Nacoya

It's a great question and I am sorry to say that I do not have an answer for you but only another question. I work on the cardiac ward at a pediatric hospital which will soon be doing the occasional adult heart surgery. These surgeries will be done to repair congenital heart defects (replacing parts or repairing missed or previously done heart surgeries from childhood). I'm trying to keep an open mind; however, I am finding this difficult to do. My biggest concerns are: how this will be received by the children's families, and most importantly, child safety. I know if my child were on the ward, I would not want an adult sleeping in the same room. I may be overreacting but there are a lot of pedophiles and disturbed people out there. Who's going to watch these children? Many parents do not stay with their child and I'm not able to sit with my patients continuously for 12 hours. I also think that an adult recovering from heart surgery would not want to share a room with crying babies or energetic toddlers. My question to you is: with the exception of your inappropriate adults, how effective/ineffective is having children and adults on the same ward at your health care facility, and how is it received by all parties (parents, patients and staff? Also, do they share rooms or do the adults get there own room? Unfortunately, we do not have the space or funding to provide private rooms for the adults. I hope you have found an answer to your post, and if I hear anything regarding liablity etc, I will let you know. I would also appreciate any comments to my posting. Thanks

Just a short note to add: Individuals with Marfan syndrom often need cardiac surgery due to the risk of aortic aneurym

Hi JMP, I think that casualization is part of the cause to Canada's nursing shortage. I'm in BC and will be graduating this august. The hospital I'm interested in working at, in Pediatrics, hires only casual to start. When I see ads like the one I just recently seen in the Province newspaper, "Would you like to earn a $10,000 sign-on bonus" to come work (full time), at one of Puget Sound's (Washington State) premier hospitals it is tempting to say the least. Hey, that could pay off a lot of student loan, I would get better pay, have a lower cost of living, still be close to home and not get taxed to death. I love BC, but if things don't change I'm going south. I especially feel sorry for the nurses with many years experience; our pay scale is so narrow about $21-$26 (and a few cents!), they truly don't get paid what they deserve. Alberta nurses get paid $32/hr, but it's just a little too chilly there for me.

I'm all for joining nurses nationwide for creating change and believe we all need to join together as change agents in order for this to occur. It saddens me however, that the very reason we need to fight for change, oppression, continues even among our own, as evidence by some of the oppressive and negative comments read in a few of the responses. Interestingly, they are generally made by males! So I must say, if you don't want to join us please do step aside because there are some nurses who truly believe they are worth more than they get credit for. Instead of criticism, offer support or if your views or values differ, offer suggestions. Who knows, you may just have something worthwhile to say!

I'm all for joining nurses nationwide for creating change and believe we all need to join together as change agents in order for this to occur. It saddens me however, that the very reason we need to fight for change, oppression, continues even among our own, as evidence by some of the oppressive and negative comments read in a few of the responses. Interestingly, they are generally made by males! So I must say, if you don't want to join us please do step aside because there are some nurses who truly believe they are worth more than they get credit for. Instead of criticism, offer support or if your views or values differ, offer suggestions. Who knows, you may just have something worthwhile to say!

I recall reading in the article by "Moore,M & Comerford-Freda,M. (1998). Reducing preterm and low birth weight births: Still a nursing challenge..." that nurses are at greater risk for having premature infants. Maybe this is from a combination of stressors , ie., long hours on their feet, shift work and the emotional and physical stress. I hope this is helpful, All the best to you and take care.

I just wanted to add that the nurses notes included in the charting are also considered legal documentation. It is very important to be thorough, concise and to keep on top of your charting. This is not only for others to read but because you never know if they may be needed in court one day. I was always told "make sure you cover your butt."

Hi there Carmen, Just want to give you the same advice that my mom gave me 4 yrs ago, which in turn prompted me to go to nursing school(a career change). I think she got it from Ann Landers. "would you rather be 40 and a nurse, or 40 and not a nurse" Think about it! Well, I'm in my last year of a degree program and have never regretted it. Follow your heart Carmen, and all the best to you with your decision.