Sandy G

Fantastic article. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable information about sleep hygiene.

Important info for parents to know. Thanks for sharing!

Fever is one of the most common ailments among children, and parents are often uncertain about how they should treat it safely. Fortunately, several effective home treatments can help your child feel better without a visit to the emergency room. This article will provide tips for recognizing and treating fever in your child from the comfort of your home. Causes of Fever in Children Many factors can cause fevers, from viral or bacterial infections to allergies and other medical conditions. Understanding the causes of fever in children can help you determine how to treat a fever in your child and when it is necessary to seek medical attention. Infections are the most frequent cause of fever in kids, with viruses such as the flu, RSV, COVID-19, and roseola being some of the usual suspects. Bacterial infections, including strep throat, ear infections, and urinary tract infections, can also cause fevers in children. Allergies may also be responsible for a fever when accompanied by other symptoms, such as sneezing or a runny nose. Certain medications, including some antibiotics, can also raise temperature due to their effect on the body's immune system. Some immunizations may cause a fever. If your child has an increased temperature after getting vaccinated, the fever will usually appear within 12 hours of receiving the vaccine, and it will likely resolve within one to two days. Taking Your Child's Temperature Getting an accurate temperature is the first step toward adequately assessing and treating a fever in your child. It is essential to use the correct technique when taking a temperature so it is accurate. Whether you choose an oral thermometer, ear thermometer, forehead thermometer, or rectal thermometer, following these simple steps will help you precisely assess your child's temperature. Most medical professionals consider rectal temperatures to be the most accurate, followed by temperatures taken on the forehead. If done correctly, oral and ear temperatures are also accurate. Temperatures taken in the armpit are generally the least accurate. For this article, we will assume you have a digital thermometer. Still, you can use either a manual oral or a manual rectal thermometer similarly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Rectal Temperature: A temperature taken internally in your child's rectum is called a rectal temperature. You will take a rectal temperature just inside the orifice. To get a rectal reading, use petroleum jelly to lubricate the thermometer's tip before inserting it into the rectum. Place your child on their back with their legs near their head, or if it is more comfortable, place them on their tummy and place your hand on their back to help hold them still. While holding your child still with one hand, insert the tip of the thermometer into the rectum and hold it firmly with your other hand until the reading is complete. You only need to insert the tip about 1/2 inch into the rectum for infants. Extend the tip up to one inch inside the rectum for toddlers and older children. Forehead Temperature: For a forehead, or temporal reading, glide the thermometer gently across your child's forehead and view the reading immediately. Ear Temperature: If using an ear thermometer, otherwise known as a tympanic thermometer, insert it all the way into the ear canal and follow the manufacturer's instructions to get a reading. Some thermometers require you to press a button to get a reading, while others are automatic. Use a new plastic shield for each reading and discard it afterward. Oral Temperature: Taking the temperature under the tongue is also known as taking an oral temperature. To take an oral temperature, be sure your child has consumed no cold or hot drinks recently, as this may alter your results. Place the end of the thermometer under your child's tongue and angle it toward the back of the mouth, keeping it under the tongue. Ask them to keep their lips closed gently until you get a reading. Oral temperatures work best if your child is age three or above and can follow directions. Armpit Temperature: You can use a regular oral thermometer to get this reading. Using it in your child's armpit is called taking an axillary temperature. Start by placing the thermometer in your child's armpit and be sure it has contact with the skin surrounding the tip. Try hugging or holding your child closely while you wait for the reading so the thermometer remains in place. Wait until the thermometer signals and assess your reading. Signs & Symptoms When dealing with a fever in your child, it is important to recognize any other signs and symptoms that may accompany it. Here's what parents should watch for: Doctors define a fever as a temperature of 100.4° F or higher. Other signs of a fever may include