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Discussion

allready ready to quit?

Throwing myself a pity party today:cry:....nurse supervisor called first thing this morning and ruined my day. The same person that was resistant to me starting a project is now upset I didn't do it after not answering any of my emails for weeks. I do not have the support I was expecting for this project, so I canned it. I feel like I have no one in my corner.....No support from admin, other health staff, etc. To the teachers and students, I am "nurse." I am left out of all the fun stuff they do for the staff, like gift exchanges for Christmas last year( I was at a nurse meeting when they discussed it, apparently.) All kinds of teacher appreciation, boss day, secretary day, but no nurse day....They had my birthday party last year when I wasn't even there. (They combine the ones for the month). There is no nurse at the high school this year, so I split my day between the two schools. I am also in charge of supervising the other 3 schools, so 5 total! About 3,000 kids they want health plans for, vision and hearing, etc. Twice they have called me from another school while at a 504 meeting to come change diapers at my school because "no one" else can help! I don't know how any of their children survived, since apparently it takes a college degree to change a diaper. I've been really stressed because the pay is WAY worse than I thought. This is the easiest job I've ever had, with a great schedule. But I've just about had it. This school went through three nurses in the year before I started-now I know why! I REALLY miss my coworkers at my old job, cause even when it stunk, someone acted like they understood. I wish I could find another job with this kind of schedule. I loved night shift, but someone has to be home with the kids at night, and my husband works an alternating schedule. Sorry for the rant, but I spent the last half-hour crying and thinking about going home "sick". Of course, who would change the diapers then?!:sour:

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    • Featured Replies

    Sorry that it's been so rough! We're here for you.

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    • Experts

    Just a few pointers that may help you keep your sanity...remember that people who have worked inside the educational institutional walls their entire adult life have no idea what occurs in the real world. Not saying this as a negative thing or insult to them but just an observation that they think differently than those on the "outside."

    Second...if you have no expectations of others you can't be disappointed by their action or inaction.

    Third...don't worry about stuff you have no control over.

    Fourth...learn to say "NO." As a licensed healthcare professional you have the right to triage your interventions in the appropriate order. If someone can't change a diaper then the diaper won't get changed. As I've posted before, I don't change potty accidents; with very few exceptions.

    Others here will also offer helpful survival tips. Just remember, you can only do what you can do. The kid's health and safety come first. Your skin will get thicker and others will realize that with time. Hang tough!!

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    Old dude always gives the best advice.

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    Yea, what that OldDude said.

    jess, I agree with you, if it is any consolation. The nurses RIGHT HERE are my co-workers.

    The teachers have no idea. None.

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    • Experts

    I think that since they have gone through 3 nurses in the year before you started they have placed you in a warm body category. School nursing is quite misunderstood and lonely. As an only child myself that is probably why I like it. You sound like you are stretched thin over the 2 schools and three others you supervise. You might try bringing donuts or desserts 'just because' to win people over. Send out an all email telling everyone donuts in the lounge for a great day, people may unfreeze themselves with a little sweetness. Usually the secretaries have a general pulse of the school, you can tell her to please include you for put lucks, secret Santa, etc. (bring her a special treat as well). I do believe School Nurse Day is almost always the same week as teacher appreciation week so we are all in that same boat. Take your victories when you can get them and ignore the lumps.

    The diapers - are you kidding? Whomever is responsible for that class is responsible for that.

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    Old dude always gives the best advice.

    T-shirt

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    long sleeve t-shirt

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    Great advice from Old Dude. And there is no way on earth I'd be going to another school to change a diaper. Our teaching assistants and teachers do that.

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    Red. Definitely. Red.

    jess- I am so sorry. Please don't throw in the towel. Hang with us. Tomorrow is a new day. We have you back. You should for sure get the very first T-shirt. Hope you like red :)

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    I am sorry this is happening to you. Most school nurses do feel isolated, we are usually the only medical person in the building, and no one else understands what we deal with all day. This is a great place to come and vent. Take the suggestions posted here and see if you can make some changes in the shools you deal with. Not all school nurse jobs are this chaotic. Maybe consider looking at a diiferent school or different district. In the right school, school nursing can be a great, rewarding position. I hope you don't give in just yet. Be firm, set ground rules, see if things change. Best of luck to you!

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    Diapers? What diapers are you changing? Is it like special needs kids?

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