Thursday, August 28, 2008
Dr. Mom
Have you taken, or do you plan on taking, any CPR or First Aid type classes? What resources do you use that have been very helpful when it comes to the health of your children? To all you moms who are nurses/doctors, do you have any recommendations for classes or books or websites or things for us un-nurses?
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6 comments:
Does anyone know of any classes that are specific to "Doctor Mommy"? I have no medical training, but I'd love to learn some basics -- what and where your insides are; what causes a fever and when to be worried about it; what scrapes, bumps, bruises, aches and pains require medical attention; etc. Help!
I'm a nurse and my brain turns to near mush when it comes to my own kids. Well, not really, but it is still a learning process with each experience. I like to use the nurse line, whether it's with the clinic or insurance company. Many nurse lines have to play it safe and send you in on the early side, but they're going by the book and can help you think about and take notice of things you hadn't noticed before. But I also use my own judgement. And I ask a lot of questions when I am at the doctor. The most useful question I have found recently is asking what I should be watching for, and what is an okay symptom and what symptoms should cause concern. Obviously these are all questions you ask once you've already made the initial decision to go to the doctor, but they will help in future situatios as well. I also like to know the logic behind things so I will ask why type questions and the doctors are usually surprised by that, but I get good information when I ask that. Recently at the allergist I was asking about medication doses and when I should begin decreasing William's prednisone after an asthma exacerbation (episode) and he said that most people don't ask that he just tells them after three days begin to decrease. But I wanted to know after what symptoms subside should I begin to decrease. Good doctors who are willing to take time to teach and explain are great. I don't know any classes. I obviously do have CPR and would recommend it. I know they have babysitter classes with CPR and some general first aid. Could a mom take that class? Or the Red Cross probably has some of those types of classes. Also Parent Magazine web site has articles on file about when to go in etc. Oh, and they're not always right. The ER tried to have me change William's prednisone dose after our visit but I knew to stick with our usual routine that the allergist had said. The allergist knows William, the ER doc doesn't. Ask questions, ask for referrals if need be, advocate for your children if you don't feel you're getting the answers you are comfortable with or you feel you aren't getting the attention the situation warrents ask questions. Sorry for the book, we have been to WAY TOO MANY doctors recently!!
Karen, there are regular CPR and First Aid classes right here in estes! I've had to take one every year for preschool. You can call Med X and ask when the next class is. When they have enough people signed up they do one. I think the lady who organizes it is Mrs. Holmes. At least she taught the last class I took. for quick references I use the Johnson & Johnson baby book. It has information on children's illnesses and when to go to a doctor and how to treat them yourself. It is very useful. Of course I still call the doctor and ask questions when it's serious. thankfully I haven't had to deal with much of that yet.
Parents magazine also offers some good insights.
hope this is a little helpful.
I think the most important thing I have learned is to not be afraid to call the doctor if you are unsure about anything!! I always had that whole, "don't want to bother someone" mentality which is so silly! They are there to answer our questions and help us. Even after hours. Thankfully we haven't had much sickness but I've had to make a few calls...and it's okay to call back if they don't return your call within an hour. Sometimes messages don't get passed along(I had that happen on a Friday afternoon!). That didn't really follow the question...sorry.
I do most things myself...I have a great relationship with my doctor (hey, we're friends on facebook, I have her e-mail & cell number!); I trust my judgment on things. My MIL thinks that I should take Jacob in to the doctor ALL THE TIME; I generally only take him when he has scheduled appointments, or if he has something that is really urgent...he's been once for an ear infection & once for an allergic reaction. Most of the time, I treat at home & e-mail the doctor. Three weeks ago, he has a cold (viral) & I just treated sx as best I could; e-mailed the doctor to put my MIL at ease & she said I was doing all I could...but, we haven't had any emergencies or anything, either.
I'm not a nurse, but some people call me a "sports nurse"...so, whenever we have any athletic injuries, I'll know what to do. I'm an athletic trainer. :)
I also work under the supervision of a physician, and I know if I needed anything, I could always give him a call to get advice, at any time! I'm blessed to have many outlets to contact if I need anything without having to get an appointment!
I am a First Aid, CPR (Adult, Child and Infant) and AED instructor for the Red Cross. I think it is SO important, especially since kids are so accident/choking prone. And further, I seem to be one of those people that always seems to "witness" emergency situations, like car accidents, slips/trips/falls, cardiac emergencies, and choking incidents. I don't know why. Maybe because I'm trained!
As far as websites to check out.....not so much. I would just say to anyone: Make the time to get yourself trained in basic lifesaving skills. It's far better to be trained with no opportunity to use your skills than to have an opportunity to save a life and have no training.
The Red Cross also has laminated skill cards for all lifesaving techniques, which I have in a manilla envelope taped to the inside of my cupboard door for quick access for our babysitters and anyone else who might need them while at our house.
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