chills, shivering, sweating, headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, and muscle aches. A red, flushed face may also be present due to increased blood flow to the skin caused by a rise in body temperature. Children with a fever often seem more fussy or fatigued than usual due to discomfort from their symptoms. Home Treatment The first step in treating your child's fever is determining its cause. If you suspect it is related to a bacterial infection or a virus and home remedies are not working to bring it down, consider checking with your child's pediatrician about any necessary treatments, depending on your child's age and health history. Providing your child with plenty of fluids can go a long way toward reducing a fever. Be sure to increase fluids any time your child is running a fever. Lukewarm showers, baths, or sponge baths can help bring a fever down quickly. Do not use cold or icy water. Bathe your child for at least 20 to 30 minutes, but stop if they begin to shiver. The temperature generally decreases as the water evaporates from your child's body. When your child has a fever, have them wear only one light layer of clothing and use one lightweight blanket while sleeping. Do not bundle them up when they have a fever, as this can increase their body temperature. Use fever medication only if your child's fever is 102° F or higher or your child expresses discomfort. Children over three months of age may have Tylenol, and children over six months of age may have Ibuprofen or Tylenol. See the package label or speak with your healthcare practitioner for dosage information. Never give both medications or alternate them unless instructed to do so by a health care provider. Please do not medicate your child if your doctor has advised you to avoid giving them these medications. Remember that fevers can actually be beneficial in fighting an illness or infection. Many viruses and bacteria can flourish at normal body temperatures, but these organisms can often be destroyed when the body temperature rises just a few degrees. When your child has a fever, it often means that their body is working to fight off an illness or infection. The body will raise its temperature to help accomplish this, which increases the performance of your child's immune cells. The trick is to treat fevers with plenty of fluids and rest so the temperature does not become dangerously high. When to Seek Medical Care As a parent, you need to know when your child requires medical attention. Although a fever is a typical symptom of an infection, it is usually safe to treat at home. However, there are times when you will need to seek the professional help of your child's doctor. Contact your child's doctor right away if: Your child is younger than three months of age and has a fever of 100.4° F or higher. Your child seems very ill, lethargic, difficult to awaken, or difficult to console. Your child has a fever and has pain or stiffness in the neck, a severe headache, severe ear or throat pain, an unexplained rash, difficulty breathing, painful urination, or multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea. Your child shows any seizure activity. Your child has a fever and has been exposed to very high heat outside or in a hot car. Your child has a fever, and you cannot decrease it using home treatments. Your child has a severe chronic illness such as cancer or they are taking medications that could affect their immune system. Your child is under age two and has had a fever of 100.4° F for over 24 hours. Your child has a fever lasting over three days and is age two or older. Your child's fever repeatedly reads 104° F or higher, regardless of age. Trust your instincts as a parent and seek medical guidance if you feel concerned about your child's health, no matter how mild the symptoms may appear at first glance. If you suspect a fever in your child, the best course of action is to take their temperature and be aware of any changes in their symptoms. Carefully note their temperature and your interventions so you can report this information to other caregivers or your child's doctor if needed. Fevers can be frightening for parents, but as long as you are aware of your options and follow safety measures, you can ensure that your child will receive the proper treatment. Prevention is key. Focusing on and sustaining regular health, nutrition, and safety practices will help you protect your family members against illness. When in doubt, it's always best to consult a medical professional if you believe your child needs additional care. References/Resources Fever and Antipyretic Use in Children: American Academy of Pediatrics Fever Literacy and Fever Phobia: SAGE Publications Fever Phobia-Misconceptions of Parents About Fevers: American Medical Association: JAMA Network Physiological Rationale for Suppression of Fever: Oxford University Press Patient education: Fever in children (Beyond the Basics): UpToDate, Inc.

