a year and really haven't seen any improvement in muscle tone. Speech has obviously gotten a bit better but can only really say 10 words. Also has PT and ST twice a week.
Recently the mother has been making noise about how it makes her SO SAD to come into the room and he isn't being played with. Now this is a family who comes in 1, maybe 2 times a day yet both parents are unemployed and living with relatives while having 24/7 care. When this happens I'm usually documenting.
I work nights so I really don't have to entertain him much. However, I do want to try and be helpful and would love to suggest activities that are age appropriate yet he could do. Currently he is addicted to TV and to be frank so are the parents.
How much should a nurse be required to entertain clients? After all we do have treatments/ notes to do as well. I know we are to provide 'appropriate play therapy and developmental stimulation' but it's a bit hard when all there is are teething toys and stuffed animals, how is the day shift suppose to entertain him for 12 hours!?
Not to intrude on the original question,but how are we to entertain children who are not cognitively aware?
Meaning children who cannot track,does not respond to voice,etc.
Exactly what I've been wanting to ask. My 10 y/0 or doesn't even go to school. Can't make eye contact, can't move unless it's reflexive...She loves music during morning care, and the sound of cartoons during the day. I bring out toys that make noises, but at what point do I draw the line between nurse and babysitter? A parent, sister or grandma is ALWAYS home. I feel like I'll play with her for 30 minutes, then go to chart a s thats when family walks in. I'm thinking, why couldn't you walk in when I was engaging her, instead walk in when it looks like I'm doing nothing.
Even parents who have money seem to get this attitude that they won't spend money on the child - that if Medicaid doesn't cover it they're not going to either. Its hard to understand. It's still their child!
Orion81RN
962 Posts
Exactly what I've been wanting to ask. My 10 y/0 or doesn't even go to school. Can't make eye contact, can't move unless it's reflexive...She loves music during morning care, and the sound of cartoons during the day. I bring out toys that make noises, but at what point do I draw the line between nurse and babysitter? A parent, sister or grandma is ALWAYS home. I feel like I'll play with her for 30 minutes, then go to chart a s thats when family walks in. I'm thinking, why couldn't you walk in when I was engaging her, instead walk in when it looks like I'm doing nothing.