A real Lunch Break!

OldDude · Apr 1, 2015

Well, since you're a school nurse in Texas, like me, you are considered an "educator" just like the teachers. Therefore you are required to be provided a "duty free" lunch break according to the Texas Education Association. I've tried everything over the years and found out the only way I can get a duty free lunch break is to leave the campus. If I stay, no matter where, someone will find me to show me their pustulous nail bed or ask me why their hair is falling out or ask about any and every imaginable malady. So I leave; I usually come back to a "to do" list from the secretary, who is trained in CPR, 1st aid, and diabetes management, but it's still the closest thing to a duty free lunch I can get.

NanaPoo · Apr 1, 2015

Nope, no real lunch break here.

I eat in my clinic while still seeing students. I've tried to eat during a "non-busy" time but it's like the kids have lunch radar. As soon as I get situated, fork in hand, they come in droves. My salad gets icky and weird from the dressing sitting on it so long while tending to kids and then I just don't want to eat it.

chasinRT · Apr 1, 2015

I ate a Slim Jim and a granola bar between students today so it was a good day, lunch-wise. I have taken a lunch break twice since I took this job (nearly through my second year). I am not considered an educator; I'm classified with the bus drivers and the custodial so I don't have that duty-free lunch thing going on! But all is good, I enjoy what I do, and in 7 weeks I will get lunch every day!

100kids, BSN, RN · Apr 1, 2015

I did not have a set lunch time either and I never got one-exactly as you describe. I would pick a time and stick to it. That's the only way you will ever get a true lunch break and you need one! Pick a time that usually works, go talk to the Secretary and tell her you will take it at the same time each day what time works for her and LEAVE YOUR OFFICE! You wont get a moment's peace without doing that.

GrapeRN · Apr 1, 2015

Like many of you, I eat at my desk. Lunch/recess is the busiest time, so I will usually eat either early before lunches start or after the last recess ends (1:15). Because I think it is important to get out my office daily, I take a walk every afternoon (a few laps around the inside of the building) during my slowest time, around 2-2:30. Each lap takes only a few minutes, so I am back to my office within 5 minutes if I have a "visitor." I have been in SUCH a better mood at work since I started walking.. I wear a fitbit and almost always get to 10,000 steps. It also allows me to see the kids who were complaining of stomachaches and headaches jumping around in the halls.. good ammo for when they come back!

abc123RN · Apr 1, 2015

Thank goodness for granola bars and nabs....there is no break for "THE NURSE" I think I'll stop for ice cream on the way home,

Windchaser22 · Apr 1, 2015

Like TX, in NJ we are educators and fall under the teachers contract. A duty free lunch is included. A set time with instructions about what is an emergency usually mean I take an uninterrupted lunch. If you don't set those boundaries it's bad for you and the profession.

SnowyJ, RN · Apr 1, 2015

For the first 2 years of this job, I did not take a lunch break, I just nibbled when I could between visits.

Then I had a sudden realization...Teachers/Aides would NEVER stand for that!

Yes, teachers, the very people who decide what is/is not "nurse worthy." Can you imagine if you made them work through lunch EVERY day? They would be on the phone to their union so fast...

Here in NY, it is mandated that if you work 8 hours, you get a meal break.

So, this year, I told everyone I would be taking a lunch break from 12-12:30. I close my door, and have a sign on it that says "CLOSED-Please go to main office."

At first the students and staff ignored it. I had a constant stream of visitors. But I stood my ground, sending out *friendly reminders" of when my lunch is. And that I was available only for emergencies.

I still see students for legit reasons during lunch. (child vomited, needs inhaler etc.) But I have to say this has been SO great to just have 30 minutes to stop the constant motion and eat something. Makes a world of difference. No martyr here anymore!

GrapeRN · Apr 1, 2015

Also want to add... I tried taking a break in the faculty room once and got bombarded with nursing questions (my mom is in the hospital with xyz, what do you think?).. so it was not really a break. I would much rather use my 30 minute break to walk.. I get alone time & I don't feel "cheated" out of my break!

NanaPoo · Apr 1, 2015

I have an "open air" office that is by the cafeteria. Everyone passes me on the way to lunch and seeing me seems to trigger their sick bone...they suddenly need to see the nurse when they pass by the clinic.

If I had a door, I would love to close it with a CLOSED sign. I keep getting promises that I'll be moved to an actual "room with a door" for more privacy but it hasn't happened. Hopefully his coming fall. My clinic is very nice but the privacy factor is non-existent and being out here to remind all the students why they need me is a terrible idea.

chasinRT · Apr 1, 2015

I have an "open air" office that is by the cafeteria. Everyone passes me on the way to lunch and seeing me seems to trigger their sick bone...they suddenly need to see the nurse when they pass by the clinic.

Ha! When I walk through the crowds of kiddos in the morning I avoid eye contact with certain kids; I can bet you a dime to a dollar that if I make eye contact, they will either start pouring out the sad story then and there, or I will see them within the hour!