Angry Teachers

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Just got yelled at by "the angry teacher" again. She was so angry that I had to walk away and get the Principle to talk to her. She sent a student up (7th grader/frequent flyer) because he was sleeping in her class. When the student came up, he told me he had a headache and he also said he woke up at 4 in the morning and could not go back to sleep. No fever so I let him lay in the clinic for 30 minutes. He went back to class and 2 hours later "the angry teacher" comes in yelling at me about how he's sleeping in her class, etc. and wanted him just to sleep here in my office. I was trying to ask her what she wants me to do but she was yelling so angrily at me that I had to walk away to get someone to calm her down. I think she needs some counselling or angry management. She's always snapping at me about something. Have any of you school nurses experience this? I'm so glad school's almost out:unsure: already spoke with the principal and my district nurse. Any suggestions or advise on how to cope with this. Just don't want her to catch me on a bad day:down: because I know how I can get.

THIS.

And I got proof this year! The seniors in my school that take AP Environmental Science did a lab where they basically placed crude petri dishes in several places around the school. Guess whose had the highest bacteria count? Yep - this lady! ;)

The nurse's office is no place for healthy people.

Yeah half the staff here think my office is a bed and breakfast.

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Sounds to me like the teacher is the real problem. I had an abusive home life. Sometimes my stress was so high I would feel like I was falling asleep in the middle of being screamed at. I know now that was flat up my brain trying to cope with panic, fear and trauma. If the teacher will behave that way toward a peer how is he or she behaving toward the students, where there is an authority gradient?

I think she needs counseling...she's just not a happy camper.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

I have found that the best solution for me in these situations is to let the teacher know that from that point forward, they can assume care for the student in question, meaning they can carry out the assessment and call the parents with their medical opinion. I have a very low tolerance for disrespect, which in my opinion, is exactly what this is. I don't tell them how to each, they shouldn't tell me how to be a nurse.

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
Oh I get second guessed all the time. If I send a student back to their class, they would call the secretary and ask her questions on why I sent the student back. No fever, no vomiting, spoke with mom she wants them back in class. It's simple as that. It makes me wonder how they have all that time to second guess me than teaching the class.

This person does not sound like a very good teacher. Especially if her students are having to find ways to take a break from her class. Second-guessing you is what makes her feel smart and in control.

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Specializes in School Nursing.
I have found that the best solution for me in these situations is to let the teacher know that from that point forward, they can assume care for the student in question, meaning they can carry out the assessment and call the parents with their medical opinion. I have a very low tolerance for disrespect, which in my opinion, is exactly what this is. I don't tell them how to each, they shouldn't tell me how to be a nurse.

I want to hit like on this again but can't, so this is me writing it it. LIKE LIKE LIKE

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

I find that sometimes- I just have to rise above the stress and stupidity that is going on (especially this time of year when everyone is feeling it)- and keep doing what I know I have to do and can do. I don't make the rules- it is just my job to do my best to keep healthy kids in class and ready to learn and make sure the sick ones are at home to feel better and not make others sick. I do have those teachers (all elem.) that seem more than anything to want a reaction from me. I don't want to "react"- I just want to be consistent, day in and day out, with whatever the issue is. And, for sure, some days it is easier than other days.:nurse: :yes:

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my partner had a severely abusive childhood/adolescence and she would often sleep at school all through class. Not because she was trying to be rude or disruptive, but because it was the only part of her day where she knew she was safe from getting beat. The student could be triggered by the yelling of the teacher, since that's often the first step before physical violence in abusive homes. My partner now works with homeless women and she uses trauma-informed interactions to help manage their care

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
my partner had a severely abusive childhood/adolescence and she would often sleep at school all through class. Not because she was trying to be rude or disruptive, but because it was the only part of her day where she knew she was safe from getting beat. The student could be triggered by the yelling of the teacher, since that's often the first step before physical violence in abusive homes. My partner now works with homeless women and she uses trauma-informed interactions to help manage their care

Thank you for sharing that. "Trauma Informed"- Such a huge concept and mindset. I would challenge everyone of us school nurses on here to find out more information about what that all means. A very powerful book that I just read and started it again is- "The Boy That Was Raised As A Dog" By Dr. Bruce Perry. Each chapter is about a different child/children that he has taken care of. It is fascinating and a game changer for how the reader sees and helps a child that has suffered childhood trauma. Just a word of advice- If you order the book, make sure it is the Updated version (in the last year or 2). It has chapter commentary, questions about the chapter, and a guide for a group leader to lead a group study. This is a must read for anyone that cares for traumatized kids and adults.

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Good morning my fellow school nurse friends,

Thanks for all the encouraging words you all gave. It's good to know that I'm not alone. UPDATE!! The "angry teacher" came to me yesterday and apologized for everything...I have accepted her apology and I'm moving forward..HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

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The nurse explained that he is in a special class and has emotional issues so there is obviously something else going on so I don't think being so unempathetic is helpful in this situation either.

Maybe finding out about his home life? Why his sleep is being disrupted? Or what is happening with him?

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
The nurse explained that he is in a special class and has emotional issues so there is obviously something else going on so I don't think being so unempathetic is helpful in this situation either.

Maybe finding out about his home life? Why his sleep is being disrupted? Or what is happening with him?

Huh? Special class? Emotional issues? Help us understand why you say this in regard to OP?

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I would tell that teacher she needs to lower her tone. I would not even warn her of me calling the police for harassment if the principle does not put a stop to it. I also would call child protective services for the child being traumatized.

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