Need some advice. Asked to do pedi nursing.

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Im an adult home health nurse. I was recently asked my a patient to be a prn nurse for their special needs child. I have been a nurse for going on 10 years and have always done adult care. I love children i do but I feel like mentally and emotionally I could not handle being a pedi nurse it kills me to have to see a sick child and im worried i would burn out too quickly. I tried to tell my patient this but they wouldnt hear it and asked me to think about it before making a decision. How can I let them know that im not interested in the position without making them feel hurt or upset for my decision? I dont want this to cause an issue between my patient and I who at this time is my priority and im worried this could upset the nurse-patient relationship we have built. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

I would probably thank her for her trust, but you’re not looking to add a second job/add to your caseload at this point. I wonder if there would be conflict of interest issues with your agency too, caring for two members of the same household

Is the child receiving nursing services already? I wonder why the parent approached you directly rather than the nursing agency. If not, you would have serious liability concerns

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Specializes in Critical care.

I would say you don’t have experience with pediatric patients. I would also add that they are not just smaller versions of adults- they are their own specialty- and they should have/want a nurse with experience in peds.

”I’m sorry, I just don’t have the experience with the pediatric population that you should want and expect. Thank you for the offer though, it is very flattering.”

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7 hours ago, Here.I.Stand said:

I would probably thank her for her trust, but you’re not looking to add a second job/add to your caseload at this point. I wonder if there would be conflict of interest issues with your agency too, caring for two members of the same household

Is the child receiving nursing services already? I wonder why the parent approached you directly rather than the nursing agency. If not, you would have serious liability concerns

The child is but this parent wants a prn nurse as well.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I would simply decline. You do not have to give a reason, but if you were to do so, be bluntly honest. Use the words "I am not qualified to care for pediatric patients, unfortunately". There isn't any arguing with that.

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