Thoughts about childcare during procedures

Trauma Columnist · May 23, 2004

Personally, with all the antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in hospitals today, I feel that additional children (kids not ill) should not be brought to the hospital or docs offices for their own safety. I work in the ER and in a true life or death emergency sometimes other children must accompany the patient, but usually its possible to have another adult watch the kids. Using volunteers for free daycare doesn't seem too safe either. And...of course there is the hospital's liability if one of these kids gets hurt. Just my opinion of course.

SmilingBluEyes · May 23, 2004

do not look for that to happen too many places. Too much liability would be involved and make it not worth the cost. Do not get me wrong; I think it would be WONDERFUL--- even in the hospital units themselves,where family members have the nerve to ask US (nursing staff) to baby sit kids who run amok on our unit while women labor and deliver. :angryfire Way too much liability involved and that is something most don't want to entertain.

Energizer Bunny · May 23, 2004

I was thinking the liability would be a problem as well, but for someone that me that really has no one to watch their kids, it would be extremely helpful!

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · May 23, 2004

I was thinking the liability would be a problem as well, but for someone that me that really has no one to watch their kids, it would be extremely helpful!

I am a single traveling woman and frequently have procedures done. It will be really helpful to have a ride home afterwards and somebody to sign me out and watch me sleep off the drugs safely and volunteer for the privilege ( and it would less traumatic than child care)....but I don't see that happening in this lifetime.

The point is ...it is the Hospital, not the Hilton. This means that it is more expensive, less comfortable, less restful and more annoying. Chances are if it means expense and liability, it is probably a Big "No".

PS. I have enough trouble and expense getting a sitter for a child that they know, how the heck do you think that we will find tons of trained bondable (passes drug tests/background checks) free volunteers available to sit with stranger's children.

lisamc1RN, LPN · May 23, 2004

I'm thinking that it could be abused very easily. Even if you had the liability covered, and the volunteers in place, it could quickly become out of control. Parents may not even bother to find sitters for their children, and then the one or two children that a volunteer would be watching could turn into ten! I know how frustrating it is to have to bring your children to a procedure with you, but I think it would be preferable to do this on occasion, rather than count on the hospital to provide sitters for us. :)

SmilingBluEyes · May 23, 2004

Our volunteers are way too busy to do child care too. And most are quite elderly and I wonder if they would have the inclination and energy to add this to the list of things they already do, even IF they had the time.

Energizer Bunny · May 23, 2004

Whew! I didn't expect rude responses. I was just inquiring. Forget I said anything for goodness sake!

Audreyfay · May 23, 2004

Sounds like a wake-up call to me. We all need those once in awhile. Me too! :kiss

jemb · May 23, 2004

Kim, I don't think anyone intended to be rude. We are simply dealing with the realities of the situation- the facility's liability and resources, potential for the kids' picking up a bug while accompanying you, and identifying which things are generally regarded as personal responsibilities vs those of the healthcare facility, etc.

It would be convenient for the patient to have childcare 'built in' to the appointment.

But just as Carolina stated, a ride home would be convenient, too. Probably just as many people deal with this problem, too. Anyone I know would have to take time off work or drive a long distance to help me if I can't drive myself home. The alternative is a cab, which can be very expensive given the distance to most healthcare facilities from my home. Public transportation isn't an option in this area.

Point being, we have to arrange things for ouselves -- child care, transportation, and whatever else is needed so we can manage those unpleasant events known as procedures.

If I were a parent with little ones, I think I would try to arrange a co-op with other parents from my neighborhood, religious organization, or group of

friends, to help each other with childcare needs for these situations. Seems like it would be better than trusting their care to strangers anyway.

DOCS RN · May 23, 2004

No, child care is YOUR responsibility. Child care is not the responsibility of the hospitals or clinics......If you want child care, pay for it. I don't want it on my tax dollar or my hospital bill........do we not pay enough for hospital acquired infections, and safety is a major issue.

SmilingBluEyes · May 23, 2004

Umm who is being rude? Rude?

I am being honest here.

sheesh, lighten up a bit --- I was telling the truth. I WORK in a hospital, remember. (have worked in 3 of 'em). I SEE our volunteers run all over, delivering cards here, flowers there, lab specimens to lab, xray's to the units, etc. They show visitors around when they appear lost. They also run our gift shop. They are busy folks where I work and don't spend much time sitting around.

They simply have NO time to do day care.

It was and is a nice idea, one that I think would benefit many. Even the nurses who have to help coral little ones back to Mom or Grandpa---- or step over them on our units daily I think would LOVE this. But with liability issues being what they are, it just won't likely happen, as much as I would LOVE it.

If being "real" is equated to being rude, then ok, I guess I am rude. I am sorry if I came across that way. I was answering honestly.

I leave this thread to responses more to the OP's liking. Have a good Sunday everyone.