Protocol for Going on trip with Patient

caliotter3 · Jul 3, 2010

I provided my opinion on your duplicate thread. I would not do this under these circumstances as you have stated.

Gingilly · Jul 3, 2010

Thank you and yes, this is a duplicate post. I replied in general discussion:)

Kyasi · Jul 4, 2010

I am checking with my daughter about this. She has worked for the Make A Wish Foundation and is currently a 'wish granter'. I'd be very surprised if you were expected to sleep in the same room.

I went on several trips with a very wealthy, VIP client. On one, I was paid for 10 hrs a day. The trip was to the 96 Republican convention. After 40 hours, I was paid time and a half so it turned out to be good pay for me. I went to all the events and often my day was longer than the 10hr/day I got paid for. But the experience was so amazing I'd have gone with no pay. I felt like Robin Leech in the 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous'. It was an experience of a lifetime.

Perhaps the family would like you at the park with them so you can experience the joy and fun of the experience. I think this is one of those times where I would just lighten up, enjoy the experience, and not count the hours I worked. In my experience, families only ask the nurse they are most comfortable with to go along so it is a compliment to you that they are asking you to go.

I definitely would not sleep in the same room w/the client though. I'll let you know what my daughter says about this.

Kyasi

Trauma Columnist · Jul 4, 2010

Are you licensed in both states? That would be my big worry.

Plus, sorry but I don't really think going to Disney World is a vacation for ME, if I'm a home care nurse.

Nope, wouldn't let them use my name and nope wouldn't sleep in same room as client.

Kyasi · Jul 5, 2010

Are you licensed in both states? That would be my big worry.
Plus, sorry but I don't really think going to Disney World is a vacation for ME, if I'm a home care nurse.
Nope, wouldn't let them use my name and nope wouldn't sleep in same room as client.

While it is not really a 'vacation' it will be a change in environment, which is good for both the child, family, and the nurse. Kids like these rarely get a chance to do something like this and it is a joy to be a part of it. So many of these children are cloistered in their homes with very little chance for socialization and activities that are 'fun' due to the restrictions placed on them by their funding sources. (Respite care must be done in the home, PA care only when the parents are at work, etc etc)

My daughter has planned several of these trips for kids as a wish granter for Make a Wish and every time she is touched to the core to be a part of it. I still believe you should take advantage of this opportunity but if it makes you too uncomfortable, don't go and let another nurse enjoy the experience. If you are going as an employee of an agency, they will have guidelines for you. When I've gone on trips (and this may have changed since it's been a while ago) I did not have to get a license in the state we went to since it was short term care only. Your agency will look into that and make you aware of any requirements needed.

If you do go, let us know how it goes.

Kyasi

Gingilly · Jul 5, 2010

Good morning Kyasi and thank you so much for asking your daughter about this. I actually reposted this question to the general section and have received lots of practical advice and logistics. I appreciate your sharing your experience as well. I'ld love to do a trip w/ a VIP, sounds very glamourous! I am signing the paperwork tomorrow morning and as we left things on Friday, it was just one room that had been mentioned to me. We're at a regular hotel at Disney California, not the Orlando location. I will clarify the room situation tomorrow and will post an update. You're right about the social isolation my little pt has experienced- its been in and out of hospitals and no school for months now. This will be a fantastic experience for her and I'm honored to be sharing it, just want to make it comfortable for myself as well. Thx again!

Jen

Gingilly · Jul 14, 2010

HI guys this was very well discussed in the general nursing forum where I duplicated the posting. I'm copying my last reply from over there to conclude this one.

"Hello all, just wanted to update and conclude this thread I started. Just getting back form trip with Pt who got a special pass from MD to go. It was terrific for pt who had a blast! Most of the time pt was infusing and very weak but managed to spend several hours at the park in total and it was worth it for them.

On the nursing side- the advice received here was excellent. MAW does provide a separate room which you must have. You will need your own restroom, won't want pt to hear your business in there and need to keep your meds/ toiletries from mingling. Remember meds bottles have your address on them!

I'd suggest a room across the hall- none of that door in btw because they'll feel comfortable walking in on you...Also please keep strict hours and have them written down. That way any time outside this will be understood as extra time and more appreciated. I had a verbal "understanding" with pt for 8 hour shift done in 3 increments with no set start/ end times and she would conveniently forget the times I was working. very frustrating knowing she was trying to work me to death. I ended up working a total of 18 hours in a 24 hour period in small little increments because of this.

Make it clear you are providing nursing care not companionship and baby sitting services. Pt thought because I was there anyway, I should watch child while she went out. Watch out for resentment/ attitude when you leave to go about your own life- "on their time/money".

I hate to say it but you must keep lines btw you and pt. because they'll take advantage if you dont. Stay professional and don't forget that when youre on free time with them its still a professional relationship, no matter how chummy they try to be. They'll use it later to manipulate you into more time...and any time youre w/ them youre still an RN and legally responsible!

And do not use your car to give pt rides to store etc. Let them provide for that. MAW will send limo for transport to and from and they will need to figure out how to get around elsewhere.

If you plan on time off and are clear about this, it can be a real fun time for all. MAW loves RN volunteers and I'd highly suggest it!

Thank you to all who shared knowledge- I learned so much and it helped make the trip smoother for me.

Jen"

Kyasi · Jul 17, 2010

Jen,

Sorry, but somehow notification of your reply ended up in my spam mail. I just found it. I'm so glad that you went on the trip. Sounds like a few frustrating moments but it was a good experience for all I'm sure. My daughter did say that the nurses do get a room for themselves from MAW. I just got back from traveling myself (not business but pleasure) so I lost track of this thread. I'm glad it worked out well in the end.

Kyasi