I am nurse and caretaker to a partially mute male, 14 years old. He has failure throughout his body, including problems with digestive and nervous and vital systems, and I must tend to him.
He has good skills and intelligent and mentally independent. He can do and enjoys doing puzzles or hand activities, but can only do so much due to low coordination. He understands language and he can make noises that resemble words, however does not speak much. He prefers to make sounds or be silent.
I massage his belly to bring about eructation (burps) and flatulence and to improve digestion. I also massage him daily to help with digestion and circulation and to soothe him.
I handle hygiene and intimacy. I give him physicals or check ups once a week. I bathe and groom him regularly and take good care of his skin. I diaper him since he dislikes bed pans or catheters. Not to mention he does have sexual insecurity, even with puberty, so it is even worse on that part. I occasionally administer enemas or laxatives also.
We've agreed that it is acceptable for me to spoonfeed him, since he has poor coordination. Often he can feed himself but requires assistanxe. Although I do respect him and I assure meals are satisfying.
I do talk to him kindly and considerably. I communicate with him and make sure I know what he needs or what he wants me to know, even though he has difficulty replying or talking. He cannot communicate easily but he is very intelligent and he has a very active mind. Even though his body cannot function correctly, his mind and feelings are still working fully. So I am concerned. He does enjoy the care. He likes massages and such. He knows he can trust me and that I can help and comfort him. He knows I will respect him and do what he needs.
However, things can be too overwhelming, like my "full control" or his overdependence. I feel as if I invade or put too much pressure on his will.
Please help me. How can I keep his dignity intact? How can I help him yet allow him to not feel like he nothing?
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I'm getting the vibe that the OP is an unlicensed private duty caretaker who does not practice here in the US.
Agreed As originally she was a nurse with a license for 2 years and is now "trained like a nurse" in a country near Hawaii that is "confidential". The posts appear more like an unlicensed care giver than an educated licensed nurse.
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
I'm intrigued. Op compared it to the Bermuda triangle. Wonder if this country/island is in another dimension.
Space: the final frontier.
I also had no luck with google on finding this country. I find it hard to believe that a country that has internet connection and social media access wouldn't be found in some obscure corner of the world wife web.
You also state in one post you are entering your second year in a few week; second week of what?
Second year in business since I've previously got schooling.
We dont have a good education system here. And there isn't too much to study when it comes to conditions.
My patient is actually the second case in all of our reports. We are still working with this. I was doing string nursing and I volunteered to become caretaker for my patient because they were not sure what to do. His parents were also in a wreck with it. It was a big bem.
Second year in business since I've previously got schooling.*
We dont have a good education system here. And there isn't too much to study when it comes to conditions.*
My patient is actually the second case in all of our reports. We are still working with this. I was doing string nursing and I volunteered to become caretaker for my patient because they were not sure what to do. His parents were also in a wreck with it. It was a big bem.
We cannot really contact any outside so we can't get research files.
Our nation is actually in a big rivalry but no one has spoken of it.
We just "don't exist" to keep from issues. We're closed. No one from the two Americka are allowed to access us as apparent.
It is obvious you are not in the US and that you may not have had the education and resources that nurses and caregivers have here. However, I am impressed with your commitment to doing a good job for your patient, and your desire to increase your knowledge to give the best care you can.
Good luck to you!
Thank you for the luck wishes! And thank you for giving me some advice on this!
(Not to offend, but since I assume these people are all Americkan, then I want to say Americka is a pushy.
I find it difficult to believe that you had medical training of some sort but do not know the answer to simple, basic care questions. You do not appear to be a nurse, or have any medical background from the questions you are asking. Who trained you??
The "fishy" reference means I think this is some kind of a joke. Sorry, but I do.
mc3:cat:
I was trained in community, in classes, then two weeks with a personal guide.
Not a good education system but we at doing best we can.
My patient is only the second case of disorders that are this severe.
I was doing string nursing and I volunteered to take the risk and put this patient's worries in my hands and became his caretaker, after they gve me about a month training.
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I was trained in community, in classes, then two weeks with a personal guide.
Not a good education system but we at doing best we can.
My patient is only the second case of disorders that are this severe.
I was doing string nursing and I volunteered to take the risk and put this patient's worries in my hands and became his caretaker, after they gve me about a month training.
In nearly every other country that is not a nurse but a home health aide/personal support worker/unlicensed caregiver. This explains many of your questions and confusion.
Nurses attend college or university for 1.5-4 years and earn a degree or diploma before a nursing license. Those that complete a 2 week class are certified caregivers.
Look at the link I posted the other day. It's for home care givers and sounds like exactly what you are doing. As far as severely disabled, yes in a small town/county/country it would make sense that you have very few citizens so severely affected in multiple systems.
You can always ask your agency for extra educational inservices & training to ensure you provide the best care.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN
102 Articles; 27,612 Posts
I'm getting the vibe that the OP is an unlicensed private duty caretaker who does not practice here in the US.