How to handle this?

[newflgrad]

Ok guys I started with a new child, in thier home and this is a Cerebral Plasy pt and both parents smoke all day long in the house. I am not a smoker and believe everyone has a right to choose, but this poor child is not getting a choice here. I have a choice also, and would like to stay with this child but am getting migraines in the afternoon from the exposure. :uhoh21: This is my very first home health case and I am starting to get the feel of "throw it to the new girl" with it. She has a doctor's apt comeing up and was wondering is this something you bring up to the doctor in private, don't bring it up or what? Do I tell the agency about it? I am the patient's advocate, which is the little child, and also the family's I guess, but am in a tough situation and would like to know how to handle this. I can tell I am going to love home health "WITH THE RIGHT FAMILY" and thinking of calling the agency and asking for a new case but staying with her until then. But wonder if the agency will hop right on finding me a new case or since I say I will stay until then they will take thier time. There are other small isues that raise a flag and home not such a good situation, worried about my license being used as a shield or to take a fall for someone. No hard concrete things yet, but that is what is giving me a feeling. Any thoughts? Thanks guys, it's nice to know there are peers out there that will sound off for you!

[mcdonaldgirl]

I give you credit....you are advocating for the patient. Yes, you can mention something to the Doctor at the upcoming visit, BUT.....remember it is the parents choice to do what they wish to do.

I am sure they have gotten "the lecture" from everyone already, but perhaps there is a way they can be "persuaded" to have a (less) smoke free room for their girl.

"Mac"

[mommazac]

In order to fulfill your responsibilities, it doesn't matter if the parents have heard the smoking lecture multilple times, reinstruct, provide supportive evidence of the danger of second hand smoke for healthy individuals, as well as the negative effects of second hand smoke for a baby with CP. If you feel there is some other kind of abuse going on it is your responsibilty to talk with the Dr. and discuss with DSS (child protective services) YOU are the babies advocate, not the parents.

[burn out]

yes you need to tell the doctor and anyone else you can get to listen. The poor baby is at such a disadvantage already lets not add insult to injury. If you don't stand up for this baby it certainly dosen't sound like the parents will. Since the mother won't quit smoking now with the baby here did she smoke while she was pregnant? There are compromises here. The parents could go outside the house (porch or deck or patio) and smoke, my mother who lives with me has no problem with this since we have a new baby in the house, and she has smoked for 45 years.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Here's the sad reality. The parents of this defenseless CP child are going to continue to smoke inside the home because they need to fulfill their cravings for nicotine instantly. They seem entirely too selfish to take the added minute to step outside and enjoy their cigarettes.