9 years ago
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Quick Poll
Last night when we were leaving the NICU, I saw nurse walk outside in front of us. I was like, "no way, I don't believe it." The nurse was going outside for a smoke break. I made Josh circle the parking lot to make sure I was right. And I was. Gross...Luckily she has never been Avery's nurse, but I don't want her to be. Here's the question, would you say something to the charge nurse (the nurse in charge) about this nurse if your baby was in the NICU??? Is it rude to request her not to take care of my baby? I'm sure she is a good nurse, but I don't want her around Ave! Let me know if I have become the paranoid mother or if this is a real concern! Can't wait to hear your thoughts!!
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13 comments:
That's just gross. I personally think it's ridiculous that people in the health care industry smoke. I don't think you're out of line. You are concerned for your child's welfare and you want her to stay as healthy as possible.
I totally would request her NOT to be Avery's nurse. That is gross. Did you know IHC hospitals their employees can't smoke? I don't think you are paranoid at all. I would do it.
You have every right to request her not to take care of Avery. Just the smell of smoke affects are felt by the fragile, and you do not want her exposed to that.
I know from experience that the right (or wrong) nurse can totally make or break your hospital stay. You have every right to request that she not be Avery's nurse, & I would be surprised if the charge nurse held it against you. People request (or reject) nurses all the time. I would just emphasize that it's nothing personal & you're just looking out for Avery's health.
I'm just surprised this nurse is allowed to work in the NICU at all!
(P.S. I tagged you on my blog in case you get bored)
I agree that you have every right to speak up. You're looking out for your baby.
it's gross, but if you think the nurse is the only one doing it, you may want to check out the doctors. Aaron and I have worked in healthcare for over 6 years and know so many nurses and doctors (even pulmonologist) who are chain smokers. I even worked for a doctor who would take frequent smoke breaks, causing his schedule to back up hours (b/c he would drive around for 10-15 minutes to smoke). We even had to go rescue him one day b/c his car broke down while he was on a smoke break. Needless to say, he was/is the best pediatrican I know and I wouldn't hesitate to take Jack to him. Many of his patients don't even know he smokes.
But, as a patient, you have the right to ask for the best service and request a change in nursing staff. Good luck!
Being the parents, I think you have every right to request nurses who do not smoke. Do it! And I am so glad to see that Ave is making such good progress.
I too think you have every right to say something. You would hate for your sweet little baby to breathe in her smoke when she is only weeks old. I know you live in vegas but I think she's too young to be introduced to second hand smoke. She's just barely getting her start on life.
I think you have every right to ask for this nurse not to take care of your daughter. It is your job to make sure that what is in the best interest of Avery and her health is what is happening. If you are not comfortable with it (and I don't know many who would be) you have every right to ask for her not to take care of your daughter. And its not being rude or paranoid.. its being a good mom.
Legally, morally, ethically, and most of all parentally you have the right to refuse treatment/service from ANY health care professional. You're paying for it, and you want what's best, and fragile NICU babies should not be allowed to be anywhere near smokers. And we want to echo the fact that IHC employees can't smoke. I know for sure they're not allowed in the pharmacy. Would you want your daughters nutritional supplements and medications tainted with nicotine and all other unthinkable chemicals? I totally think you should say something.
So, after reading all the comments (very good ones I might add) what did you end up doing??? Enquiring minds want to know!
I went through nursing school (but not a nurse-long story i'll tell you later) and ALWAYS thought that doctors/nurses set a bad example if they smoked, hypocrites even (sorry if spelled wrong) and I wouldn't want that nurse around my baby either. I would worry about how much second-hand smoke would still be around her...wow i could totally go off on my soapbox about smoking but that's for another time
BTW...lot of fun wednesday night. I'm glad you guys came! you're a lot of fun to hang around...let's hang out more often!
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