Nanny Passing Out on Our Stairs!!

I wouldnt give her another chance unfortunately because even if she says the truth, if ANYTHING happens, she will be responsible and you would be devastated, I am sorry for the whole situation, good luck!

get rid of her yesterday and get some who can be trusted dont wait good luck with a new one A. bo hills

Definitely let her go. If she had been taking a nap in a chair in the baby's room while the baby is sleeping, I would be more understanding. But no one in their right mind would take a 'nap' on the stairs. Her medication is either making her so 'sleepy' that she just passes out right where she's standing or she's using alcohol/drugs. Either way it's an unsafe situation.

Oh my god, get rid of her as soon as possible! Do not leave your child in her care for another minute. Also, your family doesn't need someone's baggage to guilt you into paying in advance...not cool of her to ask! How did you find her? Get her OUT!

Regardless of the reason for passing out, I wouldn't want a person prone to losing consciousness taking care of my child. If she had been carrying the baby, the baby could have been seriously injured in a fall, especially down the stairs.

I myself was a nanny for several years and during one job I was having health difficulties related to my gall bladder. The pain was sometimes so intense I would pass out. It usually occurred at night, but happened once while working and I put in my notice the next week, after a few days of consideration. The family wanted to keep me, even after they knew that I had fainted. (I actually had been carrying the baby, but put her down as soon as I felt that the pain might not subside, so she was safe.) I however, did not at all feel comfortable putting the baby in any kind of danger or even being unable to respond to her needs if I was unconscious for any length of time. I couldn't take that chance as a responsible caregiver. The 2 weeks I stayed after were fine, but I did not work as a nanny again until my health issues were resolved.

Good luck in your decision. I know how hard it is to find good caretakers, but consider whether you can emotionally afford the regret of keeping her on and having a potentially dangerous situation.

I would definitely let her go immediately. It's not worth the risk of figuring out the truth and if she is medicated with anything while watching your child, you risk her not being alert enough to care for him.

NO!! If she can't even hide her 'problem' from you imagine what's going on when you aren't around. If it really were medication and she was a responsible caregiver she would have made you aware of the situation and requested time off until she was able to properly care for your child. I'd much rather feel bad about firing someone than live with myself if something bad happened to my little boy. Giving people a second chance to do a good job is great....if you can deal with the consequences. I think the risk is just too high. It's inconvenient to find someone new and a bummer to fire somebody. It's not a pleasant situation to be in but there are a lot of nannies out there who are looking for an awesome family who puts their kids first. This gal obviously didn't put your baby first. If you don't get rid of her at this time you will worry EVERY day! Whatever your decision make it as a couple and be confident in your right to awesome child care. It sounds like your mind may already be made up. It's OK to fire her and you shouldn't feel ANY guilt. It is a privilege to work for your family and care for your child!

Just two months and all this?? We all go through personal issues at times, but she's caring for your infant and this is unacceptable. I would terminate her immediately and if you went through an agency I would speak with them about it and ask for your retainer fee back. If you didn't use an agency, I'd recommend one in the future. I needed a nanny for a little while and found a top-notch one through a local agency. They do all the screening and you just tell them what you are looking for and they send over compatible candidates for you to choose from. Best of luck and don't feel bad about letting her go for one minute. Your child's welfare is much, much more important.

While you'd like to be compassionate about a person's situation, your baby's safety must come first.

Hello, I was a licensed daycare provider for many years. I can only say, get rid of her!
Good luck with your precious family.
K. K.

Completely unacceptable; even if she has a legitimate health condition, she didn't reveal it before you hired her.
Get rid of her right away. If you got her through an agency, file a complaint with them that they didn't check her out sufficiently. You might ask for a refund (if within certain time frame) or at least they should find you a replacement for no fee. (This is a bad mark on their reputation too -- so stand firm.)
Protect your family from any retribution in the follow up (e.g. you may want to change your locks.)
I had nannies for my daughter for 12 years (single mom) and I know that having any doubts just eats away at you. Act in your best interest and that of your child and family.
N.

