When the weather warms up, children will want to get out of the house and play outside. However, as a pediatric home care nurse, safety is likely your top concern. With preparation and open conversations with parents, you can keep your patients safe all season long. The following are some basic wellness tips that pediatric nurses should keep in mind this spring. 

How to Discuss Spring Safety With Patients & Parents

1. Practice Bike Safety

If your pediatric patient is old enough to ride a bike in the driveway or street, discuss bike safety. Ensure their helmet is properly fitted and that they are wearing other necessary protective gear. Talk with their parents to make sure that an adult is supervising them at all times. If the child has an ongoing health condition, ensure they are well enough to ride a bike at any given time.

2. Watch Out for Poison Ivy

Children love to play in the woods, which puts them at risk for contact with poison ivy. Teach your patients what poison ivy looks like, and tell them to avoid plants with three leaves in general. Have calamine lotion and other ointments on hand in case they do come in contact with the plant. You can also talk to parents about spotting the signs of poison ivy contact, such as redness, itching, blisters, and difficulty breathing.

3. Be Prepared for Bee Allergies

As a pediatric nurse, you likely handle several types of allergies daily. Bee allergies will be of concern during the spring. Be sure that their EpiPen® or other allergy medication is up to date and easily accessible. You should also check that their parents keep an EpiPen with them on the go.

4. Supervise on Playgrounds

Playgrounds and parks are great places for children to play during the spring. While pediatric nurses might not be with their patients on the playground, make sure their parents are aware of safety best practices. They should also be prepared with water and snacks to keep their children healthy during these outings. 

Looking for opportunities as a pediatric nurse? At J&D Ultracare, we employ compassionate, driven home nurses in the Hudson Valley and the Bronx. As an employee, you can expect an impressive benefits package, field-based orientations, and educational in-services to further your knowledge as a nurse. If you are looking to advance your career, visit our website for more information. You can also call (845) 357-4500 to speak with a member of our team.