Opinions regarding induction with parents

jwk · Jul 24, 2004

The literature shows that most parents would rather be with their child at induction........................

That only reinforces my opinion that its the PARENTS issue. WE are the professionals.

allnurses Guide · Jul 24, 2004

My son had surgery a year ago for an undescended testicle. Versed in the waiting room, I changed him into his gown. He got a little "drunk" - laughing alot (he was 2 years old). I carried him back to surgery and was very appreciative. You are going to have all kinds of parents and the ones who get "up-tight" will get that way wherever they are.

It definitely helped me to take him back. I've had this experience twice besides this one. The first time was 19 years ago with my eldest son who screamed when the nurse took him from my arms. It was awful.

3 weeks ago had some dental work done on my almost 3 year old and he was given morphine and visteral in the waiting room and the nurse took him back and he did ok. I still think I should have been allowed to walk him back but didn't make a big deal out of it.

steph

jwk · Jul 24, 2004

My son had surgery a year ago for an undescended testicle. Versed in the waiting room, I changed him into his gown. He got a little "drunk" - laughing alot (he was 2 years old). I carried him back to surgery and was very appreciative. You are going to have all kinds of parents and the ones who get "up-tight" will get that way wherever they are.
It definitely helped me to take him back. I've had this experience twice besides this one. The first time was 19 years ago with my eldest son who screamed when the nurse took him from my arms. It was awful.
3 weeks ago had some dental work done on my almost 3 year old and he was given morphine and visteral in the waiting room and the nurse took him back and he did ok. I still think I should have been allowed to walk him back but didn't make a big deal out of it.
steph

Again, my point is being reinforced. It helps the parents, not the kids. I guarantee you, 19 years ago, your son probably didn't get a pre-med. And most kids, once you get them out of sight of the parents, settle down a good bit.

SproutRN · Jul 24, 2004

My 3 year old recently had to have a minor dental procedure done and I was allowed to carry her into the procedure room and immediately left once I placed her on the table. Even though I had tried to prepare her at home by talking to her and showing her how they would place the mask on her face, she wanted no part of that once we got to the office (as expected). But, yes, it did make me feel better to take her down the hall myself and turn her care over to the staff. I had no intentions of staying during her induction and new I didn't want to be there for that. So what, jwk, if it makes the parents feel better. You should lighten up and consider their feelings too.

I agree you have a job to do, but if the parents know from the beginning the boundaries and then there should be no problems. I also agree this should not be for all surgical situations.

Sprout :nurse:

jwk · Jul 24, 2004

My 3 year old recently had to have a minor dental procedure done and I was allowed to carry her into the procedure room and immediately left once I placed her on the table. Even though I had tried to prepare her at home by talking to her and showing her how they would place the mask on her face, she wanted no part of that once we got to the office (as expected). But, yes, it did make me feel better to take her down the hall myself and turn her care over to the staff. I had no intentions of staying during her induction and new I didn't want to be there for that. So what, jwk, if it makes the parents feel better. You should lighten up and consider their feelings too.
I agree you have a job to do, but if the parents know from the beginning the boundaries and then there should be no problems. I also agree this should not be for all surgical situations.
Sprout

I've tried to make clear that all of this is my personal opinion. And of course I understand that it makes the parents feel better. Why wouldn't it?

Curious- did your child get premedicated?

Until you've had bad experiences with parents in the OR, you probably won't appreciate the problems that it can cause. Some parents that you think would do fine will decompensate - others that you just know will be horrible end up doing great.

athomas91 · Jul 24, 2004

i am with jwk on this one....

there isn't much i haven't seen - and when my husband had surgery it was difficult for me to see him unconscious (the versed knocked him completely out...LOL) i can't imagine wanting to see my child like that....and still in agreement w/ jwk - if the child has been medicated it really only benefits the parents (and that is a maybe....)

tiroka03, LPN · Jul 24, 2004

My child has had numerous surgery. When she was a baby, I didn't watch. I could barely stand to hand her over. It was hellish.

Last week she had a dental work induction done with a mask. No premedications. I stood at her side and held her down when she got frightened. I knew she would. I quesse I would rather it be me, than a stranger holding her down. When she fell alsleep, I lost it and cried. I went to the waiting room and cried for a while longer. It is like the closest thing to death. It's scarey and frightening to see you child like that.

I would do it again. But, I understand the problems of having parents, like me or any one else in the room. We are a distraction.

jwk · Jul 25, 2004

My child has had numerous surgery. When she was a baby, I didn't watch. I could barely stand to hand her over. It was hellish.
Last week she had a dental work induction done with a mask. No premedications. I stood at her side and held her down when she got frightened. I knew she would. I quesse I would rather it be me, than a stranger holding her down. When she fell alsleep, I lost it and cried. I went to the waiting room and cried for a while longer. It is like the closest thing to death. It's scarey and frightening to see you child like that.
I would do it again. But, I understand the problems of having parents, like me or any one else in the room. We are a distraction.

Premedication with Versed would have made this so much easier!