Homecare patient got a good bump today, on my watch.

[PerfectlyPlump, ADN, RN]

My homecare patient is right at one year of age and even though he is developmentaly delayed, I am finding him to be more mobile every day! Today I took my eyes off him briefly, and he quickly rolled into harm's way.

I assessed him, called his mom, called my supervisor, called the doctor and documented. Baby looked fand acted fine...but soon there was a little swelling of that arm. So mom had to come home and take him to the doctor...and he is fine, so mom told me via text.

How bad was this mistake? I feel so bad, and am waiting for the boom to be lowered, either by the family, my agency, or both. Am I making a small deal into a big one? Or, did I commit the cardinal sin of private duty nursing?

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

If it happend the way you say I don't think it's a big deal. Kids fall, they get bumps and bruises, and keep right on going. However I don't know the parents, they may be overprotective. I'm assuming you appologised ect. Doesn't sound like there was any real harm and you acted appropriately afterI wouldn't worry too much

[CloudySue]

Don't beat yourself up over this. Kids fall down, get into mischief, get boo boos, etc. It happens to every kid. Technically every single fall is supposed to be reported, but when I'm chasing down an 18 month old and he falls 20 times, that's unreasonable. (I guess i can make apothecary marks (iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii) LOL!)

Unless the kid breaks a bone or gets burned or has a bad laceration, it'll be water under the bridge in a day or so. Owning up to it is 95% of the determination of how big a deal this will be.