Advice needed

[Gertiegirl]

I am an RN who recently retired from a full time position as a school nurse. They recently hired a medical assistant to fill my position. I still work there as a substitute so I know what I am about to say is true. The administration recently came out with the roster for next year listing her as the school nurse even though they've been informed not to do so. The office is also listed on the school map as the nurse's office. The entire district is replacing RNs with MAs. They even celebrate school nurse day for the MAs.

This is same school district had an article in the newspaper stated that they were one of a few districts that were following the NASN guidelines of an RN in every school when, in fact, many

the staff at the time were LPNs.

I feel like I'm being petty, but I worked hard for my RN and my certication as a school nurse. Should I report this to the Board? If I do and they know that I reported them I could lose my substitute job and I won't be able to afford health insurance. I feel that they are not being honest by allowing this to go on and it shouldn't be ignored. I see this going on all of the time in medical offices. Maybe the Board of Nursing should send reminders out from time to time to let medical offices and school know not to use the title of "nurse" lightly.

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Yes, I would absolutely tell! This is crazy!! I am sure they are trying to save money, but really, putting children's life's at risk is not the way to do it!!

[Amethya]

I agree with everyone, this is a misrepresentation and can get people in trouble. I work at a public charter school and while the children do call me "nurse" and such, I do always let people know who I am before they talk to me, especially parents and such. I'm the MEDICAL AIDE or MEDICAL ASSISTANT, never Nurse or anything like that. I let people know this and it says in my letters and in my plaque. That school can get people in serious trouble, and I feel for these kids.

[lvnforschool]

Oh yes! I am an LVN and even though I am a Nurse, I never call myself a "School Nurse' just because I know my role. It drives me CRAZY that the health aid at the other school is always referred to as Nurse. I try to correct it but no one cares. I actually had to fight for my scope of practice when I first started this job. Admin has ZERO clue as to what scope of practice means. I tell parents, admin and kids I have a hard job. I have to adhere to school (job) rules, and my Licensing scope of practice. I cannot just go around handing out advil and operating on kids.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

May a letter to the state Boaard of Education with a copy of the Administrative Rules....

Yikes I just looked at this...it should read

Maybe a letter to the State Board of Education...

Clearly my typing skills were lacking when I posted that!

[caliotter3]

I don't think it is worth losing your health insurance. I would bite my lower lip and collect my check.

[kidzcare]

I don't think it is worth losing your health insurance. I would bite my lower lip and collect my check.

There is much more at stake here.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Maybe if the Principal were told it is akin to calling a teacher's aid a Principal, they may understand. Remember, educators, the vast majority, have NEVER breathed one minute outside the school environment. Their perspective is very myopic.