There was a time when I would be freaking out that my baby is playing with (and tasting) a sock (clean?) and a dog toy. But this is baby #2. And let me tell you, she is a challenge. You can't let her know that she has something that shouldn't go into her mouth or she will stuff it in and swallow it. Seriously. So I reassure myself that the dog has his shots and so does baby. And if I want to work and at some point eat lunch... sock and dog toy it is.
Hammer time.... LOL doesn't the title make u wanna jump around in parachute pants? Or am I showing my age cause I know about MC Hammer? Enjoy the video below... :D
Either way. Can't touch this is an imPORTant subject of mine. We have only had to take Caiden to the ER once to have blood cultures drawn from his port due to fever. It was a couple of years ago when we took him to Houston to a great Children's ER. Of course we were prepared that they would draw cultures from his port to rule out a port infection. What I was not prepared for was the nurse telling me that THEY had to access him, not me. She proceeded to tell me that it is a sterile procedure and that parents aren't allowed. Ummm , I'm pretty sure he belongs to me and that includes his port. I mean, I claim him on my taxes, I pay for his health care, and I am pretty sure I grew him in my belly. So then I should have access to any body part or implanted device in his body since I am his parent.
Karate chop!
At this point I had been a pediatric nurse for several years and I am well aware of how crazy parents can act when it comes to their kids. So, I took a deep breath and cut my eyes at my husband. He knew what was coming.
I respectively and calmly told the nurse "I understand that you have policies to go by but he is most comfortable when I access his port and it is already a sterile procedure so I will not contaminate your specimen. Once I get the needle in, you can draw all the labs you need to."
"I am sorry, that is just against our policy"
"I understand. Can I speak to your charge nurse?"
Oh yes I did.....
I have a side bar with my husband and he feels it necessary to tell me....
"you are THAT mom."
And all ghetto like I think "Oh no he didn't..."
But it's true. I was THAT parent. THAT parent I dreaded to have at work. THAT parent who didn't give a flip who they pissed off as long as they got what they needed. Although, in my defense, I was not intentionally trying to piss anyone off and I was very respectful. But STILL, he is my responsibility. His life is very important to me so I always want to make sure he gets the best care possible. This included his port so naturally I don't let most people touch it.
So, in walks the charge nurse, the ER nurse and some other nurse. I know that trick. Reinforcements. I calmly explain my side, she explains hers and then...we cannot agree.
Can't touch this...port.
I again exchange glances with my husband and I am pretty sure he is ready for me to give in but I won't. Not a chance. My smart ass personality and clever pediatric nurse skills devise a master plan.
"Ok, I understand you have things you can and can't do. But when you leave this room to get supplies...you will come back and find him accessed."
Oh yes I did.
I mean, they cant be held liable if I did it while they aren't there. And are they gonna pull the needle out and re-do it? Nope.
<insert evil laugh>
You gotta pick your battles folks. And when it comes to his port, I know I will do the best job possible taking care of it. I strive for perfection. No less. it's not that I don't trust the nurses. It's the fact that it saves him pain and distress if I do it myself. He can control that and have a say in his care and I am what he knows best.
That day I chose to be THAT mom. But you have to remember to be respectful and firm in your delivery. No one is gonna listen to the screamin' and cussin' mom saying get your filthy hands off my kids before I karate chop you into next week.
It's also important to know the chain of command in the hospital. If your nurse doesn't give you a reasonable solution to your concern then ask for the charge nurse. If that nurse doesn't offer a fair and safe solution then ask for the nurse administrator. That nurse usually gets the job done. Over and above that you can ask for patient relations. They are a department in the hospital that takes the side of the patient and helps all parties come to a safe and patient centered agreement.
Don't be afraid to be THAT mom. Sometimes its necessary.
