At Allowah, enteral feeding plays a vital role in ensuring children with complex disabilities and health needs receive the nutrition they require. Rhian, one of our Assistants in Nursing, shared about her experience in caring for clients who rely on gastrostomy feeding.
Beginning the Journey with Enteral Feeding
Rhian started nursing at Allowah in early 2022, and enteral feeding was a completely new experience for her.
“As my first time in a nursing or healthcare facility, I was quite nervous about enteral feeding as I had no prior knowledge of it,” Rhian shared. “But my initial expectation was that it was a nutritional ‘meal’ administered directly into the stomach—and I was right.”
The Impact on the Young People
Regardless of whether a client is orally fed or relies on a gastrostomy tube, ensuring they receive proper nutrition is essential.
“I think it’s great that children at Allowah still have the opportunity to get what they need for their day-to-day life,” Rhian said. “Although they cannot feed themselves, I hope they understand and appreciate that there are staff here to support them.”
Challenges for the Children
Enteral feeding presents unique challenges, especially since many children and young adults at Allowah don’t communicate verbally.
“Not being able to tell us when they’re full, hungry, or experiencing discomfort can be a challenge,” Rhian noted. “While some children give us cues through movements or facial expressions, it can be difficult to determine for others.”
Collaboration with dietitians is key to ensuring that feeding schedules and formulas are tailored to each child’s needs. “We work closely with dietitians, but as nurses who care for these children daily, we sometimes notice when adjustments might be needed—whether that’s modifying feeding times, rates, or amounts.”
Challenges for Carers and Staff
For new staff and carers, enteral feeding can be daunting.
“There’s a lot to learn,” Rhian explained. “From making sure children are positioned correctly, to understanding the difference between gastrostomy and nasogastric feeding, and knowing how to manage things like degassing—it all requires proper training.”
Without adequate knowledge, there is a risk of complications. That’s why Allowah prioritises comprehensive training for all staff involved in enteral feeding.
“For me, a good meal can make all the difference in how I feel, and I believe it’s the same for our children at Allowah. If we can bring them even a little comfort through proper feeding, that’s a big win.”
Building Up Skills and Confidence
Rhian recalls feeling apprehensive when she first learned that AINs at Allowah are trained to administer gastrostomy feeds.
“I was nervous about getting it wrong or giving the wrong feed to the wrong child,” she admitted. “But with research, training, and the support of my colleagues, it became second nature.”
The Rewards of Enteral Feeding Care
Being involved in the children’s nutrition and overall well-being is incredibly rewarding for Rhian.
“I love knowing that I’m making a difference, whether a child is enterally or orally fed,” she said. “For me, a good meal can make all the difference in how I feel, and I believe it’s the same for our children at Allowah. If we can bring them even a little comfort through proper feeding, that’s a big win.”
A Unique Skill Set at Allowah
Allowah is a facility unlike any other, offering specialised training in enteral feeding and many other essential skills. The expertise developed here benefits both staff and the children they care for, ensuring the highest standard of care for those with complex needs.
As we recently celebrated Feeding Tube Awareness Week, it’s a great time to highlight just how important these skills are. If you’re looking for a career where you can develop unique healthcare expertise while making a meaningful difference, consider joining the team at Allowah.
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