LAST PATH CLASS!

We have now officially completed PATH.

The class on Saturday was on medication......most of it was not new information for me (Matt probably learned quite a bit). What was helpful was the nurse going over all these different forms that have to be filled out if the child takes medication and/or makes a visit to the doctor.
Just as in healthcare, if it is not documented, it did not happen. Therefore, it is better to be safe than sorry and just write every detail down.

The nurse who taught the class was quite cynical in her perspective of health care. She rubbed me the wrong way a few times with her comments not only about pharmacists but also doctors.

In her mind patients or parents of the patient are the "boss" and the doctor is an "employer." This analogy is true because you are paying the doctor for a service; however, your perspective on the relationship is what is important. Every person should find a doctor and a pharmacist where there is mutual respect and you trust the other person. Don't argue or go behind the doctors back with every decision he/she makes. Trust the doctor's judgement. Doctor went to school for a long time to do what he/she is doing. Doctors and pharmacists are human; therefore, we do make mistakes but a true health care professional CARES about their patients. Find a doctor and a pharmacist who cares and who takes time to address your concerns.

The nurse made it clear to ALWAYS ask a lot of questions because the doctor is not going to tell you everything you need to know. You should ask questions. You should leave the doctors office knowing what the medication name is, what it is for, how to take it, and any major side effects to be concerned about. Doctors are not pharmacists. Don't expect them to know everything there is to know about a drug. Yes, the doctor should be somewhat familiar but the pharmacist is who are "drug experts." Be respectful of the doctor's time. He/She has many other patients to see that day and cant spend an hour talking about a medication. Therefore, if you have a question about a medication, call or go see a local pharmacist. If the pharmacist does not know the answer, they have plenty of resources at their fingertip to find the answer.

Sorry that was my little plug for doctors and pharmacists.

After several hours about medication, Matt and I had our "interview" with the PATH instructor. She bundled all of our homework and PATH class certificates to give to the home study writer.
The actual "interview" portion was very short. She asked both of us one question, "Why do you want to foster?"
Matt and I both answered, she typed it in the computer, asked if we had any questions, and informed us she had approved us with no reservations.
She told us to expect someone to contact us within two weeks. Supposedly, the home study writer either has 60-90 days (we've heard both answers) to complete the home study.
And that was the end.

Thank you for following our journey through the PATH (parents as tender healers) experience