Hi, J....please, get rid of of her immediately, for the safety of your child. It sounds like she may have a drug problem and believe me, I know the signs...been there done that.

Let her go. I would absolutely not give her another chance. Your daughter's safety is your first and ONLY concern. You could spin it like she can call you back when she gets her health issues taken care of and you'll see where things are at. Blood pressure medicine can cause a person to be sleepy, but I doubt she "fell" asleep on the stairs. More likely she passed out. She should be following up with her doctor ASAP! Good luck!

You must, as with all things in life, especially your child's wellfare, go with your gut feelings. You have them for a reason, listen to them.

Think of what you want in a nanny, then ask yourself is she the right person to provide it... If it does not feel good, then she is not.

I think the best thing you should do is requestt a drs note of her condition and if she doesn't want to agree then fire her

Regardless of reasons, she failed to do her job. It was irresponsible for her to be on meds and NOT make you aware of it. PERIOD. Your first and only responsibility is to your child.
Let her go immediately, take a leave of absence and do a full disclosure back round check on any perspective employees. Also, have cameras installed for spot checking behaviors and keep up with all activities allowed or scheduled. This is your child, this is your responsibility and it is all on you!
Good Luck!

I agree with Kimberly M and all the other mom's. What if she passed out when she is-was carrying your baby down the stairs. You need to think of your babies safety. Your baby is the one who you need to protect and take care of. It sound like you already know what to do in your heart. Let us know how things work out. Maybe some moms here could help you find a new nanny?
Sue

Fire her today!!!! Think about staying home with your kids so you know they are safe and well taken care of. Not everyone can given today's economic climate but please consider it. Good luck to you.

Well before you fire her over a supposed medical condition make sure you get her drug tested. If you fire someone over a medical condition you can get sued (and win) but if you fire someone for illigal drugs they can't sue you ( well she could sue but the court would throw it out!).

Fire her immediately!!!! Don't worry about her feelings. It sounds like an addiction and she is making one of many excuses!!!!

If your gut is telling you something's not right, go with it and fire her. I hired a home day care for my child and it lasted a week. It seemed that everyday I went something just didn't feel right. At the end of the week I couldn't take it anymore and fired her.

If you feel this was an isolated incident, ask her to provide a doctor's note.

Hi J.,
I'm sorry you're having this trouble with your nanny but when it comes to your child, i always say to go with your mothers instinct. You never know, next time she can fall asleep while your baby is awake or in the tub. You can't take chances with your child. good luck!

You need to fire her right away. Your child's life is possibly in danger. If this nanny had been employed by you for a longer time and you had built a family-like feeling with her, than you would probably help her pursue things with her doctors, etc., and try to help her. The fact that she has been with you for such a short time, and you probably do not have a strong connection with her yet, I think you should let her go. I know this is harsh, but you can not put your child in harms way.

She's outta there today. Next, get a bunch of cameras that can be hooked up to a central computere AKA nanny cams BEFORE you hire a new nanny. ALso do a complete background search (use a PI if you have to) on any applicants that you would consider hiring. Get references and check them out with the PI or TALK to them yourself. Why did she leave etc.

I am a nanny. I would not give her another chance. You NEED someone awake to take care of your child. Your child is the most important person in your life, take no chances with a sleepy nanny. I have the kids anywhere between 12 and 13 hours a day, sometimes overnight. I would never dream of sleeping on the job. Right now there are a lot of people out of work. Basically you can find, I think, the cream of the crop out there right now. Please use a nanny cam. This will tell you if your child is being taken care right or not. A lot of people do this job that do not have any patience. The person needs a love for children. Also your child needs to go out of the house daily. A walk to the park, or even just around the neighborhood. Ten months old is a very fun age. They are finally doing everything you have wanted them to do for a very long time. Many good nannies out there would love to take care of your child.

I would not take a chance, not even one more day! She might pass out while baby is awake and he could injure himself. What if they are walking to the park and she passes out. The baby is not safe. And if you even question that this is really the reason, go with your instincts. be safe not sorry.

