All in good fun?

[Nurse.jen]

Ok, so my admin handed out "end of the year awards" at the staff lunch today for the last work day before summer break.

Each person received one, and they were made up, based on cute or nice things people do, say, etc.

For instance, one person got "most athletic teacher" or "heart of gold", some were funny too.

Mine was "Bandaid any situation" award....

Am I being silly for feeling offended? I have only been in the school setting one year now, but I pick up on "all school nurses do is put on bandaids" kind of mentality often...not just at work, but in the public....so for the admin to present "bandaid any situation" certificate to me in front of the entire school staff, I felt it just reinforced the idea that is what we do. Bandaids and ice packs=school nursing Thoughts? Maybe I'm being too sensitive. 😬

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Over thinking it maybe?

[moreoreo]

I get where you're coming from. I got a lot of thank you notes for nurses week that mentioned "band aids" and "ice packs." This is what the students and staff may think of first when they think of me, but I know my students recognize that I do a lot of other things to keep them healthy and safe. Maybe I am still new (naive) but I believe so long as I keep doing my best work with integrity and diligence, others will recognize my role goes beyond those small things.

They probably thought they were being witty it's kind of like a pun.

[Nurse.jen]

I'm still getting to know teachers and staff so that's why I came here, for input. I wasn't sure if I was reading too far into it. I actually had a staff member ask if I was a "real nurse" this year í ½í¹„ Lol so thanks for the insight! I'm going to take it as a compliment í ½í±í ¼í¿¼

[scuba nurse, BSN, MSN, RN]

Hey at least they included you! Many times we are forgotten! I would be happy!!!

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Next time staff comes by for medical advice or a b/p check, hand them a band-aid.

[KKEGS, MSN, RN]

I'm still getting to know teachers and staff so that's why I came here, for input. I wasn't sure if I was reading too far into it. I actually had a staff member ask if I was a "real nurse" this year ������ Lol so thanks for the insight! I'm going to take it as a compliment ������������

I get asked if I'm a real nurse too but I think it's because in some schools the "school nurse" isn't even a nurse but just a layperson who did a first aid and CPR class! I also work very part time at my old job in the NICU and just this weekend one of the nurses I was working with mentioned that at her kid's school the "school nurse" is the main office secretary!

[Farawyn]

Overthinking it. Yes. I'm sure they just wanted to include you.

[NurseBeans, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Next time staff comes by for medical advice or a b/p check, hand them a band-aid.

This. So much this. The thing is, however they meant it, it bothers you enough to ask other school nurses. I guess you might want to be happy they remembered and included you, but it's ok to be annoyed that they think all you do is band-aids.

I find that to be the most annoying part of this job, the whole "not a real nurse" thing. But heck, I get my summers and holidays off so, who's the real winner here, me or the "real" nurses who work weekends and holidays?

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Meh, I know that teachers will never understand my job, no matter how I explain it. But I know I'm appreciated by admin and my boss (and several teachers), so I'm content with that. If I'm included by teachers, I know that they are trying, however slightly misguided it may feel at the time.

And I have you guys

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Be happy you were included! It took a good few years before I was included in anything! :)

[Rubor]

I would be slightly annoyed but it is humorous at the same time. I used to care more about what people "thought" school nursing was but now I just don't care. This is my 5th year and it took me going to part time only working 1 day and a half at 2 schools to let go of some things.