Is it legal to give a friend insulin before meals?

Specialties Endocrine

Published

Is it legal to give insulin to someone when you are not working under anyone else? I'm a new nurse out just out of school and haven't even had my first job yet. My daughters friend is type 1 diabetic and the mother has said that he could go on vacation with us since I'm an RN and can give his insulin before meals? I wasn't sure if that was legal since I wouldn't be working under that doctor or any facility.

Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I think I'd have second thoughts taking this kid on vacation with you. Seriously.

I agree he needs to know how to do his own, and if I were his mother I would make him but I have no authority over him. I did tell her that he needed to learn now but she doesn't agree. He's going into high school and the school nurse and his mother are the only ones who give it to him currently
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

Wow. I am a high school nurse and all of my diabetic students either give their own injections, or are on an insulin pump. Even if they are on a pump, they still perform their own pump site changes. Too bad for this kids that mom isn't ready to let him take an active role in caring for himself.

To answer your original post, I would give insulin to a friend's child as long as I had explicit instructions, including what to do for highs and lows and how this kid typically responds to highs and lows. I have some kids who take longer to correct for highs/lows than others. Also, is this child good at listening to what his body is telling him? Can he tell when he's high/low? Does he have glucagon? Are you comfortable with administering that, if needed? Remember that if you have to administer glucagon, this kid WILL vomit. All things to consider...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

No way would I do this - as an RN you are held to a higher standard. Believe me, this family probably couldn't sue a friend who isn't an RN if something happens. However, you with your brand new shiny license has "sue me" written all over it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

He should be giving his own injections and managing his own care. I'm guessing the mom is just reassured that you'll be there for backup in case he needs help. Talk specifics with her.

It's stressful for parents of diabetic kids to find daycare or let their kids sleep over at a friends because the treatment is so complex now now between carb counting, multiple daily injections and pumps. If you both you and the child's parents talk through everything and feel comfortable with what the arrangements are, then it's okay. You should not be expected to be his "nurse" though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.
He should be giving his own injections and managing his own care. I'm guessing the mom is just reassured that you'll be there for backup in case he needs help. Talk specifics with her.

It's stressful for parents of diabetic kids to find daycare or let their kids sleep over at a friends because the treatment is so complex now now between carb counting, multiple daily injections and pumps. If you both you and the child's parents talk through everything and feel comfortable with what the arrangements are, then it's okay. You should not be expected to be his "nurse" though.

No, the OP said the mom only gives injections or lets the school nurse. Not a safe or practical solution for a teenager and she is only teaching her son how to not manage his diabetes.

OP, I would encourage you to talk to your friend about how important it is that her son start giving himself his shots.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
No way would I do this - as an RN you are held to a higher standard. Believe me, this family probably couldn't sue a friend who isn't an RN if something happens. However, you with your brand new shiny license has "sue me" written all over it.
I wouldn't either. This 14 year old doesn't give his own shots and his mother thinks he can't? I'd run from this one.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

Nope, because I would be held to the scope and expectations of my licensure in the event something went wrong. A 14 year old, unless developmentally-delayed should be injecting himself by now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Legal yes. Smart no.

ESPECIALLY if the mother is a crazy over-protective control freak that won't let a 14 year old do their own injections.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

I would not do it, there is way more too this than just giving insulin before meals. You are held to a higher standard then just a friend who isn't an RN. Not worth putting yourself at risk.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

In the 2 minutes I have spent reading this thread, my views have changed. My initial thought was "yeah, there is really no harm in it." Now I'm thinking I don't want to be the one responsible for this child. Interestingly (at least to me, maybe not to you :woot:), it has nothing to do with actually administering the insulin. If he is 14 and does not know how to give himself insulin, then I would suspect he has almost no clue how to manage his diabetes in general. Once he is away from his mother is he going to follow his diet or allow for indiscretions? When he is away from you is he going to have that ice cream cone? Without his mom there, is he going to have an extra serving of dessert? I would hate to see your vacation ruined by a case of DKA.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Laws vary from state to state. The diabetes association has a helpful web site. It deals mostly with unlicensed/school issues. You should also review your state's laws. Nurses are usually prohibited from even administrating over the counter drugs without an order. If this nurse calls the patient's doctor and has "orders" they can give the insulin. You are held to different rules than parent care givers. Daycare, Camps, and Recreational Programs: State Laws and Regulations: American Diabetes Association® Sifting through your state's rule can be difficult, and then there is board rules, but at the end of the research you will know what is allowed. You are actually required to know this stuff. Ignorance of your scope of practice is not an excuse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care.

Every state that I'm aware of applies BON oversight to patient care in only those situations where a patient/client relationship is established. Watching your friends kids doesn't fall into that category. It's gets a little trickier if you're getting paid specifically to administer insulin, but it's really not as clear cut as saying you are working off a doctors order. When a nurse gives their kid tylenol do we need a specific doctors order?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment