this is the only hospital that i have worked at that does abortions. we don't really have guidelines. is there a "legal" gestational age? the 15 year-old pt is healthy...but i guess her age is the reason to say "terminated for the life and health of the mother". i just had a hard time understanding a "19-week" gestation. poor thing was told by physician that it would be an "in and out" procedure. also, i am told he charges the patient a high fee and it must be paid in cash. but we are the ones delivering the fetus and placenta! and because we do this on postpartum, sometimes both nurses are tied up and that leaves our other patients w/o a nurse!
note from moderator: the poster is discribing what (sounds like) an unsafe situation at her hospital and is seeking support and asking for input for affecting change.
please stick to the original topic and not use this thread as a vehicle for a prolife/prochoice debate.
Cervidil was inserted by physician. We medicate for pain. If she doesn't deliver by 0600, then we start Pit ("Hang 10"). Again, we give pain meds. Then we wait...comfort...etc. Sometimes, they deliver on the toilet. (I really don't think they understand what they are going through...how it feels).
OK...so it is implemented the same as with a fetal demise.
1) I agree totally that the doctor should be there for the delivery. The nurses are being left out to dry, I'd say.
2)Also, this should be a one to one patient.
Other than those two things, what else do you beleive should be done differently? Is there a better place, other than the OB floor in the hospital do do them? I ask because, I have thought it was hard to induce the fetal demises in the OB floor, too, but we did it because there was no other place. It wasn't the best situation, but we provided privacy the best way possible. It sounds like alot could be accomplished with a stronger manager. Also, sounds like that isn't going to happen any time soon. Good luck!
Sable's mom
186 Posts
Again, Deb, good luck. That hospital (if you can truly call it that) sounds terrible. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda