Is This Ethical?

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I live in PA, my stepchildren live with my husband and I. Their mother, who just became a licensed RN in December of 2008, lives in Maryland. When they came home this past Sunday, my stepdaughter complained of pain in her right arm. When we asked her what was wrong, she said that before leaving the house that morning, her mother gave her three shots, one for the flu, one for pneumonia, one for HPV. My step son, about 1/2 an hour later, came into the room, also complaining that his arm was sore from shots. I asked him if they'd gone to the doctor, he replied, "NO! My mom is an RN, she can buy the shots from the hospital and give them to us at home." My question to you is, IS THIS ETHICAL? Is it legal? Can you 'buy' your vaccinations at your place of work and give them at home without a doctor's orders? I have looked a bit on the internet, and especially with the HPV vaccination, it says that a doctor has to administer it, and it's a series of three shots. Something about this whole thing doesn't sit right with me. I thought I'd throw it out there to the professionals. Any advice?

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

i gave my kids their flu shots and i did give my daughter 2 of the 3 HPV shots (health clinic gave her the 1st one)- I did in fact get them from our corporate health center located with in the hosp with a Drs order.

Granted mom should have told you in case they had any sort of delayed reaction.

LOL the vet on the other hand will NOT allow me to get the vaccines from him and give them to the dog---but my Dr will allow me to vaccinate my children!!

Congrats to thier mom for becoming a Nurse---nursing school is very challenging and difficult. I am sure they are proud of her.

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i gave my kids their flu shots and i did give my daughter 2 of the 3 HPV shots (health clinic gave her the 1st one)- I did in fact get them from our corporate health center located with in the hosp with a Drs order.

Granted mom should have told you in case they had any sort of delayed reaction.

LOL the vet on the other hand will NOT allow me to get the vaccines from him and give them to the dog---but my Dr will allow me to vaccinate my children!!

Congrats to thier mom for becoming a Nurse---nursing school is very challenging and difficult. I am sure they are proud of her.

I've done it too - including a phenergan shot for nausea and vomiting.

I add my congrats to the mom too!

steph

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

It is quite legal to obtain the vaccines with a primary care provider's order and give them yourself 9or whomever is on the prescription) if you are a nurse. A doctor doesn't have to be present when a vaccine is given. It sure is more convenient than trudging them into the office just for a shot.

I have written orders for vaccines for children to get them at their parent's place of work by a nurse (since it is usually a free clinic). I myself obtained an order for a vaccine (rabies-don't ask), obtained the vaccine via special order at the pharmacy and gave it to myself at home.

As a pediatrictric nurse practitioner, I applaud a mom who is making sure her children are up-to-date with the current and recommended vaccine schedule. But it would have been considerate of her to let you know, so you could monitor for common side effects.

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is it legal? can you 'buy' your vaccinations at your place of work and give them at home without a doctor's orders? i have looked a bit on the internet, and especially with the hpv vaccination, it says that a doctor has to administer it, and it's a series of three shots.

i thought i'd respond to this part - even in a doctor's office, the doc rarely gives the shot. it is the nurse or medical assistant.

steph

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Specializes in Home Care, Primary care NP, QI, Nsg Adm.

I routinely give my family vaccines and prescriptions, however, I also currently work in Saudi Arabia and medications are available w/o prescription. Flu vaccines are sold in pharmacies but I get vaccinations from the hospital I work in and other meds when needed.

My concern is the giving of three vaccines at one time. As an NP, I am more conservative then that and would likely not offer three different vaccines at one time, especially to younger patients or kids, then sending them to another state with no information. They could have negative responses. This is irresponsible and likely related to a lack of experience and knowledge by the mom who is a new grad. I would counsel her on safety issues but as the kids mothers it is her decision (should the dad be involved? I would say yes...) decision regarding their health care.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.

I think the OP is looking for a way to get the newly lic nurse/ex-wife in trouble!! Instead of looking up info on the internet of the legalities of admin a vaccine to her step kids- I am sure she has more constructive things she could be doing. This was her 1st post and I doubt she will be back on to even read the replies.

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Specializes in med/surg.
I think the OP is looking for a way to get the newly lic nurse/ex-wife in trouble!! Instead of looking up info on the internet of the legalities of admin a vaccine to her step kids- I am sure she has more constructive things she could be doing. This was her 1st post and I doubt she will be back on to even read the replies.

Yep sounds about right to me as well. Step mother needs to back off a bit and leave it to the mother and father to handle.

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The only thing I'd be concerned about, is if the child has a negative reaction to one of the vaccines, and it would be unable to be pinpointed because of the fact they got 3 at the same time. So if there's an allergy, they'll never find out which one it was.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

I think it is legal and ethical but would have been really nice if she had notified your or their Dad so you could be prepared. Also, some advice on what to look for in the way of reactions or how to treat symptoms of discomfort, etc. would have been helpful for you and the children.

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Specializes in ICU/ER.
The only thing I'd be concerned about, is if the child has a negative reaction to one of the vaccines, and it would be unable to be pinpointed because of the fact they got 3 at the same time. So if there's an allergy, they'll never find out which one it was.

That has never stopped the board of health from using my babes as a pin cushion!!! If you dont give multiple vaccinations at the same time do you know how many times you would have to take your kiddos in?? What is the new rule something like 24 shots by the time they are 2 or something like that??

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I have never ever heard of giving shots to one's own family member at home w/o some kind of order. I am so surprized this is a common practice! So many things can go wrong, not to mention you are treating your own children. Have I been living under a rock?

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