Advice for New School Nurse

[SchoolNurse123]

Hi all,

New school nurse here. This is my first year as a school nurse. So far I am loving it, but today was discouraging.

I was called to the cafeteria where a student had symptoms resembling a seizure or panic attack. I felt that I had the situation completely under control. Pulse ox read 99%, lung sounds were clear, student was breathing a little fast. She would open her eyes but not answer yes or no questions and she was sobbing rhythmically. I was simply standing beside her, with my hand on her shoulder telling her she was doing a good job and trying to give her space to come out of whatever this was. I knew all her vitals were stable and she appeared to be improving each second. But then the principal jumped in and said "She's hyperventilating!!" and got in her face instructing her how to breathe over and over and over again. I was so frustrated, but I'm a softspoken person and I'm also new so I just sat there in frustration as she took over a situation that I was handling.

In the end everything was okay, but I was just very discouraged and felt like there was no purpose of me being there if other people were going to take over and ignore me.

I definitely need to learn how to take my space and stand up for myself, but I was wondering if any of you veterans had any advice for me regarding situations like this? I really appreciate any input.

Thanks so much.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Ugh...yep, you will figure it out! Gotta own the medical stuff like a boss and they will figure it out. I bet she was just fine?

[halohg, RN]

First year is always the hardest. Maybe the principal has had previous experiences with this student and was “helping”. Having really thick skin is a must. Remember you cannot expect teachers and staff to assume the role of a medical professional relationship like in the hospital, you have to adapt to being in their world. Start off just by being a voice of reason and advocating for your students on why or why not their symptoms are just for exclusion. Grow from there...this takes time.

[OldDude]

Good job nurse!! The only advice I would offer is WHEN this happens next time, once you've established there is no emergency, walk them outta the crowd as quickly as possible. Just far enough to remove the audience if it's too far to go to your clinic. That usually changes the dynamics.