nanny keeps forgetting the epipens

[Anonymous]

My nanny - whom I adore - keeps forgetting my toddlers epipens at home when she is out and about, my daughter has needed an epi rescue once already. I've explained my daughters allergies are serious, and 911 wont get there in time. How do I get this point acrosss? My husbane wants to let her go but she is great in other respects and the epipen is new - about 6 weeks.

[Anonymous]

I would let her go. She cannot be so great that it's worth risking your child's life.

A nanny's most basic duty, which is so obvious we never even mention it, is to have the kid alive when you get home.

[Anonymous]

Do you still use a diaper bag?

[Anonymous]

Yeah normally I"m all about second chances and being understanding to your nanny, but as a nurse I've seen the severe allergic reactions that can occur. And those are the ones who make it to the hospital! I agree with your husband on this one. Sure, you can give her another chance, or get another prescription and have her carry it in her purse, but all it takes is that one time that she forgot it.

[Anonymous]

LET HER GO... Seriously or paint "EPIPEN" on every exit door of your house so she never forgets. It only takes once and then it could be devistating. You need a nanny experienced with allergies. The 1st time would be acceptable but after 6 weeks... That is honestly just her being lazy.

[Anonymous]

Have her take your diaper bag or get her her own set of pens for her purse.

[Anonymous]

I am reluctantly agreeing that this is a fireable offense. I hate to tell anyone to fire a nanny that they love, but her primary responsibility - they only thing that really matters in the course of her work day - is keeping your children safe. She is failing in the must fundamental way possible. Do not wait until it's too late.

[Anonymous]

She is the only nanny our toddler has known, and that my older son can remember, I will put a set of epis in her purae - that is a good idea. She doesnt always take the diaper bag for quick outings. Dd is allergic to peanuts. I want to give her one more chance. I think I need to tell her that this is it - she has to remember the epipens. I might put notes on the doors of the house too.

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny and I am NEVER quick to say "let her go" on many of these posts but when it comes to something as serious as an epipen, she NEEDS to stop being careless or forgetful. This isn't like forgetting food or diapers--both of which you can buy while you're out--this is something that could save your daughter's LIFE. I would have a sit down with her (again) since you seem to otherwise like her and tell her that you are requiring her to either keep one in her purse or in her car at ALL times. Even the diaper bag if she still takes one. I think the car would be reasonable because it would be guaranteed to be there when she is out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She is the only nanny our toddler has known, and that my older son can remember, I will put a set of epis in her purae - that is a good idea. She doesnt always take the diaper bag for quick outings. Dd is allergic to peanuts. I want to give her one more chance. I think I need to tell her that this is it - she has to remember the epipens. I might put notes on the doors of the house too.

OP... I urge you to reconsider. Your children will adjust to a new nanny, but would you ever adjust to the death of your daughter?

I am not trying to be nasty here, I'm being realistic. Your daughter could have a serious allergic reaction anywhere - anywhere. After 6 weeks your nanny has not internalized that to the point that the epipen is within 10 steps of her at all times? She has shown you she cannot be trusted with ensuring the safety of your children.

[Anonymous]

I'm normally all about giving second chances, but this is inexcusable. This makes me livid just to read it. It's careless, ignorant, and lazy. Please, please let her go. She should not be a nanny. (And this is coming from a nanny)

[Anonymous]

I truly hope that your nanny suddenly realizes how big of a deal this is and never forgets again but I am very doubtful. You said you' give her one more chance... But what if that's when your daughter actually had a allergic reaction.. Then you'll have a hell of alot more to worry about then firing you nanny. Is your son old enough to remember his sister? Because THIS IS WHAT'S ON THE LINE. I am a nanny and I am very shaken over this... If I once forgot a dc's epi pen I would expect to be let go or consider leaving myself if I could not handle that responsibility.

[Anonymous]

OP, also tell your DD that every time she leaves the house she's to ask whatever grownup is with her "Epi-pen?" because some day you will forget it too, and you can't fire yourself.

[Anonymous]

OP. let her go. 6 freaking weeks and always seems to forget. Inexcusable! Also, how do you know she forgets? Deciding to keep one in the car and purse-hers and diaper bag could be a good idea -BUT with the next nanny.

[Anonymous]

Does she tell you that she forgets? If you give her a final warning, do you think she will be honest if she knows it is a fireable offense?