Connecting moms in Polk County, Fla.

Help needed in finding an LPN

I have exausted nearly every avenue I know of in finding an LPN. My daughter (17) was given her dream by the Make A Wish Foundation, which is to travel on a Nicholodeon Cruise. The MAW has agreed to pay all of the travel expenses, including the nurse to have her own private suite, yet I know of no one who is willing or able to attend. I only need minimal assistance, about 2 hours per day, and in exchange the nurse would be free to roam as she pleases. The destinations would be St. Thomas and St. Marteen in the Virgin Islands as well as the Bahamas. The trip would be for 7 days and the travel dates are still open, though I would prefer to travel before the hurricane/rainy season begins. I am also willing to pay $600.00 in cash along with this exciting opportunity to tavel first class (a $2500.00 value). I can be reached at 863-619-5230. Thank you! Phil

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Permalink Reply by MR Mom on April 5, 2011 at 11:46pm

Hi Demetrius,

If I ever needed my life or that of a loved one saved, by all mean I hope someone as dedicated and caring as yourself is nearby, yet my dilemma is mostly meeting her personal care and perhaps a short daily respite. Keeping in mind HIPPA, my daughters rights to some privacy and/or anonymity, I can and I am willing do everything other than assist her with bathing, so I sincerely hope you understand my position there. She does have other medical concerns which would require an LPN or above, rather than just a CNA or asking a personal friend. I suppose you can understand why this has been such a hard slot to fill and how much I sincerely appreciate your offer.

Demetrius C.McDougal said:

Hello, I have read about your problem I have worked for and agency part time care to a quad. However I am a certified Paramedic,16yr,Advanced Cardiac Life Support Inst.and currently enrolled in a on-line RN/Bridge program due to graduate this summer. Im not sure of your child's illness, however if moving or assisting her in her daily movement I would be your person, I have worked in Emergency Room, and Intensive Care Units, and have great physician references....Please email if your interested. muchmedic@netzero.com

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Permalink Reply by Jennifer Sabin on April 6, 2011 at 11:00am

I posted your request on FB in hopes of helping you find someone! Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by kat on April 6, 2011 at 2:07pm

I would offer my services, however I do not have an active passport and know this is now a requirement. Have you discussed your daughter's needs with MAW? My cousin used to be the state director in WV, and is now in Colorado as the Director of Nursing at a children's hospital. It was always very common place for her to set up this requests/requirements as part of the wish.

All my best to your daughter and family, and safe travels!

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Permalink Reply by Tabby on April 6, 2011 at 8:33pm

I passed the info on to my mom who passed it onto an RN friend at her job. I sure hope you find who you are looking for. I know you need to be comfortable with the person as well.

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Permalink Reply by MR Mom on April 7, 2011 at 8:56am

Thanks Jennifer !

Jennifer Sabin said:

I posted your request on FB in hopes of helping you find someone! Good luck!

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Permalink Reply by MR Mom on April 7, 2011 at 9:45am

Hi Kat,

Make Aish (MAW) had told me that they can pay the travel expenses for a LPN, but not hire one. They do not have liability coverage nor the license required. In most if not all of the MAW cases, when a child needs a nurse to travel (DR orders), there is already a home health care provider in the home from a licensed agency. This is also the case in my home. The nursing agency I use will not allow any of their LPN's to travel outside of Florida and neither of our two LPN's are able to leave their families for 7 days. I know they would like to help me in this situation, yet I can understand they are needed within their own home as well.

I can imagine most other nursing agencies turn a blind eye and find at least one nurse who is willing to travel if a patient is given a MAW request. I can also understand the liability issues involved for an agency and why they told me they are not willing to assume any risk. I had to sell my small boat just to have enough money to offer a nurse $600.00 and there is no way I can afford what another nursing agency quoted me, $30.00 per hour with a minimum of 8 hours per day for 7 days...plus overtime ($1920.00).

I have been trying to find a solution to this since October, so I sincerely appreciate everyone who has either offered assistance or just a fresh idea. I was able to meet with one LPN yesterday, though there are some issues which need resolved first (travel dates/passport/etc.). She needs a passport and would travel to Miami in order to expedite the application process to about 3 weeks, yet I would prefer to have a back up plan (additional LPN's) just in case this one backs out for any reason. If there is one thing I have learned over the years it is to have a "plan B".

I will try and keep everyone posted, many thanks again!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phil

kat said:

I would offer my services, however I do not have an active passport and know this is now a requirement. Have you discussed your daughter's needs with MAW? My cousin used to be the state director in WV, and is now in Colorado as the Director of Nursing at a children's hospital. It was always very common place for her to set up this requests/requirements as part of the wish.

All my best to your daughter and family, and safe travels!H

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Permalink Reply by Tabby on April 7, 2011 at 9:51am

Not sure if the woman my mom passed the info on has tried to contact you yet. I know she can not believe that anyone has turned you down. I know she is an RN (step above LPN) although she works in a nursing home, she said she would love to help. Most nursing homes are older patients, but the one my mom works at has younger ones as well (20's and up). I wish you luck in your quest to find someone to help. If I was an LPN, I would jump at the chance to help someone out (no money required). I think it's worth it to do a good deed without asking or expecting something in return. Best wishes!!!