parents

[thickness]

I am in dire need of a vent session really quickly, and if anyone has any input at all, please feel free! I have a pediatric home care case, and as much as the sweet little thing and I hit it off and really vibe with each other, her parents are a totally different story. I do the best I can to clean up as we go, but sometimes I have to put off the cleaning for a few minutes (it always gets done before I leave). Both parents work from home, and at least once a week I can hear them talking about me in a negative way. For example, after a tube feed was finished today, dad was preparing lunch in the sink for himself and mom, so I set the tf bag aside to come back to when he finished. I started doing some PT exercises with the little one, and I could clearly hear mom ranting about how I didn't clean the bag out, and ended up cleaning it herself. A few minutes later she came to me and asked that I not use powder on munchkin's potty seat because it's too messy (I do go over the floor with a wet wipe if any gets on the floor). I started using the powder to begin with because she wouldn't sit on the potty at all, complaining of the stickiness of it on her legs. And I just want to point out that she has been unsuccessful on the potty with everyone except me - I let her help with the powder and the wiping when she goes, as I think it's important that she be involved. I don't know, it's just frustrating that I feel like I'm the only one attempting to potty train her, or get her involved with caring for herself in general.

[NotReady4PrimeTime, RN]

How frustrating is that!! My first home care peds case was similar (worse, but not by much) and I was lectured to on many occasions even though I only lasted there a month. I figured out pretty quickly that the only way I was going to get my work done in that home was to do whatever the crazy mom said to do and document it. Tactfully - because she had unlimited access to the chart. The tube feed bag thing is completely ridiculous and petty. So next time it happens, I would just go to the sink, excuse myself and say something like, "I understand that having the feeding bag rinsed immediately after a feed is completed is really important to you and Mr/s. X, so I'm sure you won't mind if I do that right away." If you do that a couple of times, they'll either get the hint that it can wait, or that maybe they could time their own lunch so that it doesn't interfere with their stipulated timetable for your duties. As for the potty problem, I'm not sure I have any words of wisdom. What is it made of that it sticks to her legs? Maybe putting a towel on the floor (I'd even bring one from home so that it doesn't "make work" for the parents) underneath it to catch loose powder might work. Strength, my dear. You really need it!

[caliotter3]

You are going to have to deal with these people over the long run or else you are going to have to make arrangements to leave the case. I can almost assure you, based on my own experiences, that things will not get better. Either you will be able to deal with these people or you will decide at some point to cut your losses and move on. It is usually better to be the one who initiates the change. When they tell the agency they want another nurse, and eventually they will, it looks worse for you.

[thickness]

Thanks guys. The potty seat is vinyl and the bathroom is probably the muggiest room in their house. The towel idea is brilliant! I will definitely be doing that.

As far as a new assignment, I'll be starting a new one after labor day when my little pumpkin starts going to school all day. It's hard because she and I have come to be pretty attached to each other, but I'm definitely looking forward to some different parents!

Thanks again!!