ER nurse also working Private Duty

Specialties Private Duty

Published

Apparently one of my patient's other (new to the case) nurses also currently works in the ER. As it is we're doing our best to keep our vent ALS patient from getting sick, despite very limited supplies. (Gloves, sanitizer.) I'm concerned of her higher risk of exposure and bringing it back here. Is this really the most wise case for this other nurse? I guess I just believe care should be separated right now. I am incredibly grateful for these nurses working in such high risk areas with lack of proper PPE. I am certainly not trying to add to the stigma of healthcare workers. But I think we also need to be cautious. We're in unchartered territory here. Others thoughts?

On 4/1/2020 at 4:30 PM, FlorentineRN said:

If the ER nurse is following precautions she has every right to continue with her private duty position. I am disturbed that you are making her feel unwelcome. Plus you can get an asymptomatic carrier tomorrow as a new admission and be none the wiser. Wash your hands, use hand sanitizer, and respiratory precautions and social distancing.

I am disturbed that you leap to the conclusion that I'm automatically making anyone feel uncomfortable. I've never been anything other than kind and professional with her. Like I said I don't want to further add to stigmatization. But I do feel we are in unchartered territory. Any other time I would agree with you. There are ER nurses not going HOME but to a hotel. She is coming to an extremely vulnerable pt who could be assigned another nurse.

And he is my only patient. We disagree and if enough ER nurses disagree then I'll mind my business. But it does seem many agree right now. She shouldn't be on this case. I know the hospital she works at, I know the ER, and yikes...her exposure....

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On 3/30/2020 at 4:56 AM, caliotter3 said:

If you don’t want responses to your posts, you should not post. You say you want validation. What is not validating about “Certainly hope you do not make the wrong decision here?” You already know the answer to your problems so why are you posting? Be more specific about the answers you want from others because you have made it obvious you refuse to listen to everybody who does not tell you what you want to hear. And for that matter, the ER nurse has just as much right to work there as you do. At least she is not complaining about her client on a public website.

Apparently my posts have been VERY misunderstood by some. I never said I don't want responses. I stated that I felt put off. I did not make any YOU statements. It's how I feel. Being able to calmly state how you feel and then provide a better explanation is a *good* quality in successful communication.

That being said let me rephrase my "validation" comment. I feel/think a certain way about the situation and wanted to know if these feelings/thoughts were justified. A few seem to think so, a few don't. I genuinely wanted to know if this should be brought up to my work for the safety of my patient only. I am completely fine with disagreement on the matter. Please do not equate me with the askholes who come on here for advice, then attack when not agreed with.

I have previously posted about my pt's wife. I was venting. It helps. But it was absolutely not to get advice on if I should quit. I don't MIND advice. It just wasn't the point of certain posts. You are making it seem as if I come on here and ask if I should leave my job, then just complain more when I haven't yet. That is not the case. I will gladly listen to advice, but ultimately only I know what is best for me. I was simply sharing crazy experiences of mine in the very interesting world of PDN. I find this to absolutely be the appropriate forum to do so.

I posted once in the middle of a mild panick attack. I was in the beginning of a 12 hour shift with NO way of leaving. I turned to the only place I could think of in the moment, and I'm certainly glad I did. As much as you want to shame me for "complaining" about my pt (inaccurate description btw) I felt SO MUCH better just being able to get it out and hear support. I HAVE taken advice. I took some PTO. I reached out to my doctor AND my old psychologist. JUST when I was about to be able to get some help, all this with Covid happened, and Dr. appointments are pushed back, now. And I AM actively researching other cases.

So I will continue to post. I accept all responses. I understand how social media works. I'm not going to tell people to not respond unless...like so many others do. But if I feel misunderstood and put off, I will say so if I feel the need. And I believe I did so in a respectful way.

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Specializes in Peds.

The way I see it,the family/caregivers are to blame. Why can't they take care of their loved one if they are so worried about transmission?

Per the CDC guidelines,social distancing should be practiced. Even though we are considered "essential"(I strongly disagree with this) many family memebers/caregivers are trained to work with the equipment,etc. So why can't they? Many I see are just sitting at home watching TV.

Personally,if the caregivers are not worried about it,then neither am I.

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Specializes in Private Duty Pediatrics.
14 hours ago, Runsoncoffee99 said:

The way I see it,the family/caregivers are to blame. Why can't they take care of their loved one if they are so worried about transmission?

Per the CDC guidelines,social distancing should be practiced. Even though we are considered "essential"(I strongly disagree with this) many family members/caregivers are trained to work with the equipment,etc. So why can't they? Many I see are just sitting at home watching TV.

Some family caregivers have only this one medically fragile person to care for, and - since there are 2 caregivers in the home - they can do 24/7 care.

However, some have other children in the home and/or other responsibilities. Some are run ragged with caring for their child. As a nurse, I can come in to the home rested and ready to do a good job caring for this child. Often, the parents don't have that luxury.

Having an uninterrupted 8 hours to sleep is an almost unbelievable luxury for some of them.

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Specializes in Peds.
10 hours ago, Kitiger said:

Some family caregivers have only this one medically fragile person to care for, and - since there are 2 caregivers in the home - they can do 24/7 care.

However, some have other children in the home and/or other responsibilities. Some are run ragged with caring for their child. As a nurse, I can come in to the home rested and ready to do a good job caring for this child. Often, the parents don't have that luxury.

Having an uninterrupted 8 hours to sleep is an almost unbelievable luxury for some of them.

True,but most of my cases have 24hr nursing.

But still,parents must accept that transmission is a possibility.

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