nanny keeps forgetting the epipens
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Anonymous
She's not going to have to tell her when her DD is in anaphylactic shock without an Epi-pen, waiting for EMS to arrive. I'm a nanny and I carry an epi-pen for myself. I'm not on to jump on the firing band wagon. However, this is a life or death situation. However, we can't guarantee your next nanny will *get it* either. People who have zero experience with serious allergies just don't get it. This is how I would handle it. I would get her a set of pens for her purse. I would compile some easy to understand peanut allergy information for her. If she doesn't get that she needs an epi-pen 100% of them time it's unlikely she's grasping the severity of the whole situation. I wouldn't feel confident that she understands safe foods, reading labels, cross contamination, accidental exposures, or even the early warning signs of exposure. I would take some time with just yourself and the nanny and have a *Come to Jesus* talk with her. Let her know just how serious her carelessness is. Lay it on the line. If she forgets this pen, not only will she be fired on the spot but your child could die. There is no second chances with this sort of health issue. If you fired her you would need to do the same sort of educational meeting with a new nanny. You might as well give her one more chance since you are happy with every other part of her performance. I wish you the best of luck. I don't answer these forums often but this one jumped out at me. It's been my experience (immediate anaphylactic shock with latex contact) that most people just don't get it. |
Anonymous
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Op, i agree you need to fire her and find someone who had experience with allergies and epi pens. If she can't remember to take it along with them on outings are you sure you can trust her to remember how to use it and/or recognize the signs and symptoms that it needs to be used?
PLEASE FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD LET HER GO IMMEDIATELY! One more chance in this case can be life or death. Your children will adjust, just like children adjust to a new teacher when in school. Good luck Op, and i know you will find a great nanny who you can trust with your children's lives |
Anonymous
| I agree with pp who said people without allergy experience "don't get it" most people who have never seen a severe allergic reaction think all allergies are simple watery eyes, hives, scratchy throat they don't get the airway can close. When you hotter a new nanny (which you NEED to do without question) is make sure they know how severe allergies can be (if you can't find one with allergy experience) google information on signs, symptoms, how fast it can occur print it it and give it to the nanny to read and sign that she understands the seriousness, that she knows how to administer the epi pen and that she will do it and call 911 then you right away. |
Anonymous
| *Get Not Hotter |
Anonymous
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OP, I'm the nurse who posted earlier that you need to fire her. I know it seems to make sense to to give her an epi pen to put in her bag, but I've had several people in the ER who "grabbed a different bag in the morning and forgot to put the epi pen in it" or "I was just running into the school to pick up my kid and didn't think to bring my bag" If she's been forgetting the epi-pen for 6 weeks, there is no guarantee that she'll remember it in her purse.
My only suggestion, which I'm sure I"m going to get flamed for, is give her another chance BUT set up a nanny cam in the kitchen or wherever you have the epi pen for her to take. Set up a live feed on yours or your husbands work computer and if you notice them leaving and she forgets the epi pen, call her and remind her. Yeah, she's probably going to be pissed about the nanny cam, but you're also going to fire her so it doesn't make a difference. I wouldn't take risking my child's life this callously. Your children will adjust to a new nanny. |
Anonymous
| Is she uncomfortable with the epi pen? There must be a reason she is "forgetting" it. Either way, I would also fire her. Make sure the next nanny knows how to use them or is willing to learn and will remember them!! |
Anonymous
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Uggh... I think I am going to have to let her go. Dh is dead set on it as well - we fought about it last night. Thanks for the honest feedback. I've been coming up early unexpectedly to take advantage of the weather with the kids and the nanny has been gone with the kids - and the epipens are in the diaperbag on the kitchen table.
I feel terrible about letting her go - but dh and I are going to give severance pay, let her go today, each take a weeks vacation, and find someone else. |
Anonymous
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I'm so sorry OP, and it's sad for your nanny also. But you are doing the right thing. She is not taking your child's wellbeing seriously. And this is a seriously dangerous situation.
You should not feel terrible - you gave her multiple chances and she is putting your child in serious danger. If she refuses to understand that and act accordingly then she leaves you no choice whatsoever. FYI, if you need some interim nannying support I use Metro Parent Relief and i know (because I've had her) that they have at least one nanny who is a recent pediatric RN graduate. She is young, energetic, calm, and has medical training so might be a great option for a bit of fill-in care for you. Call Stacie Smith at MetroParentRelief and tell her your situation and she can help. (No personal relationship here - I'm just an MB who's used this service and been very happy with it.) |
Anonymous
| Give her separate pens for her purse also get a practice pen and have her use it in front of you! |
Anonymous
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She's gone....
Just curious here. Was she first aid and CPR certified, OP? |
Anonymous
Yes, was she CPR certified and first aid certified too? |
Anonymous
I'm sorry OP  it was a crappy situation for you to be in, but I think you made the right choice.
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Anonymous
| You made the right choice OP!! You are saving your daughter and possible your nanny as well! No doubt your nanny is good- but she doesn't belong with a child with severe allergies. She will come to appreciate that one day, and maybe even thank you for preventing a tragedy for both parties. |
Anonymous
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Op, has she returned, and did you let her go?
Personally i would have been calling and texting her phone as soon add i noticed they were gone but the epipens were still at your home (I'm not saying you didn't do this, just what i would have done) and told her she needs to rewritten home immediately. |
Anonymous
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