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?
If Stepmom comes back again... You sounded pretty upset about what the kids mother had done, and seeing that you were informed by the kids about the injections, they probably picked up on your feelings of anger and distrust about their mother. Maybe you should tell them that at first you were upset, but now that you have looked into the issue, their mother did nothing wrong. Swallow your pride, set a good example, and let them feel good about their bio mom, no matter how you feel about her.
And yes, nurses give injections all the time, in the hospital, at clinincs, and at home. (Doctors do not really give many injections.) I give vitamin b shots to several people on a regular basis. Their Dr told them if they had a nurse willing to do the injections at home, he would write out the script and they wouldn't have to drag into the office just for an injection.
What part did you consider to be unethical? Her injecting her kids, not telling you, Not asking you???
And to be quite honest, what harm did come from her actions? Other than your concern and a couple of sore arms, what was so awful? If you go looking for trouble, you will no doubt always be able to dig something up. You said that she has done all sorts of "illegal" things... and yet she is on this side of the law and has her new license. Find a new hobby, maybe one that is actually productive and causes no harm to anyone, least of all your stepkids.
Sorry- have one question- did the non custodial mom check with you if the immunizations she gave were already given?
I'm all for immunizations but if they were already given- it could be a problem.
For your kids sake- be in touch with her, and ask that she just check with you before giving any other shots- immunizations or otherwise.
Who usually takes the kids to the pediatrician? They should be the ones to coordinate the immunizations. Are you in principle against immunizations? If not- don't make a big deal out of this- but ask the mom to coordinate health care together so there is no overlap.
Sorry- have one question- did the non custodial mom check with you if the immunizations she gave were already given?
I'm all for immunizations but if they were already given- it could be a problem.
For your kids sake- be in touch with her, and ask that she just check with you before giving any other shots- immunizations or otherwise.
Who usually takes the kids to the pediatrician? They should be the ones to coordinate the immunizations. Are you in principle against immunizations? If not- don't make a big deal out of this- but ask the mom to coordinate health care together so there is no overlap.
Now here (above quoted, and thank you) is the very thing I think that she was looking for as advice and was the base of her concern from her original post... I don't think that she was looking for all the other peanut gallery stuff about her personal life, really people!...
I agree with Classicdame. I think it would have been good to have given stepmom and especially dad a heads up on what was given, when, etc. so as to watch for any possible reactions/allergies. Other than that, as my fellow posters have stated, it is legal and ethical for an RN to administer.
BlueBug
57 Posts
If Stepmom comes back again... You sounded pretty upset about what the kids mother had done, and seeing that you were informed by the kids about the injections, they probably picked up on your feelings of anger and distrust about their mother. Maybe you should tell them that at first you were upset, but now that you have looked into the issue, their mother did nothing wrong. Swallow your pride, set a good example, and let them feel good about their bio mom, no matter how you feel about her.
And yes, nurses give injections all the time, in the hospital, at clinincs, and at home. (Doctors do not really give many injections.) I give vitamin b shots to several people on a regular basis. Their Dr told them if they had a nurse willing to do the injections at home, he would write out the script and they wouldn't have to drag into the office just for an injection.
What part did you consider to be unethical? Her injecting her kids, not telling you, Not asking you???
And to be quite honest, what harm did come from her actions? Other than your concern and a couple of sore arms, what was so awful? If you go looking for trouble, you will no doubt always be able to dig something up. You said that she has done all sorts of "illegal" things... and yet she is on this side of the law and has her new license. Find a new hobby, maybe one that is actually productive and causes no harm to anyone, least of all your stepkids.
~BlueBug