Pediatric Home Health Tips

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Hello!

I am going to be starting a job in pediatric home health in a few weeks. I was wondering if anyone had suggestions or tips for me or what kind of items they always made sure to have with them in their car, etc.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Do you mean private duty? As in, stay at the home of one client for an entire shift?

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Yes :)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

1. Everyone parents differently - unless abuse or neglect is occurring, leave it alone.

2. You will not be able to go out to your car to retrieve things (specifically addressing your post) Bring it in or leave it at home.

3. You will become privy to private family information- this can be damned uncomfortable at times.

4. You will go in some terrible neighborhoods - those kids still need care

5. The parents are the experts - despite not being nurses, they know more than you do about their child and his/ her care.

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What would you suggest keeping in my bag? Like, what would you suggest for a "survival kit"?

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Pens. Pens pens.

Clip board

ID

Provided by office: gloves, soap, paper towels, hand sanitizer , PPE kit (mask, gown, goggles, shoe covers), extra paperwork

Newspaper to put down under bag

Stethoscope (anything else: pulse or, BP cuff, thermometer is patient specific and MUST be provided by DME or office)

Extra plastic bags

I keep wipes (travel size hand wipes in case no running water and Clorox type wipes) and alcohol pads (wipe down pens, phone, stethoscope)

Phone charger (I use portable. A cell phone charger can easily overload fine of these homes)

Small notepad or sticky notes

Bottled water

I work nights so I don't bring food but if you bring food find out if home has restrictions (kosher, vegan, vegetarian, food allergies)

Less is more. Bring in as little as possible. Don't even bring in your purse or personal belongings. You do not bring patient supplies with you unless from the office. Most items are disposable even measuring tapes for infants. You don't want yo EI g anything extra into the home even germs and you don't want any hitchhikers either (roaches, ants, bed bugs, mice)

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