Sick kids

[Anonymous]

I need some opinions on this matter. I am a nanny three children. One child got sick with a stomach Tuesday evening. I was told she stated throwing up in the middle of the night. Child was still throwing up at 7AM. I said I was not comfortable dealing with a throwing up child. I would be happy to take of Twins. That's what I did. Parents took turn taking care of sick child.

On Thursday morning sick child had no fever or throwing up since the following afternoon. One of the Twins threw up over night had a fever. Once again if I was ok asked to care for her. I said I think it would be best if she stayed with a parent. In morning parents took care of her. By lunch time she still had not throw up again. Parents asked me to care for her again. I made some soup for everyone. Took care of all three of them rest of the day.

Friday morning I come & was told Twins both were throwing up in the middle of night. One twin just minutes before I got there. I said I thought it was best if I got older child breakfast & ready for school then left when she did. As I didn't want to catch stomach bug. I have other health issues going on. I was already frustrated as last 2 morning I texted before showing up asking how children were doing did not get response. I emptied dishwasher put laundry away before leaving. I tired do what I could to help.

This family get multiple stomach bugs all winter. Last one I caught after taking care of them when sick. I have been a nanny long time. All my other employers never expected or wanted me to take care of their throwing up children. I think I am being fair not wanting to clean up & care for throwing up children. Do you think I am right or the parents? For what it's worth when it's not stomach bug & just a sickness I am ok taking care of them. Thanks for reading & hopefully giving some opinions on this matter.

[Anonymous]

It really depends on what’s in your contract.

I was a nanny for 5 years. Throwing up kids wants their parents. I did colds and flus but not vomit.

I have that in my contract now that nanny can handle minor illnesses like a runny nose or dry cough, but I take a sick day and watch my child when he’s ill. That’s what I signed up for as a parent.

[Anonymous]

What does your contract state about illness?

I’ve never had an issue caring for sick kids. But I have unlimited sick days (technically, reality is 0-3 used yearly), and most are used after I catch something from their kids.

It sounds like you’re just not a good fit, and I’m sure the parents know that by now. So give your notice and find another job. While interviewing, make it absolutely clear that you don’t care for sick kids.

[Anonymous]

Vomiting children definitely need their parents.
Starting considering a new job, OP. These parents don’t much care about their sick children, and they certainly don’t care about you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Vomiting children definitely need their parents.
Starting considering a new job, OP. These parents don’t much care about their sick children, and they certainly don’t care about you.

^Start

[Anonymous]

Of course you don’t give notice until you have your new job and your start date.

[Anonymous]

One of the reasons people hire a nanny is so they don't have to take off of work for sick kids...not everyone has that luxury nor should they have to. I've been literally puked on by my charges and would never think to 1. Tell their parents to deal with it or 2. Consider quitting.
Perhaps being a nanny isn't for you.

[Anonymous]

I agree with previous poster. It comes with the territory. Parents hire a nanny for the luxury of not having to miss work for sick kids.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I am ok taking care of sick kids. I am not ok taking care of throwing up children with a stomach bug. In my personal opinion when they are that sick they need mommy & daddy snuggles. I am more then going to get it if I am being the on le caring for them. Then parents will need to take off work anyway. Why not take it off when their kids are sick.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One of the reasons people hire a nanny is so they don't have to take off of work for sick kids...not everyone has that luxury nor should they have to. I've been literally puked on by my charges and would never think to 1. Tell their parents to deal with it or 2. Consider quitting.
Perhaps being a nanny isn't for you.

Perhaps trolling isn’t for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I am ok taking care of sick kids. I am not ok taking care of throwing up children with a stomach bug. In my personal opinion when they are that sick they need mommy & daddy snuggles. I am more then going to get it if I am being the on le caring for them. Then parents will need to take off work anyway. Why not take it off when their kids are sick.

Kids are contagious a day or so before they throw up, and up to a week afterwardn You're already exposed by the time they barf.

[Anonymous]

No employee should expose herself to vomiting kids. Period.

[Anonymous]

There's a stomach bug running through the kids. If it hasn't impacted the adults yet then you're probably safe. You were exposed long before you started trying to triage but not caring for a sick child.

Sick kids go with the territory. Norovirus type bugs are an all hands on deck scenario - sometimes that means nanny PLUS parents, especially if there are 3 kids in the equation.

Be glad you didn't get sick. If you're not comfortable w/ this family's approach to illness I'd start looking for another position. Then, with your next job, be sure to have your contract clearly state what your parameters are for when you are or are not willing to care for sick kids.

Some parents will agree with your stance, others won't.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here and I take care of my charges no matter what. If I get the bug from them, I stay home. I have never refused to care for a dick child no matter what. I’ve worn masks and gloves when cleaning up vomit and sometimes do manage not to get their stomach bug.

That said - I’ve never nannies for twins and a toddler before. I think you were right in asking one of the parents to stay home due to the sheer work load and wanting the well-kids to stay away from the sick one.

Nannies vary on this question. I am firmly in the camp that cares for the child no matter what. Other nannies I respect refuse to care for contagious kids. Only you can decide which camp you’re in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No employee should expose herself to vomiting kids. Period.

Nurses, PA’s and doctors do it all the time.