Positive thread! Your best family/working environment

Specialties Private Duty

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  • by SDALPN
    Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.

Ok, we so often come here to vent or discuss solutions to common issues in the home. I was thinking that maybe we could discuss the best family we worked for, or maybe the best working environment you've had in home care. Maybe it includes things that work well in PDN vs our typical posts about what isn't working.

I'll come back to post mine soon.

KATRN78

229 Posts

Great idea!

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Four and a half years ago, I started caring for a six month old vent dependent baby girl -E. She had pulmonary atresia, and had had her Norwood at age one week. The family lived out in the country in a parsonage, as dad was pastor of a tiny rural church.

Lovely people. They understood why I was there (so they could sleep) and they were usually sharing a bowl of popcorn, snuggled up on the couch when I got there. They would update me, finish watching their movie and go to bed. I happily tidied the baby's room, washed her wee little clothes and watched over her.

I stayed with them through her Glenn and Fontan surgeries, two moves and the birth of E's little brother. E was finally weaned off the vent, and decannulated. The night before her decannulation and tracheal repair, I visited in the hospital. She tried every key on my key chain trying to remove the security tag from her little ankle. After decannulation, no more nursing care. We remained friends.

A couple months afterwards, I was chatting with mom and offered to babysit so she could attend a church event. When I got there, mom said E had been working very hard with the speech therapist on a 'gift' for me. E popped up from behind the couch and said "Hi Mary!" It was the first time I had ever heard her voice!

Fast forward, I went to visit last week at their new, equally charming little country church. Here comes E- cowgirl boots and all- acting like she owned the place! I have been blessed to see her progress from a helpless baby, vent dependent and on a feeding tube- to a self-confident five year old who rides the bus to kindergarten every morning!

SDALPN

997 Posts

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.
Four and a half years ago, I started caring for a six month old vent dependent baby girl -E. She had pulmonary atresia, and had had her Norwood at age one week. The family lived out in the country in a parsonage, as dad was pastor of a tiny rural church.

Lovely people. They understood why I was there (so they could sleep) and they were usually sharing a bowl of popcorn, snuggled up on the couch when I got there. They would update me, finish watching their movie and go to bed. I happily tidied the baby's room, washed her wee little clothes and watched over her.

I stayed with them through her Glenn and Fontan surgeries, two moves and the birth of E's little brother. E was finally weaned off the vent, and decannulated. The night before her decannulation and tracheal repair, I visited in the hospital. She tried every key on my key chain trying to remove the security tag from her little ankle. After decannulation, no more nursing care. We remained friends.

A couple months afterwards, I was chatting with mom and offered to babysit so she could attend a church event. When I got there, mom said E had been working very hard with the speech therapist on a 'gift' for me. E popped up from behind the couch and said "Hi Mary!" It was the first time I had ever heard her voice!

Fast forward, I went to visit last week at their new, equally charming little country church. Here comes E- cowgirl boots and all- acting like she owned the place! I have been blessed to see her progress from a helpless baby, vent dependent and on a feeding tube- to a self-confident five year old who rides the bus to kindergarten every morning!

That's so rewarding!

caliotter3

38,333 Posts

Worked for a family for more than a year with a child who was born with multiple major problems requiring surgeries throughout the years. Mother, a grad of major local university, with good job. Father, same. We used to joke because the colleges they attended were bitter rivals on the football field. Both highly intelligent and articulate, understood everything and did everything to make the assignment as pleasant as possible. Unfortunately had to leave the case when insurance stopped paying for nursing care. I would gladly have given up every unpleasant working experience since then to continue working with that patient and family.

Elle23

415 Posts

Well, I've onky worked one PDN case so far, but I can't imagine another case that would suit me better than this one.

Family is wonderful...laid back, kind, fun, appreciative. The baby I take care of is a doll and so much fun. The home is nice and well-maintained, in a nice neighborhood. Mom and I are close to the same age and get along great.

Unfortunately (fortunately?) I think my time there might be drawing to a close soon. The baby is doing better than anyone expected, and I'm not sure how much longer he will qualify for care.

He still does have a GB and requires continuous feeds at night, so I'm not sure if that's enough to warrant nursing care or not. I plan on staying as long as there is coverage needed.

Oh, and their house is a 5-10 minute drive from my house! Can't beat that!

MissEm

14 Posts

Well, this is my first PDN case, so I guess technically it is the best where I'm concerned! I am in awe of each little improvement my patient makes, from better head control to making new sounds to the decreased incidence of seizures. However, the best thing ever was the first time my patient smiled and became excited when she heard my voice.

Patient's mom is awesome! When she can make dinner, she makes enough for the both of us and always asks for my preferences. The house is always stocked with snacks and movies! The family never fails to ask about my day and life as though I were a family friend, not simply the baby's nurse. It's a very comfortable atmosphere.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN

13,952 Posts

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Well this is my first PDN case, so I guess technically it is the best where I'm concerned! I am in awe of each little improvement my patient makes, from better head control to making new sounds to the decreased incidence of seizures. However, the best thing ever was the first time my patient smiled and became excited when she heard my voice. Patient's mom is awesome! When she can make dinner, she makes enough for the both of us and always asks for my preferences. The house is always stocked with snacks and movies! The family never fails to ask about my day and life as though I were a family friend, not simply the baby's nurse. It's a very comfortable atmosphere.[/quote']

Just be very careful to not get too comfortable.... It's very easy to do in PDN pediatrics. The parents are not your friends but clients/parents of your client. It's easy for boundary lines to blur in home care more so I think in pediatrics. Remember you are there as a professional.

MissEm

14 Posts

Yes, it is hard to keep the boundaries in place. I strive to maintain a professional atmosphere because I'm too worried about becoming complacent with the patient's care and making mistakes. I don't want any of the horror stories I see here to happen/ be caused by me.

Specializes in Pediatric.

My best patient, coincidentally, is my worst family. Lol. But this girl is awesome. She's verbal and 100% alert and oriented. 13 years old. We have so much fun doing crafts, watching TV, and even shopping. I just love her!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

ventmommy

390 Posts

My house?? :cheeky:

SDALPN

997 Posts

Specializes in Peds(PICU, NICU float), PDN, ICU.
My house?? :cheeky:

Of course! :-) I think we would all love to work in your home!

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