Parenting

vamedic4, EMT-P · Mar 19, 2006

Hi everyone-
So I was wondering if anyone thought being or becoming a parent changed the way you looked at nursing. I know alot of people in the education field thought that having children changed the way they looked at their students. Do you think it changes how you look at ethical/legal issues in the healthcare field?
just pondering

Good morning Amyjo...I can tell you that being a parent DEFINITELY changed my view and the way I did things. I work in peds cardiology and take care of kids with congenital defects, so we get to know kids and their parents pretty well.

Prior to starting my position almost 12 years ago, I didn't have kids. And I had a good handle on my duties. But until I had children, I had no idea just exactly how important my job actually was. I HAD to keep up my skills, my children's lives may depend on them.

Here's a story for you:

In 1998 we had a patient (new baby) come in from another hospital who had a CHD that would take his life if he didn't have corrective surgery. The parents had withdrawn all responsibility, claiming that their current emotional state prevented them from being able to care for a child with his type of needs. He came in early on a Friday morning, and passed away just before 0700 on Monday. I don't think he spent more than a few moments in his crib in his entire life.

As a parent, I couldn't imagine what could have made these people make their decision. But I try not to judge..ohhh it's hard!! What I am happy for is the opportunity to care for this child, to hold him as he died, and to have been able to let him know that we loved him, no matter what.

Had to go home and cry and hold my 2 year old after that..let me tell you!!

:crying2:

vamedic4

Amyjosonata · Mar 19, 2006

Wow! That is an intense story. I was just thinking about how difficult it would be, being a parent myself, to agree with parents who stand by and watch...........To follow someone's orders even though it would mean the life of someone so innocent. I can't even watch movies that have to do with children being hurt, without (I know this is a no no) after going in my daughters room and waking her up and making sure she is okay. I wonder how it affects others in fields that don't have to do with children. I wonder if having children somewhat increases the inclination to be a bit biased toward compassion. I always resented before I had kids when people would say that having children changes you. But I really think it does.