Bathroom Breaks

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Sprinkle some wisdom on me wise school nurses!

I had a parent contact me because the teacher is limiting them to one bathroom break a day. Poor kid ended up having an accident due to this policy, and the teacher didn't bother to let me know. Student doesn't have any kidney/urinary issues, not diabetic, no underlying medical conditions. Mom wants the child to be able to drink water throughout the day which of course means multiple bathroom trips.

So, I need to reach out to the teacher and I'm not sure what to say. No other teacher limits bathroom breaks. In fact, most my teachers are very free with the bathroom breaks.

Also, I'm elementary and this is 3rd grade.

Help!

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I would speak with admin about it and ask if it is policy (we know it isn't.) Teaching on the need for drinking water in school - lessens headaches, keeps body hydrated and working properly. If the brain works well, the students learn. Kids that pee on themselves due to ridiculous rules will end up with learning issues and ultimately unhappy teachers.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

I am sure the parent will intervene before you get there.... One bathroom break? Wow.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

Give this one over to your admin so they can handle it!

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

Ya'll are right, this is above my pay grade! I passed it right along.

This teacher is a bit intense, and demanding without the stupid bathroom rules. I feel for the kid :(

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

Poor kid...that teacher must be a little loony. I agree with the others, definitely an administration issue.

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Our superintendent would have that teacher's head! Are they not going at other times like before lunch, after recess, before specials, etc? Unless s/he's a dilly-dallier theres no excuse for that.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Definitely, need the administrator to intervene. Even if there is a problem with excessive absences from classes, this is not the appropriate intervention!

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Specializes in Occupational Health.

My principal said they should be able to go as needed, except during direct instruction but even then they are welcome go in emergencies or if urgent. Definitely no need for a kid to have an accident. (love that she actually cares about the health needs)

She's tiffed and going to speak with the teacher ASAP.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

As the mom of a kid with diabetes insipidus, this makes me furious. Shame on that teacher. I cannot imagine the logic of expecting grade school kids to exercise a level of bodily control that grown adults cannot do themselves most of the time.

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Sprinkle some wisdom on me wise school nurses!

I had a parent contact me because the teacher is limiting them to one bathroom break a day. Poor kid ended up having an accident due to this policy, and the teacher didn't bother to let me know. Student doesn't have any kidney/urinary issues, not diabetic, no underlying medical conditions. Mom wants the child to be able to drink water throughout the day which of course means multiple bathroom trips.

So, I need to reach out to the teacher and I'm not sure what to say. No other teacher limits bathroom breaks. In fact, most my teachers are very free with the bathroom breaks.

Also, I'm elementary and this is 3rd grade.

Help!

The teacher is insane.

I don't see why you have to intervene with the teacher. (go straight to Admin and have them deal with this nut case)

The parents should have her tarred and feathered pretty quickly.

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Specializes in Neurosciences, stepdown, acute rehab, LTC.

That is infuriating! Sounds like neglect/ abuse to me !!!

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