Family response to head lice

[elwood91]

I have been a school nurse for five years, I serve five schools. So as you can imagine I have had almost all types of conversations with families about head lice. Responses vary; denial, anger, frustration, flat out abuse! This week was interesting: I had a head lice outbreak in a self-contained special education room. I was concerned because in this room there were modes of transmission and it was obviously an outbreak! So I treaded cautiously as I made the calls. To my surprise the parents that I spoke with were the most accepting of the situation and my help/information of any I have ever come across. This despite in one case, having to secure a sedative from the pediatrician for a student with autism so that they could be treated. I am constantly amazed at special needs families. I would have understood if they had yelled at me or vented frustration (the typical parent response). Yet, they were the best and offered an attitude that is impossible not to learn from. That is one reason I love this job (and some weeks I must remind myself)!

[bergren]

About half of my career has been in early childhood special needs. I agree - the parents are amazing and it always reminded me I have NOTHING to complain about compared to the burdens and caregiving they face 24-7.

[Arnu]

Most of the parents of special needs children, whether its physical, congnitive or medical, are the best and most helpful parents I've ever delt with.

[Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN]

I agree. It seems as though all the other parents want to blame the school, the other classmates, or even me when their child gets lice. I think some of the special parents have been through so much that head lice is insignificant compared to the other burdens they have faced.

[mustlovepoodles, RN]

I agree. It seems as though all the other parents want to blame the school the other classmates, or even me when their child gets lice.[b'] I think some of the special parents have been through so much that head lice is insignificant compared to the other burdens they have faced[/b].

Boy, you said a mouthful. I am both a school nurse and the mother of a child with severe intellectual impairment. Believe me, lice isn't even a blip on my radar. I try to remember that to most parents, lice is a very big deal, though.

I can't vouch for all the other parents, but I am so grateful that my son gets to go to school I can't even tell you. In my generation, children (and adults!) like my son would be kept at home in the back bedroom, not to be seen OR heard. There were no school programs, no Special Olympics, no mainstreaming, no speech, PT or OT for special learners. Those children didn't have a chance! But thanks to the tireless efforts of many, many professionals (and I do mean TIRELESS) my son can do so much more than ever predicted. Just the fact that we have nurses in his school gives me a measure of reassurance--if he has a seizure or falls down the stairs, I know he's in good hands. So I say a big fat THANK YOU to all the school nurses who are watching over kids like my son.

[Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN]

You're welcome! I may vent in frustration sometimes, but I love my 802 kids! My own 2 at home and the 800 I help out whenever they need it.

[sharpeimom]