insulin pump concern

Specialties Endocrine

Published

I was going to post this in the Nursing with Disabilities forum, but I don't think of my diabetes as a disability so I couldn't do it :D If this is in the wrong spot, my apologies!

I wear a pump - absolutely love it, and it's the only thing that keeps my blood sugar in check. I'm working as a CNA now and I'm in an RN program. I work with dementia patients, so I'm always afraid my tubing will peek out and a confused patient will grab it. It's happened once, and another time it snagged on a wheelchair handle. Luckily nothing happened, other than some soreness. My pump is too heavy to hook on my scrub pants so I've been clipping it to my underwear. I tried belts beneath my clothes but ended up getting a bruise from it, plus access to it was more difficult.

Anyone else wearing a pump? If so, how do you keep it secured? I use the 23in tubing. I've seen some fanny pack type belts to hold it in but I think they'd be too bulky while I'm working. I need some way to keep it secured without it pulling my pants down :chuckle

Thanks for any input! I appreciate it.

Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

I've been looking for something small like that! That could work.....thanks so much :)

I've been too chicken to try cutting buttonholes in my scrubs lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.
I've been looking for something small like that! That could work.....thanks so much :)

I've been too chicken to try cutting buttonholes in my scrubs lol

I hired someone to do it. Lol.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Diabetes ED, (CDE), CCU, Pulmonary/HIV.

Try tucking the pump into your bra. That's a fairly common place for women who don't want to wear it at the waist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric Hem/Onc.

Someone at work said, "Oh button holes are EASY!" Pfft. I consider it a victory when I can fix a hem :D

Bra tucking doesn't work for me - I have the larger size pump so it shows through my shirt no matter where I clip it. It's heavy and doesn't seem to fit anywhere. It probably doesn't help that I'm blessed in the bust department LOL I found it uncomfortable and I'd like more accessibility.

I love it at my waist (and always wear it there outside of work), but scrub pants aren't the sturdiest things so it pulls my pants down. Never a good thing lol

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-surg > LTC > HH >.
I know one person who cuts a hole in the front pocket of her scrub pants, puts the pump in the pocket, then feeds the tubing through the hole. This keeps everything inside her pants.

:yeah::chuckle:clown::yeah:"This keeps everything inside her pants". She sounds like a an absolute lady.:D Love how u said that. That was a nice little laugh. Too cute.:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-surg > LTC > HH >.

:nurse:I like to hook mine more around the back of my scrubs because it doesn't hook on the doorknob, and patients don't even realize its there. I do wish they were lighter though.:banghead:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency - ICU.

I switched to the omni pod about 3 months ago and I love it. I have less incidents with my tubing and don't go without insulin when I show or go swimming. The only downside for me is the 200 unit reservoir. Using just over 120 units a day, insurance doesn't cover enough pods. Working that bug out, think u500 is going to be the answer there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

check out www.tallygear.com comfortable way to wear the insulin pump.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Medicine.

When I used to wear a pump, I wore it in the middle of my bra. The snug strap kept it in place. I bought a protective sleeve from Minimed to keep sweat at bay. It worked really well.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
scrub pants aren't the sturdiest things so it pulls my pants down.

While scrub pants are comfy, low cost, easy care, and available everywhere, there are more tailored nursing pants available out there if you look for them. I got some in nursing school as we weren't allowed to wear scrubs and they were great. I don't mean the crumply, thin weight, show-off-your-undies kind, but one's made of sturdy, washable, no wrinkle material. Admittedly, that type is harder to find and aren't as cheap. Good quality won't fade or wear out quickly though. With the right fit, they allow just as much freedom of movement as scrubs... and you can put things in the pockets or on the waistband without worrying about one's pants falling down or a drawstring digging into one's flesh.

The hole idea, though, sounds tried and true! Are you going to try that? Best wishes!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment