We do deal with all that at the elementary school/middle school level and I agree that as high schoolers they need to be more responsible but kids are kids so they do forget. Also a lot of kids don't have any parental support and haven't been taught how to be a responsible person because their parents aren't. It's our jobs as school nurses to fill the gaps as needed so they can stay in school and get their education. It's our job to facilitate eye dr and dental appts. because for whatever reason the parent isn't taking it upon themselves to do it. Also, what about the kids that don't qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch and their parents don't have any money until payday and all the food is gone? Those that qualify get lots of help but those that just miss the mark may be just as broke and it's not the kid's fault. Kids that age have pride and they aren't going to just admit their home is out of food. Maybe the kids that complain of cramps, headaches, or runny noses are hoping the nurse can help them in some way because they already told their parents who opted to ignore them or didn't have money for Tylenol. You have to have a certain perspective of this job to make it work and you have to enjoy the social work aspect of it because you do more of that than actual nursing I think. It's not for everyone. I've learned over the years that even a simple smile or taking the time to actually listen can make a huge difference to a student whose parents never give them the time of day. It can become quite disheartening the number of kids with really crappy parents and quite exhausting trying to be everything to everyone. I didn't feel the OP was heartless-I think she was just burned out with all the non-nursing stuff she had to deal with. Lets face it-who knew that as a school nurse our jobs would include a lot of the things we have to do?
Sep 30, '12 by Nurse ABCWe do deal with all that at the elementary school/middle school level and I agree that as high schoolers they need to be more responsible but kids are kids so they do forget. Also a lot of kids don't have any parental support and haven't been taught how to be a responsible person because their parents aren't. It's our jobs as school nurses to fill the gaps as needed so they can stay in school and get their education. It's our job to facilitate eye dr and dental appts. because for whatever reason the parent isn't taking it upon themselves to do it. Also, what about the kids that don't qualify for free or reduced breakfast and lunch and their parents don't have any money until payday and all the food is gone? Those that qualify get lots of help but those that just miss the mark may be just as broke and it's not the kid's fault. Kids that age have pride and they aren't going to just admit their home is out of food. Maybe the kids that complain of cramps, headaches, or runny noses are hoping the nurse can help them in some way because they already told their parents who opted to ignore them or didn't have money for Tylenol. You have to have a certain perspective of this job to make it work and you have to enjoy the social work aspect of it because you do more of that than actual nursing I think. It's not for everyone. I've learned over the years that even a simple smile or taking the time to actually listen can make a huge difference to a student whose parents never give them the time of day. It can become quite disheartening the number of kids with really crappy parents and quite exhausting trying to be everything to everyone. I didn't feel the OP was heartless-I think she was just burned out with all the non-nursing stuff she had to deal with. Lets face it-who knew that as a school nurse our jobs would include a lot of the things we have to do?tictac likes this.
Oct 1, '12 by caregiver1977I never could understand the high school girls who would have to go home every month because their monthly "friend" visited. My periods were very, very irregular when they first started, and I never had to go home because of it (even though my periods are not very heavy on the first day).