I'm a health visitor AMA

[CosmicTeacup]

I'm going to regret posting this aren't I?

Why is there such a decline in SNHVs? My children have had three in total (youngest is 6) and haven't had one since youngest was 3. Both have SENDs, the reason for no SNHV is because when they leave, the role takes ages to fill. I'm in Cardiff, so it's not like we're a small area with very little need.

@HVwhyohwhy 👋🏻

Well hats off to you training like that! I did a languages degree then teaching degree and now 10 years experience, so probably won't turn to nursing now... but since having my kids I would prefer to work with very small children and their families.

Do HVs have time to visit or support parents who aren't under SS these days?
Despite having a disabled child, I haven't seen mine since my youngest was about 3 months old, and even his 2 year check was carried out by a totally incompetent "nursery nurse".

@Arlothe7footdinosaur they should be plotting both on the actual weeks/months with a line back to the corrected age.

@QuilliamCakespeare our admin staff are amazing, they do a fab job and don't get the recognition they deserve. I think HV get a bad rep because there are some poor ones out there and people are more likely to remember bad practice than good.

TheCosmicOwl outside of the standard reviews, if you want extra support, you can ask for it. It won't be offered routinely but if you request it you will get support.

@redrobin1000 I can't speak for anyone else, home conditions assessment does form part of our work but personally I would tell the family what I was doing and why. I do use alcohol gel but some people prefer not to or can't because it can irritate your hands.

She said his weight is adjusted making him 50 centile and his height is not adjusted so he's 2nd centile. Surely he's be rotund if that was the case?!?

@HugAndRoll funding, unfortunately.

"QuilliamCakespeare our admin staff are amazing, they do a fab job and don't get the recognition they deserve. I think HV get a bad rep because there are some poor ones out there and people are more likely to remember bad practice than good."

I think this was for me . Glad to see admin are appreciated .

@TheCosmicOwl what @Anon12345ABC said. But if your child has a disability you should have been told that really.

What's the youngest mum you've seen?

Why do so few of you understand that fifty percent of babies will be below average and fifty percent will be above?

Sorry @Anon12345ABC
@QuilliamCakespeare I allocate an hour to a standard visit but each HV manages their own diary.

@Arlothe7footdinosaur exactly which is why they should adjust both. Youngest mum I've personally seen was 17 but we had one within the team that was 13! We have specialist HV that take them on though.

@Grobagsforever I understand that perfectly and I've personally not met a HV that doesn't.

I think the inconsistent advice is an important one. I know it's a big deal (it was for me) especially first time mums who get frustrated being given all sorts of conflicting information, both from us and the midwives.

To an extent I think it ties in with the having children of you're own. Some of the best HV's I know are childless. They stick to the training (this is limited in areas to be fair) and seek advice if unsure.

Breastfeeding, solid foods, appropriate stimulation, weighing babies are all standardised but I still hear all sorts of complaints about dubious information.

@HVwhyohwhy I see what you're saying. I try to stick with standardised advice but if a parent asks about cosleeping for example, I will talk to them about the evidence so they can make an informed choice whereas I've met some HVs who are totally anti cosleeping and won't even discuss it.

What would you like as a thank you gift? My health visitor has been incredible and I want to send her something little and a card to say thanks (I’ve already written to the PALs for the service)

Also! I’m a nurse, is there funding for the course/how did you do it? Because I feel like I might like to move into health visiting one day, but I’m alrwsdy a band 6 in a shift working job so can’t see me being able to do it without funding!

@Cosmicteacup As for the specialist HVs, there just isn't the funding to employ and train them. I wish there was!

I completely understand that, I don't necessarily mean specialist HVs just that HVs should have training in specialist areas or more importantly, if there isnt the resource to train HVs in specialist areas, HVs are trained to admit they dont know the answer and refer you to someone who does / who has had that training.

I am a lawyer - I know my area of law but don't profess to be an expert in every area of law. I have no hesitation saying I can't advise when I don't know the answer (and referring on).

My problem is that HVs, in giving advice without that training, are incompetent (at best) but in my experience actually dangerous. HVs simply can't grasp that.

I'm also a HV. How many are on your caseload? I am so stressed with mine, I work three days and should job share with a full-timer but have been doing it all for 7 months.

@Fefifoefum obviously the thank you is enough but a pretty pen or some biscuits to share in the office is always appreciated! To train you have to apply for a fixed term post advertised on nhs jobs. You are paid midpoint of band 5 while training and course fees are paid for you.

@namechangedtoday15 HVs are trained to admit they don't know. It sounds like you had a bad experience, not all HVs are the same!

@achanger I have around 120 on my caseload which I don't think is too bad but some of my UPs take up a lot of time because they're so complex. Are you getting supervision in your trust?