by Regina, (3-5’s Parent)
The cold and flu season (among many other illnesses) is among us! No better time than to get a quick refresher on staying healthy! Ross Beaulaurier who happens to be Tierney’s uncle, is a nurse (or shall we say, Murse,) at Seattle Children’s Hospital. He was gracious enough to give a few minutes to talk about his experience as a Murse, working with kids and some how-tos!
Regina: So you’re a Murse. Congrats! What made you want to become a nurse, let alone, work with kids?
Nurse Ross: I feel strongly that kids deserve a childhood, so I always wanted to work in an environment where I can help them recover and be a minor part of their future. It gives me hope.
Regina: Aww, that’s sweet! I am sure it is hard to see sick kids though…as you see them…a LOT!
Nurse Ross: Yes, I do see illness everywhere, but I also see how resilient kids are! With that said…I am happy to give some tips that are more reminders, as everyone hears these! It’s always good to have these reminders in the midst of the season.
Regina: Ok, what do you have to share?!
Nurse Ross: First and foremost, hand washing saves lives. Just kidding, but no, really. Handwashing is the secret. Wash for 15 seconds (enough to sing happy birthday). I always tell parents to set up a habit of washing after every activity; coming in, before snack, post snack, before starting an activity, post activity…and so forth. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Kids who are not as good at handwashing get sick more often. This is normal, as kids already have immature immune systems, but handwashing is key.
Regina: ok, handwashing. Got it. What else?
Nurse Ross: Flu vaccines are important. Need I say more?
Regina: Nope! What do you see a lot of, other than the cold/flu viruses that go around?
Nurse Ross: Actually I see a lot of URI (Upper Respiratory Infections), which are extremely common. So my suggestion? Fluids, fluids, fluids. Avoid sugared drinks though. A lot of juice products have a great deal of sugar.
Regina: Hydration. Noted. You mentioned URI, any way to keep those at bay?
Nurse Ross: like anything else, there’s no guarantee. But you can always remind kids to use the “Dracula” cough or sneeze- it’s a fun way to remember and convince kids to do it! If you don’t know what that is, google it!
Regina: Thanks for the 411! What have you learned in your years of working at Children’s?
Nurse Ross: I have learned the importance of being safe during recreational activities. So many accidents have happened because kids have not used helmets. Also, supervision, no matter what. Injuries can happen anywhere. I’ve also learned that digestive issues especially in toddlers and children are surprisingly common. You can’t always assume it’s a virus. It can be something else…so watch out for vomiting, abdominal pain, changes in eating habits. To help digestion I was taught the 3 F’s: Fluids, Fiber and Fl’exercise.
Regina: Thanks, Nurse Ross! To end this on a happy note (not wanting to scare the parents off on this health 4-1-1,) what’s the sweetest memory you have as working as a nurse for kids?
Nurse Ross: A patient wrote a poem for me and asked me to read it outload in front of the team providing care for him. He called me a “gentle and caring Murse.” It made my year.
Sending healthy healing vibes!