Since I've started, we've been a school that has suffered a lot of tragic events. We've had a few student and staff deaths. FWIW, we are an elementary school. Today we have another. There's a family facing the decision to take their student off life support after what should have been a routine surgery and recovery. The child is 6. I left hospice for this job. As much as I enjoyed working with the families, I couldn't do the constant death anymore. Some nurses can work hospice for years, but I wasn't one of them.
And here I am, dealing with death again. Along with the "other" stuff, like teachers who don't respect me. Just this morning I had to drag admin into it because of a student returning after vomiting. The teacher tried to drag the policy into it, and she had the policy wrong. The poor kid is now anxious, and feeling bad because she thinks she did something wrong because her teacher is hell bent on her going home. Luckly, she's calmed back down and things seem okay for now.
I'm tired of working so hard, for so little pay, with so little respect. New teachers trying to do my job and doing it wrong. Veteran teachers undermining me. Today, a select few of us are on the verge of tears knowing a little one is going die very soon. This year was already tough, and its just getting harder. Just yesterday I sent a request off to speak to someone through the employee assistance thing because I've been so stressed that I'm not sleeping. This was before I even knew about the child on life support.
Sad update; our little one passed away last night. He went into cardiac arrest. As sad as it is, I'm relieved his parents didn't have to make a decision.
Then I was in a car accident this morning. Thankfully no one was hurt. I was the front car of a multi car pile up. My car is also drivable, so I'm at work.
I think I might leave after lunch.
Glad you are ok and sorry to hear about the little one. I cannot imagine. I am also relieved that the parents did not have to make that call. It's impossible to think about!
Specializes in Oncology, Med/Surg, Correctional, and School nursi.
Very sorry to hear about your little. I've had one student death in my SN career. It was crushing. Fortunately, the school psychologist is a great friend and would listen to my sadness. Use whatever options you have open to you for emotional support.
kidzcare
3,393 Posts
Glad you are ok and sorry to hear about the little one. I cannot imagine. I am also relieved that the parents did not have to make that call. It's impossible to think about!
Virtual hugs coming your way!