Camera monitors in your home

Carriestockmal · #1 10-10-2003, 08:09 AM

Good Morning!
Wondering if any of you have a camera monitoring system in your home. (The ones you can get at babies r us)?
Further more, I am wondering if any of you have had any experience with the camera and the nurses?
I've had a camera in my home since the day Jack came home. I told the nursing company and all the nurses that it was there. It was aimed at Jack's crib, so I can see him, his vent, etc. at night. (When I hear alarms in the middle of the night, it gives added comfort to peek at the monitor and see the nurse with him.)
I recently moved the camera and I can now see almost the entire room, including where some of the nurses sit. My night nurse told me that she is very upset and uncomfortable with the new positioning of the camera. She said it makes her feel like she has done something wrong, that she can't be herself (as she say - burp when she wants, fart when she wants). She told me that she does not think I can legally do this and that she is consulting with someone to find out.
Well, that just about put me into a tailspin. I can't believe that she is questioning what I want to do in my own damn house!
I do like this nurse - she is very good with Jack. So I told her I would compromise with her until she gets an answer, and I tilted the camera so I can't see where she sits at night. I am so mad that I am in this position, so frustrated. And it makes me feel like she IS doing something she doesn't want me to see, otherwise, why would she care if the camera was there? None of the othere nurses have a problem with it - at least no one has said they do.
What do you think? Be honest. Does anyone know if I do have the right to do this?
Thanks!

Jacks Mum · #2 10-10-2003, 08:23 AM

I wouldn't put the camera so i could see the whole room, especially where the nurse sits.
I'd feel weird about.

Good luck with working it out
Jess

Ann · #3 10-10-2003, 08:25 AM

I honestly believe you have the right to do this in your own home and I'm sure it's legal. Â*But, at the same time, I understand where the nurses are coming from. Â*I doubt any of us would like to have a camera on us when we are at work. Â*I think we'd all like to be able to know what people are doing when it comes to our kids. Â*I don't think there is an easy answer. Â*From your point of view, you want to know what's going on, from their point of view, they believe that you should trust them. Â*I leave my Jack at home all day for 10 hours a day with a nurse while I'm at work. Â*At times, it would nice to "see" what is going on, but I've never had any reason to believe that he wasn't being properly taken care of.

It's a hard call, for sure.

#4 10-10-2003, 09:32 AM

You certainly have a right to set up the camera wherever you want. I think it's a great idea to have a camera on the crib to reassure you. However, I have been on the nurses end and I can tell you it is very invasive. It is very intense and nerve-racking to know you are on film. Everything you do is scrutinized. I felt unnaturally stiff and formal, was second guessing my technique. I assure you I am a good nurse and had nothing to be afraid of, but I was intimidated. I liked the child and family, but I was asked not to return because they did not approve of my reading material (Nora Roberts and I wasn't reading outload!). I think your nurse wasn't reacting so much from fear of being found out, but may feel you are implying you think your nurses are unsafe or incompetent (I'm sure that was not your intention!).
Just my opinion, Good luck
Kristina

Carriestockmal · #5 10-10-2003, 09:59 AM

Ok - well, I feel like a jerk. Thanks for the honesty! and the gentle way about you all!

Ann · #6 10-10-2003, 10:50 AM

Don't be so hard on yourself. Â*We all do what we think we have to do for our kids. Â*I give you a lot of credit for even asking our opinion Â*

nicksmom · #7 10-10-2003, 11:56 AM

I have always had a camera in Nicholas' room and it has always been so that I can see the whole room. Â*We original bought it when we were coming home because I wanted to be able to see him since I couldn't hear him. Â*I have always been very honest with my nurses, day & night nurses know where the cameras in my house are. Â*I understand them feeling a little uncomfortable but the way I see it and explain it to them is:
1. Â*This is my child, when I can't hear him or be around him I need to see him. Â*It has nothing to do with them but for me and my comfort level I feel like I should be with him 24/7 and this is my way of knowing he's OK.

2. Â*I don't believe in hidding the camera and "spying" on anyone. Â*I don't want to be one of those mom's who comes home, watches the tape and has a nurse/babysitter hitting my child. Â*If they know it's there I'm going to hope they don't do anything questionable. Â*

3. Â*It's your home and your comfort level. Â*If you didn't trust the nurse she wouldn't be there camera or no camera.

I have never had a problem with any of my nurses who know I have the camera on 24/7. Â*It's my connection to Nick and they understand. Â*Most of them have forgotten it's there and Â*honestly after 14 months I almost forget it's there.

I'd explain to her that it's not her but you and leave it at that. Â*Your home, your comfort level.

Good luck
Carrie

cariaad · #8 10-10-2003, 04:44 PM

You know, I think I would leave it to see the whole room...I'd just feel better. As for her being uncomfortable being taped at work, she's obviously never worked in retail (almost everything you do is taped) or a bank or other high profile situation. As a person who worked under tape for as long as I can remember, I can honestly say, it never bothered me because I knew my job and that I was doing it correctly. But, maybe it's because you just moved it. Is he always in his crib while the nurses are there? Maybe if he is, that's why she's uncomfortable. I dont know...good luck with whatever you decide to do. Deb

#9 10-10-2003, 09:11 PM

I don't have a camera, but I have a regular monitor in Kaleb's room so that I can listen for alarms, etc. The nurses don't seem to mind this. I bet it is the change of camera position that bothers this nurse. She may feel like you think she is doing something wrong. Best of luck with this touchy situation. We have to do what we think is best for our children. There really is no right or wrong here.

Olga · #10 10-11-2003, 04:55 AM

I think it is probably best to just keep the camera focussed on Jack's cot. If the nurse was happy with that then it won't be a problem. Having a camera on the nurse sounds a bit like Big Brother. I can understand where you are coming from, but even the best nurse in the world wouldn't be able to relax while at work (not that you can relax very much in this kind of work). If your nurse feels tense while looking after Jack, it may come across and start to upset him as well. Olga