[manna1qd]

In my state the nurse:student ration is 1:1500. Today, in a school of about 750 students, I had 97 visits! Does any one know of any other criteria by which to staff a school? I am thinking not only visits (which I called the principal to discuss today) but diabetics, students who need a procedure (spina bifida caths etc.), medications. We do not get a free time and you can bet I didn't get a lunch break today (also discussed with the principal because this is the norm). I am a float so this is not my home school but I am a full time employee so I do feel inclined to shed some light on the subject. This is a typical Monday morning from what have heard. Also, the principal will be considering criteria to help the teachers make appropriate referrals. Any feedback about criteria developed for teachers? I think we pretty much covered all the pet peeves we listed in the other thread at least once today!

[glolilly]

Well, if I understand the question correctly....2 yrs ago the Jr High I worked at had close to 900 kids that came alot (50-60). I was alone but everybody knew it should be 2 people. We had to submit monthly reports broke down into categories showing complex kids and procedures with copies of accidents reports. And a person meeting with the Supt to explain all of this stuff along with risks, hazards and potential probs. The emphasis was on demanding parents and new laws coming into policy for chronic students, that will only increase. We got the clinic assist. But then 1 year later that Supt left and a new Supt. cut 40 people including 4 clinic assists because of the budget in the red. So the need goes hand in hand with the budget as other places. So I would educate new teachers on who to send. I would restock teacher bandaid baggies to keep them in class. I would delegate procedures to special ed aides, I would let all teachers know if Johnny was a freq flyer. I would limit 1st and the last period from coming unless it was an emergency. For lunch send out an email, put letters in the teachers mailboxes and put out a sign on the door when you want to take your lunch. 97 visits for 750 students is way too much! I had around 850 and I saw about 60 on a bad Monday! I pretty much make up my own criteria for teachers, according to what I see as frivolous visits that can be dealt with at home. Get mean with the freq flyers and frivolous visitors so they will be afraid to come back with that stuff. The word will get around eventually. Good Luck and hang in there. Usually if you have new easy going teachers, laid back principal-you will have tons of kids let out for little to nothing. Toughen them kids up! How old are they anyways?

[manna1qd]

They are forth, fifth, sixth grade. I am a float and I used to take care of a building of 1500 with a para professional. On a bad Monday we had 70+ so I know this is too much. I have started doing just as you say. The nurse can really set the tone and that translates into the number of kids you see. I told the nurse who is regularly wiped out and a permanent there that I will be the bad nurse to her good nurse. I just called the counsellor to get the 504 changed for a kid they couldn't trust to return from the bathroom. He comes in a does goodness knows what in there. I barely have time to do what I am hired to do and no time to supervise misbehavior. What were they thinking? I guess it didn't occur to them that we might need that bathroom too. Well, thanks for the input. We are on the same page and I am glad to have another example to validate my opinion that 97 isn't normal! Tuesdays are 80+ and I was only there for half a day today. Anyway, I would like to encourage new nurses to be clear about what your room is for. The kids with medical issues are the ones who need our attention. The rest need to be kindly but firmly weeded out.

[SchoolNurseBSN]

I am at a middle school of 1100 students and me. I usually see 25-40 kids daily. However, a lot are on drugs, pregnant, victims of abuse, medically neglected (high needs). I believe I would see 90/ day if I didn't stand my ground! You won't be necessarily be liked by staff or students...but, you might get your job done!

[Praiser]

Originally Posted by SchoolNurseBSN

I am at a middle school of 1100 students and me. I usually see 25-40 kids daily. However, a lot are on drugs, pregnant, victims of abuse, medically neglected (high needs). I believe I would see 90/ day if I didn't stand my ground! You won't be necessarily be liked by staff or students...but, you might get your job done!

Thanks School NurseBSN,
I couldn't agree with you more. If you let them (teacher's, students) walk all over you, then you will have 90 + each day. I did that for years, and this year it is better.
I stand my ground, yet I provide excellent care for my students and staff.
I do feel as though I am not liked because of it, but you do what you have to do to get the job done. Thanks for validating my feelings.

Praiser