Typical day for infant?

allnurses Guide · Nov 17, 2016

Hi Freesia, my experience is that the child's overall health status can vary quite a bit even factoring the vent/trach/g-tube in the mix. This makes it difficult to estimate a specific level of downtime or typical day.

Having one patient means you'll have more downtime, but depending on the specifics of each patient, you may need to get up to suction (as an example) at shorter intervals.

One thing the agency may do is let you review the care plan, also known as form 485, with identifying info removed. From that you can get a general picture of what your shift will look like, unless an unexpected change occurs, as it frequently does in some cases. Anyway, my :twocents: Best wishes!

Kitiger, RN · Nov 18, 2016

When working with infants, my down-time pretty much corresponds with their nap-time. The trach/vent/GT might be time-consuming, and then again, maybe not. Is the child medically stable? Does he have frequent pneumonia? Is the vent continuous or only while sleeping? Is he an adept at pulling out his trach and GT? Is he developmentally delayed?

You'll have all the routine tasks, like trach care, GT care, nebulized medications, suctioning, responding to vent alarms, feeding, diapering, cleaning syringes and nebulizer sets, etc.. In addition, most of these kids will be behind somewhat just from extended hospital stays, illnesses and surgeries. I try to keep them engaged in fun learning experiences whenever they are awake. When possible I do not use TV or computers with them. The exception would be when I use the TV to get them to sit up or look up at a cartoon. (I'm focusing on gross motor while they're watching a cartoon!)

Naturally, if you're looking at working nights, you could have a lot of down time, sometimes 40 minutes out of the hour. It depends on the child.

caliotter3 · Nov 18, 2016

Also expect that the parents will have a lot of input in the child's care or that they will be somewhat detached (or absently busy) and everything in between. Take your cues from their directions and their requests. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask the parents and your clinical supervisor.

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Nov 18, 2016

Since you stated that you've only worked in clinics, I have to ask what kind of orientation/training you're going to receive for a vent case. You have to keep in mind that you will be the only nurse there & you're responsible to know how to troubleshoot all equipment including the vent. There's no RT to call for help.