Pediatric HH nurse-- what supplies do I need?

[anon456, BSN, RN]

I am a new ped home health nurse. My first client is a heart defect (repaired) infant on O2 and has other issues. I am wondering what all I should have in my bag of supplies: obviously steth and thermometer, tape measure, pen light.

I am thinking of ordering a portable puse ox because the pt does not have one.

Also considering a blood pressure cuff, but the sets with multi sizes are expensive. The case manager said a BP is not necessary but this is a heart patient. Would really like to keep an eye on the BP-- but if this is not expected for me to chart, then maybe I should not have one??

Should I order a ped stethoscope? My adult sized one worked well for me during clinicals as a student on the ped and infant clients but if it's safer for me to get a peds one I will. Future patients will be children of all sizes and ages through this company.

[caliotter3]

I had a heart pt with no ped bp cuff. You can bet your sweet bippy I charted that no cuff was available. You really should get your own set before you worry about the pulse ox. Chart the bp. Only chart the pulse ox if it is called for on the 485. I got my own tympanic therm.

[anon456, BSN, RN]

Thanks! Will do!

[caliotter3]

I brought it to the attention of my agency that there was no ped bp cuff in the home of that heart pt. and they said they would not provide it. I documented that conversation. I also documented my conversation concerning same with the family. They said they "were trying" to get one, but the bp cuff never showed up.