do you HAVE to assist with circs?

Graciegirlienurse · Jun 7, 2006

We also use sweetease for pain control, for blood draws, IM injections etc, it works well

KellNY, RN · Jun 7, 2006

Yes, I have used Sweetease. The reason that it "works well" is because it's a distractant. Same as breastfeeding.

FTR--if anyone came at my son with a scalple and a piece of latex dipped in sugar water, I'd punch them in the face.

eab1onr · Jun 7, 2006

I refuse to help with circs based on personal beliefs. I consider them mutilation of the male, much as female circs are to female infants. I do not believe anyone can be made to assist with that which is against their beliefs. My nurse manager has never caused a problem with it. If one is being done when I am on duty, either another nurse steps in, or the doctor does it unassisted. Everyone of the doctors is understanding about my feelings, but many of my fellow workers do not agree with me.

Jesskanurse · Jun 7, 2006

Female Circs???

What the heck is that??!!

eab1onr · Jun 7, 2006

female circumsion is amputation of the privy parts or labia, etc so the female cannot feel sexual pleasure. It has been practised in some societies that do not value women's rights and view women as less valuable than men.

Graciegirlienurse · Jun 8, 2006

it has been researched and well documented that oral sucrose solution and non-nutritive sucking signifiganty reduce pain for neonates during procedures. this is not merely a distraction. I am an advocate for pain control in all of my patients, and dont hesitate to use sweetease(with parental apporval) for blood draws, catheter insertions, heelsticks etc.

here are some articles.

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/abstract/87/2/215

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1088-145X.2005.00002.x

http://www.theannals.com/cgi/content/full/39/6/1029

I do not think that sweetease alone is sufficient analgesia for circumcision(http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/103/1/196). again, i do not support routine infant circumcision. let the poor boys decide for themselves as adolecsents if they want to have bits of their bodies chopped off.

mitchsmom · Jun 8, 2006

Dang, I forgot to ask about this for my new job.

I'm personally/ethically opposed to circs too. Hopefully I'll be able to switch with someone for those without much fuss.

If it's a big deal when the time comes I guess I'll assist but I would prefer not to. I'll be a labor nurse probably 70% of the time and only a few of our docs do them so hopefully it won't be an every day event.

KellNY, RN · Jun 9, 2006

A heel stick is miles away from a circumcision. I'm not doubting the fact that sweetease is beneficial, and i commend you for using it on minor procedures--i wish all nurses would.

Back on topic--mitchsmom-you could offer to do the next IV placement, heel stick, discharge summary, other undesireable act if one of your patients requests the other patient (baby) be circ'ed.

Kelly

mitchsmom · Jun 10, 2006

Back on topic--mitchsmom-you could offer to do the next IV placement, heel stick, discharge summary, other undesireable act if one of your patients requests the other patient (baby) be circ'ed.
Kelly

That's what I'm hoping! :)

texas-rn-fnp · Jun 13, 2006

I support the parent's right to choose on circs, but I would not be of much use in assisting. The first circ I washelping with, I started seeing stars and about passed out. Being a male, I just don't feel comfortable watching. I start envisioning that happening to me. Other things that make me feel weird are ortho manipulations, especially cutting bone.

Bibi-OBRN · Jun 21, 2006

We have no option, if it's your pt. and the CNA is busy you will assist when the DR. is ready. All use the sweetease (which I don't think does anything) and about half use lidocaine.

nurseob7 · Jun 22, 2006

I work in a LDRP and we do not assist with circs. The NICU nurses are the lucky ones to do that job........ I watched one as a student nurse and hope to never see another one!