Home Hemo

[drsrn]

What do you think of home hemo for patients with catheters only? We have a new home hemo progam and I'm the only RN. My first patient has no permanent access - only permcath. I'm scared to death, not only for my patient, but for my nursing license. Anybody else in this situation or does everyone think home hemo is all the rave?!

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

Sorry no personal experience with home home, but it sounds to me that a permcath pt cannot possibly do this - unless s/he has a nurse stay with him, and this defeats the purpose. Who is suggesting that this pt do home hemo? Of course, they may only want you to do the teaching and have the pt start home hemo once s/he has a permanent access; still, you wouldn't be able to teach him/her much...

I would definitely be concerned for my license.

Good luck to you,

DeLana

[Hoping to seaya]

So, new nurse? new program? New patient?

1) Is this therapy appropriate for this patient? Are they brand new to dialysis? Is this access "temporary"? What type of therapy are you offering? Daily home hemo, noctornal etc?

2) What is the MD's input? Do you have a rapport with the Doc? Exercise your influence.

3) Plan a "team" meeting and VOICE your concerns.

4) Research and read, how have others met/mastered or had issues with this particular problem.

As a seasoned nephrology RN, I do not necessarily think a nurse has to be with the patient doing home hemo via catheter, but I do think you need address the above items and assure your confidence (Do whatever it takes) and the patients competance.

Good luck!