G/J tube vs 12 hour shifts?

[chanie911]

I am a new grad (I will call myself an "RN" when I pass NCLEX ) and am starting to look into what the job market looks like....I also have severe gastroparesis/CIPO and about 5 weeks before graduation had to "give in" and go for a j-tube placement. (I tried SO HARD not to need it.....but it definitely makes a difference!! Instant improvement!) Anyway....now realizing how important getting nutrition and hydration by tube are going to be for me, I'm wondering how this will affect my ability to work....

Does anyone do bedside nursing with a tube? If so, what have your experiences been?

My specific concerns are

--lifting? (maybe this is only because my tube is so new, but I worry I'll dislodge it)

--feeding during a shift? (I use a pump for the j-tube. I have a backpack, but I don't know how it's possible to hide it completely....???) It's much easier to run fluid through the tube to keep me hydrated than to have to stop every hour and drink (and then feel sick or actually get sick) like I was before the tube--I have a POTS-like dysautonomia/hypotension that is best controlled with meds and hydration.

Anyone with any experience to share would be much appreciated. I absolutely loved every moment of my clinical experiences in school--and I know "real life" nursing is much harder, but I am determined to make it work somehow!

Thanks

[caseyuptonurse]

Did you have clinical during your last few weeks to try anything out?

To keep the J/G tube in place I found this neat contraption online that would make you feel better about it not getting bumped out of place:

http://www.vitalitymedical.com/superior-surgical-supply-drainage-bulb-g-tube-holder.html?

I have also seen my patients tape theirs to secure it or place dressings over it or tegaderm.

As for the backpack... Can you do fluid boluses or do you feel better with it only running continuously? If you can do the boluses and still feel well I would try that instead of trying to hide the pump. And maybe with the pump if you need to hide it, find a small backpack and wear a lab coat over it. It won't be as noticeable but it's worth a shot. There might be a better way to hide it, I just haven't been able to think of a different way yet.

[mercurysmom]

I am a new grad (I will call myself an "RN" when I pass NCLEX ) and am starting to look into what the job market looks like....I also have severe gastroparesis/CIPO and about 5 weeks before graduation had to "give in" and go for a j-tube placement. (I tried SO HARD not to need it.....but it

My specific concerns are

--lifting? (maybe this is only because my tube is so new, but I worry I'll dislodge it)

--feeding during a shift? (I use a pump for the j-tube. I have a backpack, but I don't know how it's possible to hide it completely....???)

Thanks

Hi! The Zevex Infinity pump can be used with a "fanny pack" style bag. If the excess tubing is coiled up and placed into the bag and the rest of the J tube itself is securely taped to your abdomen, it's practically impossible for the pump and tube to be seen. Your DME a provider should be able to get you a fanny pack for use at work, and a backpack for other times, if you prefer.

As far as weight limits for lifting, ask your GI doc. I had separate G and J tubes placed (via an open procedure rather than endoscopically) when my kids were young, and I remember picking them up not too long after going home. I ended up with an incisional hernia. I was working as an Early Intervention Developmental Nurse at the time, so I spent most of my days sitting on the floor rather than working at the bedside.

Good Luck!

MercurysMom RN

[caliotter3]

Extended care home health tends to be more forgiving for personal issues as long as you find an agreeable client/family. At some point you might want to consider this avenue, if staff nursing proves to be difficult.