Is it just my students?

Specialties School

Published

Or does anyone else get the "my tooth is loose and it hurts" visits? I get so many of these and I am so frustrated. Especially with the older ones who have lost teeth before. Am I wrong, or is this just a part of life and the kids should learn to deal with it without anbesol?

Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..

I tell them "sorry bud, come back when it falls out!" I don't pull teeth, nor am I a dentist.

grammy1

420 Posts

We are raising a generation of wimps.

blue bag nurse

81 Posts

Tough. It. Out. And go right back to class.

momto5RN

149 Posts

Specializes in Sub-Acute, School Nursing, Dialysis.

Yes!!!! All the time. And they know my line by now. "I am not a dentist!"

kidzcare

3,393 Posts

I tell them "sorry bud, come back when it falls out!" I don't pull teeth, nor am I a dentist.

Ditto

Finally2008

228 Posts

Yes! I wish teachers would just tell them it is a normal part of life and leave the teeth alone if it hurts to wiggle!!:no:

AdobeRN

1,294 Posts

I tell them "sorry bud, come back when it falls out!" I don't pull teeth, nor am I a dentist.

I say the same and add "losing teeth is part of growing up".

Specializes in school/military/OR/home health.

Ok it's not just me then. I blame the teachers, really. They should know that a loose tooth does not require nursing intervention. I'm not re-ordering anbesol, that's for sure. They know I have it and ask for it by name!

Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..

All. The. Time.

Or, "my tooth is bleeding". Um, you mean that little speck of blood around your tooth that is barely hanging on?

i usually put some orajel on the gum (and tooth), tell them to keep wiggling the tooth, and come back when it falls out.

halohg, RN

217 Posts

I try to be compassionate to the pressures teachers are under and sometimes the blame they endure from the parents. Key is communication with your teachers and administration. I see them, smile, write on the the students take home pass that they were seen, sent by the teacher for the petty reason and move on. It only takes one time for a teacher to hear from a parent that snowflake states he is sick and you did not send him to the nurse...so guess what now he and all his snowflake friends come for everything. Also remember for the most part the parents are the taxpayers supporting your and the teachers salary so therefore they are our bosses and really have a lot of control. I try to educate the students on what and when they should see me, and if they are frequent flyers I call home and speak with parents as too why they think the child is coming so often. Again communication is key.

Flare, ASN, BSN

4,431 Posts

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I tell them I can't pull it as I'm not a Dentist. I had my superintendent in my office for one such visit and tongue in cheek asked him if the board would pay for me to go to dental school. He laughed his way out of my office. Guess that was a no.

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