Does anyone have night nursing for a special needs child?? Need advice!!

Sherry - posted on 11/09/2009

That is absolutely ridiculous. We had a nurse wake us because she didn't know how to clear a clogging feeding tube line. We let it go. The next time she worked she woke us because our daughter was "freaking out". She wanted to give her Atavan and I said no.I checked her and she had a wet diaper. Once I changed her she was fine.When I woke up in the am I found a syringe-the nurse had given the Atavan after I'd said not to.We called the agency and the nurse was dismissed from Hannie's care. Document all of your concerns and try to be specific and then call and speak with the highest authoritive figurehead at the nursing agency you use. Document when you got up what you did and after the nurse leaves log on lone and document the sites they were at and for how long. What you have outlined here is called "DENIAL OF CRITICAL CARE" and nurses can lose their licenses for it. As well as face fines and imprisonment from DHS. The agency can also be sanctioned-these are very serious issues. Also contact your MHDD worker (whoever handles your Title 19/Medicaid) advise these issues are going on and you have asked for immediate resolution by your nursing agency.
If this agency wants your business they will not only correct these issues IMMEDIATLEY they will tell you how they are going to fix and what they are going to do so it does not happen again. Do not approach your staff directly. Our staff is like our second family but when it comes to their work ethic it is on them and therefore should be handled by their employer.
Please don't ingore this because if you aren't getting the rest you need you won't be any good for your child. Also you have this extra staff to HELP you and this isn't helping you-it's just causing more stress. D not be afraid to speak up. If you need more information or help please let me know and I will give you what you need. We've gone thru this several times over the past 10 years. Demanding it change is the fastest and best way to get it resolved. Hope this helps!

Elaine - posted on 11/08/2009

We had nurses for years... i ended up getting a two way system for the room... one in Kevin's room and one for our bed room.... I told the nurses i wanted to make sure that our son was being have(i think it made the nurses a little nervous ;) and were a little more mindful about their job) if it was just us at home i could tell him i was on my way (i can hear anything in that room but had to push a button so he could hear me talk) this would help so you don't have to get out of bed but able to say "do you need help in there" its a nicer way of saying get your butt busy and do your job.... we had meetings and i reminded everyone of general rules about our house... don't point fingers at anyone just a general list of things you need help with... keeping the room clean and ect... this may help i hope... i did have a few good nurses that were just messy... and one fell asleep... but did hear the vent as needed but kev used to say she snored LOL

Kristel - posted on 11/08/2009

OMG!That's horrible! The only reason they are there to begin with is to care for your son!How long has this been going on?I would say something to them first, if it's too awkard, then speak with the company/hospital they are affiliated with. Everyone has a boss you can go to. I wouldn't waste anytime doing so, for the safety of your child! They shouldnt be having their laptops with them, on the job anyway! Remember what just happened to the Airline/ flight with the pilots who got sidetracked because they were on there laptops and the FCAA thought there was a terroist attack because they flew over 1hour off-track!THEY WERE FIRED & LICENSES REVOKED! Good luck! :)