I would just let her go, no need to look for more reasons or support for firing her. Even the fact that she is on meds is reason enough. She could misplace the meds and your child could get them, she could lose consciousness again. A lot more could happen.

Hi J.,

I am so sorry that you are having such a difficult time with your nanny. It must be terrible to leave your child and worry if they are okay!

I worked in childcare for 20 years and now, I am a coordinator for an au pair agency. The behavior of your nanny is completely unacceptable. I prefer an au pair agency because you have a whole team supporting you. The program is regulated by the State Department, there is a thorough background check on the au pairs, the application process is long and many applicants are turned away, and the au pairs are paid on the same day each week, for the same amount. The coordinator is the mediator and stays in close contact with the family and the au pair to make sure everything is going well so you are never alone - we are a team. You may want to at least look into the program.

I have an au pair in my group who has successfully completed her time with her previous family. She would like to extend her time here. She is from France, has been driving for 6 years, is infant qualified, she is cheerful, energetic, kind, and is a wonderful caretaker. If you would like more information, just contact me and I will be happy to help you.

You can check out my web site at www.ccaupairservices.com or give me a call at ###-###-####

Good Luck to you!

K.

I would let her go immediately and urge her to seek medical attention. You cannot take a chance with your child's life. I know if I was in that situation and something were to happen I could never forgive myself.

I would hate for her to be fired for something that she is unable to control, medically speaking. But I would HATE even more if your lo got hurt. Have a talk with her. Try not to be confrontational as much as possible. express your concern for her and as a result your concern for your child. Give her some time off so she can get stuff figured out. Have a talk before she comes to back to work and make your decision then. Good luck.

Hi J.,

I know I will probably sound like a real jerk, but these are your children. They are not safe with her. You should look for another nanny.

What if she passed out while driving?

Better safe than sorry.

Best of luck,
W.

Both my husband and I think the same thing, she has a drug problem and needs to be fired. Who knows what else could happen when she is alone with your child.

Glad you made the decision to fire her! Always, always trust your gut instinct - Especially when it comes to your child!!! Good luck, hope she will take it well. ;)

I would fire her immediately

Put it this way...if you give her another chance your baby may end up injured or dead under her "supervision."

Ok J...do not take this wrong but "Are you kidding me?".. this is the person that is to be tursted with your child. If she has health issues that bring her to a lapse of consciousness or brings her home issues to work with her on frequent occassions it is time to take a leave from work and get a new nanny in the house.

THis may sound silly but I'd ask for a note from her Doctor. If she's unable to provide one, then I would fire her because you need to keep your child's safety first.

This is a serious safety issue and she should not care for you baby one minute more. Even if she does have personal issues and you feel compassionate towards her, the well-being of your child takes priority.

Whether or not she is telling the truth, I'd find new help fast. She is a danger to your child AND herself. You can use her story of the meds to gently let her go, and tell her you are also concerned for her safety. She could fall asleep while driving!

Considering that the baby was sleeping while the nanny had a nap, I'd give her another chance. Obviously she's done a good job of taking care of your baby despite her personal issues or else you would have fired her before this. Talk to her about your concerns and see if you can resolve it that way. good luck!

If she's good with the kids, I'd tell her to take a break and get things straightened out. Get a temp while she out. If she's not good with the kids or if the break would be too long, then just tell her this isn't working and let her go.

In my opinion, it is time to let her go. What would have happened if you hadn't come home to find her? How long might she have stayed passed out? Even if she is telling the truth and it is her medication that is making her tired, she should be 100% coherient when she is caring for your child. If she is planning to take her medication every day then she will be tired every day which is not a safe situation for your child.

Good luck!

I'd get rid of her right away. Your baby's safety and attention are your #1 priority. You need someone who will be there for her at all times, no matter what.

I'm srue there is some reasonable explanation, but its just not worth the risk.

J.,

If she is passing out for any reason, fire her. She is there to take care of your baby and if she is passed out she cannot do this, right? That's all you need to know. She will tell you it won't happen again but it's not worth the risk. Your baby can become injured, get snatched, or who knows what in the time it takes for her to regain consciousness. She sounds like she should not even be a nanny.