Hi, Jesuah! I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get an interview for that role, but don't give up! Keep applying on job boards and reaching out to recruiters. They were probably not turned off by you, but they may have chosen the applicant who was more suited to the role. It sounds like you have a wealth of experience. Keep applying!

Thanks so much, Robin. It's definitely a good alternative to floor nursing if your body needs a break. Thank you for taking the time to reach out!

Hi Marina, I do work in triage now. Feel free to PM me or email [email protected] with questions. ?

Great article!

Remote triage is an innovative and effective way to provide care for patients. It allows a nurse to connect with a patient from a distance and gather information about their symptoms, medical history, and even their vital signs. If necessary, the nurse will relay this information to a medical provider who can give further guidance on how best to care for the patient. Emergency departments, urgent care centers, hospitals, and clinics that use telehealth technology commonly use this form of triage. Here is a closer look at this type of triage and how you can break into this exciting nursing specialty. What Is Remote Nurse Triage? Remote nurse triage is an innovative way of providing medical care from a distance, using modern technology to connect nurses with patients who need assistance. Remote triage nursing takes care to a whole new level, offering patients personalized and convenient care from the comfort of their own homes. As remote triage involves telephone-based communication, it is ideal for patients who cannot access care facilities in person. Remote triage has many benefits for nurses performing the triage and for patients who need care. Remote triage nurses work from home to assess their patients over the phone. Have you ever looked at the back of your health insurance card to see if your insurance company offers a nurse advice line? When you call this line, you're speaking with a triage nurse who helps assess your symptoms and assists you in making decisions about whether your symptoms can be treated at home, or if you need a higher level of care. Triage nurses also offer wellness care and can answer many questions about health, diet, exercise, or finding the right specialist to treat your symptoms. Nurses with a broad knowledge of various areas of nursing thrive in remote triage. Those who have experience in critical care and/or emergency nursing are especially sought after, as they have seen a multitude of illnesses and injuries and will be well prepared to address the wide variety of calls that come into a nurse triage line. You may have a call about a child's diaper rash immediately followed by a call about a man in his 60s with acute onset chest pain. You have to be able to pivot quickly. Nurses who have experience in pediatrics also do well in this role, as many calls that come in are from concerned parents regarding their sick children. Experience in med/surg is also valuable, as these nurses have seen their share of chronic disease management, such as diabetes and COPD. Nurses with experience in surgery do well in this role, as they are able to assist patients who call with concerns about upcoming surgeries or patients who have questions as they recover from recent surgical procedures. Remote triage companies provide nurses with triage protocols to follow, which guide them in asking the right questions, but their nursing experience, judgment, and critical thinking skills are key components in determining their success in the role of the remote triage nurse. Benefits of Working in This Specialty Remote nurse triage can allow for quicker patient triage, faster care, and improved outcomes. Remote nurses assist patients in treating minor illnesses at home, but they also advise patients when they should seek emergency care. Nurses in this role have opportunities to save lives every day. Working remotely also benefits nurses who are looking for more work-life balance. Working at home allows nurses to skip the commute, and who doesn't enjoy working in their comfy clothes? Nurses who work remotely also report that they enjoy the new skills and expertise they gain when taking on this role. Telehealth technology gives nurses an opportunity to interact more with their patients, which boosts their job satisfaction. Challenges and Solutions Make no mistake: working in remote triage has its challenges. Accurately assessing a patient without any physical contact can be tough at times, especially when the patient has difficulty conveying their symptoms. The nurse has to be able to listen to the patient and, many times, probe deeper to get an understanding of exactly what is going on. There is certainly a detective component to this role. Establishing a strong rapport with patients from the beginning of the call goes a long way to forming a trusting bond and showing the patient that they are safe to share the details of their current health situation with you. Establishing this kind of trust in a small amount of time, and over digital platforms, can be intimidating, but once you have a system that works for you, it becomes second nature to establish trust and move right into your role as the patient's advocate. Ensuring data security and privacy when using online tools is important, and your employer will have protocols in place that will help you protect your patient's personal health