Teachers and odors

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Cackalacky

76 Posts

The teacher usually invites me in to provide a class about hygiene, because it's often not just one student struggling with poor hygiene. Other times, when it is just one student, the teacher approaches me and I ask her/him to contact the parent. I feel that this is appropriate because the teacher often already has some sort of relationship with the parent. I also remind the teacher that it's important for the parent to understand what you're seeing and smelling and how this is affecting the student in the classroom - I'm unable to accurately portray this because I don't interact with the student frequently enough. Once the teacher has made contact and if nothing has been resolved I'll call the parent and I'm straight forward with them. I get right to the point that their child does have an unpleasant odor and the teacher is concerned. I ask if there is a medical reason for this, I help the parent come up with possible solutions for the poor hygiene, and then I ask the parent if they would like me to present the plan to the student. Though, this is case to case, because I've also just called the student into my office and discussed with them the importance of changing clothes and bathing. I have done that if I know there isn't a way to contact their parents or if the odor is more occasional.

I have had students with odors because of urination problems and bowel problems and I've helped girls understand that they need to change their pad more frequently.

AussiePupOwner

33 Posts

When a student is sent to me for odor, I try to address it with the student first. I discuss washing, deodorant, etc. I have them go into the clinic restroom and wash their underarms and apply deodorant. I also do an assessment. I once had a fourth grader with a severe fungal rash under both her underarms. No wonder she has such a foul smell! I couldn't believe she wasn't scratching herself silly or uncomfortable. If they still end up being sent to the clinic, then I speak with mom/dad about clinical strength deodorants, etc. Out of the ten or so calls I've made, I've only had one parent get irate. I tend to talk to the parent like a friend, "My son is older now, but I remember when he was younger he didn't like to bathe either......", "My daughter had issues with odor, so I purchased clinical strength deodorants and that did the trick." I don't want them to feel I'm being judgmental and that seems to help. Unfortunately, there are some parents that just don't care and we do our best to help the student stay as clean as possible.

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN

1 Article; 709 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health Nurse.

How do you guys handle high school students? I'm not in a position where I can talk to the class because it doesn't make sense. I was asked to speak with a student regarding BO. Apparently both staff and students have complained to the Principal about her. I spoke with her calmly and I didn't smell anything when I was in a closed little room next to her. Is it really our job to police BO? The Principal wants me to buy "wipes" for her to use. Student walks to school and thinks the smell may be because she sweats a lot while walking and being overweight. I can't force this student to use the wipes when she gets to school! Awkward moments on the job....

uthscsa2011

106 Posts

I agree with this, I do not deal with this issue either and do not like to. But I get asked to.

IrishErin

256 Posts

Specializes in ER, Addictions, Geriatrics.

My son's teacher just told all of the boys in his grade three class that they should be using deodorant. My son is now convinced that he smells! I worry about using deodorant on him too early and exposing him to all the aluminum and other crap... Especially when he doesn't need it yet!

Specializes in School nursing.
How do you guys handle high school students? I'm not in a position where I can talk to the class because it doesn't make sense. I was asked to speak with a student regarding BO. Apparently both staff and students have complained to the Principal about her. I spoke with her calmly and I didn't smell anything when I was in a closed little room next to her. Is it really our job to police BO? The Principal wants me to buy "wipes" for her to use. Student walks to school and thinks the smell may be because she sweats a lot while walking and being overweight. I can't force this student to use the wipes when she gets to school! Awkward moments on the job....

I work with high school kids. I handle situations like this in a case-by-case basis and do stock deodorant in my office. Have you asked about what brand of deodorant she uses?

For me, the most common culprit for odor issues is unwashed clothing. 9/10 when I notice a child in my office has an odor it is from their uniform. A lot of students have only one uniform sweatshirt, for example, and wear it the entire week. Some students wear it for two weeks! Being in an urban area, several students live in situations where parents go to the laundromat and with some parents working around the clock, well, the sweatshirt is not washed for sometime. I actually talked with a few students this week about learning how to go the laundromat and learn to do laundry as a big help to the family.

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN

1 Article; 709 Posts

Specializes in School Nursing, Public Health Nurse.
I work with high school kids. I handle situations like this in a case-by-case basis and do stock deodorant in my office. Have you asked about what brand of deodorant she uses?

For me, the most common culprit for odor issues is unwashed clothing. 9/10 when I notice a child in my office has an odor it is from their uniform. A lot of students have only one uniform sweatshirt, for example, and wear it the entire week. Some students wear it for two weeks! Being in an urban area, several students live in situations where parents go to the laundromat and with some parents working around the clock, well, the sweatshirt is not washed for sometime. I actually talked with a few students this week about learning how to go the laundromat and learn to do laundry as a big help to the family.

Thanks! I am actually ordering hygiene supplies in the Fall. I know my school doesn't have students take showers and we get really HOT down here. I'm talking from June to September the temperature does not drop below 100F during the day!

sharpeimom

2,452 Posts

Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

Had to share a quick story. My youngest cousin came home from school one day all excited. A new kid had shared some great news with the other eighth graders. If you used deodorant, you could skip taking a shower! What a time saver!

My aunt called the boys phys ed teacher who talked to everyone and reinforced what the parents had said and that was the end of it.

Paws2people

495 Posts

Just hope that your teachers don't take it in to their own hands and send this letter:

Teacher sends home note about dirty, stinky children - School Zone - The Buffalo News

"difficult for me to be close to them or even want to touch them. Enough said."

Wow. Surprised this teacher didn't show up to class wearing gloves. Lol

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