I just recently got a new job and am on my first night shift *alone* off of orientation. I have started working 3 nights a week for a company that does pediatric home health and private duty. My patient has a ventilator and that is all. This is my first HH patient and all my other experience has been in ICU, ER and LTAC ICU. I had about 6 months mixed pediatric experience when I first got my RN license but that has been several years ago.
I want this to work out because it would allow me the time to go back to school (online) and it is less stress so I could handle the hours along with my hospital job (a lot of stress sometimes).. and will totally help me catch up on my bills.
I wanted to hook up with other pediatric private duty nurses for advice. I am so nervous still, even though this is much less stress for me than it is to work at any hospital. I guess what I am really worried about is that I will do something to offend or upset the mom or dad and not even know it! I don't know why I think this, but it is a fear. I just want to be a good nurse for them and stay out of their way while taking good care of their child. I must have a very watchful eye all night, as the child is on a ventilator and moves around the bed sooo much at night, knocking the vent off.
But, what really suprised me was when my preceptor said she slept, and even did it in front of me. I would never do this! I guess I have seen how easily a person can lose their airway and code.
nursel56
7,122 Posts
Thanks, CFitzRN. Kinda belated -- though. I appreciate your kind words.