A School Nurse's response to "chaos" in the classroom?

richardjboro1 · Sep 6, 2007

Coming from an educational background, I doubt there is a "protocol". Every situation would be handled on a case by case basis. I would doubt children would be "acting like monkeys", but they may be quite concerned. In a loud, but calm voice, I would say "Everyone to their seats please" and then work on the sick child. Kids respond well to people who act like they're in charge. If you are not an "in charge" type person, you must act like one in this case. Maybe that helps?

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Sep 6, 2007

I would suggest calling for another school staff member STAT to get the children out of the classroom and into the hall in an orderly fashion. Call the principal if need be. This safeguards the sick child's privacy and also keeps the rest of the children from getting too out of hand.

droopy1592 · Sep 6, 2007

I appreciate you guy's feedback

zenman · Sep 8, 2007

How about getting a coach's whistle and blow it? Most school kids know to shut up when they hear one!

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Sep 8, 2007

Someone passed out in class- my priority would be in them, not in the other noisy students. If they are noisy enough someone will be by to complain and can take them over.

Once things are under control a loud "Sit down and shut up!"??

Flare, ASN, BSN · Sep 11, 2007

I have had situations like that. I basically say loud enough for everyone to hear that i am tending to the student and everyone can help by sitting back down and being quiet. This hasn't failed me yet. As perviously said, if you act like you have control of the situation, then it will be easier to control the situation. Although calling for back up isn't a bad idea either.

SarasotaRN2b · Sep 11, 2007

Someone passed out in class- my priority would be in them, not in the other noisy students. If they are noisy enough someone will be by to complain and can take them over.
Once things are under control a loud "Sit down and shut up!"??

I don't know that I would agree with this...particularly the "and shut up!" comment. To me that does not seem like being in control and maintaining a sense of calmness, but shows a feeling of out of control. Unless you really need the teacher to help, I would suggest leaving the teacher to delegate to the class, and the nurse attending to the injured student.

It might actually be a good idea if possible for the nurse in the beginning of the school year make a 5-10 minute intro to each class. A sort of in-service, and during this time depending on the age of the students, have a plan in action if something occurs. For older students (i.e., not K-2) have a few that can be called upon to do little tasks. For example, one student would be responsible for getting the nurse...another may be called to get the principal or get a message to the principal. The worse thing, and this is for anyone, is to find themselves in an emergency situation and not knowing what to do. If they know what to do and have a plan, more calmness will ensue.

Kris

sinagbayan · Sep 12, 2007

I was a school nurse for a private school for two years. Just recently resigned. Because I was also a teacher before I became a nurse, I also taught.

Whenever things such as syncope, epistaxis and the like occur, students naturally break out into chaos. I would usually stand at the door (if no teacher is of course inside the room) and in a calm but firm voice, instruct everyone to their seats. I would then call on the president of the class to explain what precipitated the event at the same time requesting students near the victim to assist in transporting the patient to the clinic.