Is this appropriate?

I am a NICU nurse and my primary (ex 24 weeker) is getting ready to go home. The parents asked me if I would like to baby sit one or two days a week until they feel comfortable having him home. He is doing well, had a very smooth course ( never intubated, never spetic, feeds well) and not going home on any meds or oxygen. So I guess I am just wondering if this is ok, how liable would I be if God forbid, anything happened?

It depends on the state but I think if you are reimbursed in ANY way then you are liable as a RN. I would check your hospital protocol as well.

This is a good question..I have been asked this question before as well as was never exactly sure how legit it was....I hope you get some good responses. The idea to check the state and hospital makes sense. t.

I would think it would be a conflict of interest and therefore inappropriate. If the parents are not comfortable, then they need more teaching.

I would think it would be a conflict of interest and therefore inappropriate. If the parents are not comfortable, then they need more teaching.

I agree.I would NOT do this were I you.

Definately crosses the boundry from professional to personal. Just tell them you would love to but cant due to policy. Everybody understands the politics of policies.

Thanks for all the responses. It is not so much that they are uncomfotable taking him home but uncomfortable with the idea of having someone who doesn't know him watch him. I did direct them to our social worker to see if she could help them out in anyway. I just wasn't sure what the rules were once the patient is discharged and since I would not be providing any kind of nursing care.

how about a vna referral to help them transition...even a "healthy 24 weeker "is still a 24 weeker with lots of potential health issues.

Dont do it.

Not only could it "go wrong" but is wrong in my opinion-

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I understand what you mean..I have had parents ask me to babysit even when i know they are more than capable to care for the baby, but like the rapport I have with the baby enough to ask me to babysit once in awhile, since they are not quite ready to leave him or her with someone other than themselves. While it sounds appealing, I still felt not quite right with it, so declined. t

Does your hospital sponsor any kind of "babysitter's course" in the community or does your local Red Cross? (with CPR, etc.?) If so, this might be a place to refer the parents - show your understanding of their feelings and still keep yourself out of a conflict of interest.