I am currently working a case where the patient is an adorable preemie with a pacifier addiction, haha.
One of the other nurses who worked over nights was fired because Mom caught her laying on the chaise couch with the baby.
The nurse called me and complained to me "oh I have seen Mom lay down with the baby many times. Now I am fired for doing it. I was just laying with the baby because I got tired of constantly getting up to replace the dropped pacifier."
I am just dumb founded. I just can't believe she would think she is being reasonable. Babies die because adults take naps with them. We should not be laying on the job.
Ok, getting back to the topic. I'm actually on a case now that the mom requests we lay beside the child because that is what she is used to. No sleeping. It feels/seems weird, but it works. Once kid is sleeping, I'll go sit in the chair. Kid can't see or hear, so I guess that is her only comfort that someone is there.
Specializes in Med/Surg, Peds, Geriatrics, Home Health.
Ok, getting back to the topic. I'm actually on a case now that the mom requests we lay beside the child because that is what she is used to. No sleeping. It feels/seems weird, but it works. Once kid is sleeping, I'll go sit in the chair. Kid can't see or hear, so I guess that is her only comfort that someone is there.
Yes to this one. I have had babies where the parents want me to do this also. And you are right, it is because that is what the baby is used to and the baby is comfortable like that. I was just always sure to have enough sleep so I never accidentally fell asleep. And I never did. When I am in a home and parents ask me to do something that is out of the normal (which is hard to tell what is out of the normal since you are in a private home and not a hospital setting), I always went by this rule: I would only do or behave as I would if my supervisor was to walk in the room. So if I'm sleeping and she walks in the room, well obviously that is a huge no no and she should really fire me. But if I'm laying with the baby with my eyes wide open and totally awake and my boss walked in, she would understand what is taking place. Another thing I always did, and this was just to cover my butt because you never know how people are going to be (especially when you are in their home and not a hospital setting), was when I laid with the baby, even though I was right next to her so she could feel me there, I would have her covered with a blanket and NEVER cover myself. Always had the door open also.
Yes to this one. I have had babies where the parents want me to do this also. And you are right, it is because that is what the baby is used to and the baby is comfortable like that. I was just always sure to have enough sleep so I never accidentally fell asleep. And I never did. When I am in a home and parents ask me to do something that is out of the normal (which is hard to tell what is out of the normal since you are in a private home and not a hospital setting), I always went by this rule: I would only do or behave as I would if my supervisor was to walk in the room. So if I'm sleeping and she walks in the room, well obviously that is a huge no no and she should really fire me. But if I'm laying with the baby with my eyes wide open and totally awake and my boss walked in, she would understand what is taking place. Another thing I always did, and this was just to cover my butt because you never know how people are going to be (especially when you are in their home and not a hospital setting), was when I laid with the baby, even though I was right next to her so she could feel me there, I would have her covered with a blanket and NEVER cover myself. Always had the door open also.
Yeah, I'd never even think to cover myself with a blanket at work. If its that cold I'll complain if dressing warmer doesn't help. And yes, door open. Never know when someone could twist something around.
Its hard when you work one place and the parents want you to be a second parent holding/cuddling a pt. Then the next home they are offended by doing the same thing. You ask parents what they expect in their home and what their rules are and they look at you with the deer in headlights look and say they are just like any other family. Can't win!
This could go in so many wrong directions. How about.... Helping dad relieve tension the way mom does. Ewwww
Jillybean48
84 Posts
LOL