information. Technology and Tools Needed for Success in Remote Triage Most nurses who begin a career in remote triage will need a few pieces of equipment to get started. A computer or laptop, a webcam, and a headset with a microphone. Consider waiting until you have secured a job before purchasing these things, as they are often provided for you. Many employers request that you have a room with a door so you are able to protect your patients' personal health information. A reliable internet connection is essential in this position. You want to be able to conduct your calls without internet lags or dropped calls, which can frustrate and even endanger your patients. You may also need video conferencing software for virtual meetings as required by your employer. Tips for Providing Effective Remote Triage Care A comfortable office space is important for you as a nurse and for your patients as well. If you are physically comfortable and have everything you need at your fingertips, your patients will have your full attention and can enjoy a safe triage call with you. It is also important to understand the benefits and limitations of remote triage care. Many times, triage nurses have to suggest that EMS be dispatched or that a patient should arrange transport to an emergency department due to the severity of their symptoms. There are some illnesses and injuries that simply cannot be treated over the phone, and patients rely on their nurse's expertise to assist them in determining the appropriate level of care for their needs. In contrast, countless trips to the emergency room can be avoided by connecting with a remote triage nurse who can provide accurate and timely advice about a patient's required level of care, based on their symptoms. Clear communication with a patient promotes the patient's confidence in the information you relay to them. Always take the time to ensure the patient understands your care advice. Am I Qualified for This Type of Work? To excel as a remote triage nurse, it is necessary to possess a nursing degree and a corresponding license in the state where you are taking calls. If you are taking calls from multiple states, you may need additional nursing licenses. Your employer will advise you about their licensing policies. You will have specialized training in remote triage before beginning your work in this role. It is important that you have strong oral communication skills for this position, as you will be speaking with patients as the main component of your position. It is helpful if you are able to type while speaking, as many employers expect you to chart and speak with the patient simultaneously. Your responsibilities will revolve around your ability to ask questions and provide guidance based on your patient's answers. You can ensure quality patient care while working remotely by following your employer's guidelines and the protocols they have in place for conducting triage. Your employer will guide you in constructing an effective triage process designed to follow their guidelines. Where to Find Remote Nurse Triage Jobs With the increasing prevalence of telehealth, remote triage jobs have become a popular choice for nurses. To find jobs in this area, research remote triage job postings through job search websites and social media. Network with recruiters and staffing agencies to find remote nurse triage positions and utilize online forums and nursing associations for advice on finding the remote triage job that is right for you. Remote nurse triage is a relatively new concept in the healthcare industry, but it's one that is quickly gaining popularity. This was especially true after the COVID pandemic forced medical providers to devise creative solutions for home care. The benefits of remote nurse triage include increasing patients' access to medical care, reducing travel time and costs, and improving care quality. When executed well, remote triage can be a life-saving specialty, equipping nurses with the capability to evaluate and provide appropriate care advice to their patients. Working in remote triage requires a wide range of medical knowledge and experience; however, with the right training and support system in place, you can be a successful remote triage nurse. Remote triage nursing is an exciting opportunity to provide life-saving medical care from the comfort of your own home. With the ability to assess, treat and monitor patients virtually, this innovative profession has the power to revolutionize healthcare. Resources What is telehealth? What Is a Remote Triage Nurse and How to Become One Is a Remote Nursing Job Right for You?

I agree, Indeed is a great resource. There are also facebook groups specializing in remote nursing. Many of them have job boards. Good luck!

Great article! Thanks for sharing.

I've spent the last 2.5 years at Carenet Health (www.carenethealthcare.com), and I can honestly say that I've never enjoyed a job as much as this one. We take calls from patients who are experiencing current health issues or who may have general questions. Mainly we're doing triage, but sometimes we assist patients in navigating the intricacies of their health insurance. The training is phenomenal. It's done remotely for two weeks, then you work with a preceptor for as long as you need. The pay is on par with many floor nurse salaries, and I even got a bump when moving from the bedside to remote work. It's worth checking out if you're looking for remote work with a great company.