Biased opinion for own child?

Specialties NP

Published

Hello all,

I’m an AG-ACNP that works Adult I'm. I have a middle school daughter that has had a lot of medical complaints over the last few years. She is on the smaller side and quits sports regularly. Frequently she develops musculoskeletal injuries. She’ll wear a brace for a week or two and be fine. We’ve had her in for multiple X-rays in the past and everything’s always fine. We took her to the eye doctor because she thought she needed glasses but that was also fine.

Anyway, I’ve become hesitant to take her in for her complaints at this point. Last week she hurt her knee in gym class during a collision with a boy. That was almost 7 days ago now. She went on a trip with my spouse over the weekend and wore a brace but did a lot of walking. She’s still complaining of pain and won’t participate in gym class. The teacher told her she had to have a note by next week. Although I’ve seen her run around at home and carry her 50lb sister.

My question is on the ethical side of things. I was planning on taking her in after a few weeks of rest and ibuprofen if it didn’t work. I’ve been pretty adamant about not treating family or our children in the past but would any of you write a school note for your child? Or am I being biased and I should take her to pediatrician? I’m going to call the gym teacher tomorrow and get the whole story. Trying to gather my thoughts on it and figured I’d reach out to the forums.

Again, my specialty is AGACNP and she’s technically just on the border of population I’m allowed to care for. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Writing a note for your own child seems like a professional boundary issue. I wouldn't do it.

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41 minutes ago, Rose_Queen said:

Writing a note for your own child seems like a professional boundary issue. I wouldn't do it.

Exactly. I wouldn’t go that far. But I’d be a bit concerned about the things you’re seeing. Something to discuss with the child’s provider. Consider this, children can use these excuses as a method to get out of things. I’ve personally seen the child who’s in frequently for “injuries” And when you dig deeper, the child just has a parent who’s way more into the activity than they are. That’s a different scenario, but an indication there’s more afoot.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Coop with the gym class teacher and take your little to the PCP. Doing so shows your willingness to work with the school and avoids your being labelled as one of 'those nurse-moms so full of themselves**'. You'll also be demonstrating that you do recognize and APPRECIATE the school's concern re your child's health and well-being.

A 'good faith' effort will be established.

It will also be an oppt'y to further explore some reason for you little's aversive behaviors/actions which are concerning to you and we others.

** I follow the School Nurse forum and this sentiment comes up on occ re 'nurse-moms'. They can be your best ally in school health issues like this one. Touch base with them if poss.

Hope things work out for your dtr.

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Based on how you've described things, sounds more psychosocial than anything...

How is she doing in school? How are her grades? Does she complain of bullying, etc.

Sounds like a cry for help more than anything. Personally, I wouldnt take her to her peds for the 100th or so time, especially if there is evidence that she is physically just fine and able-bodied at home with running, etc.

I'd explore the underlying issue and go from there.

Just my 2 cents

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Hello @IMNP and welcome to allnurses.com

The topic has moved on to the giving of medical advice and that is against the Terms of Service.

We realize you have major concerns for your daughter, but you need to seek advice from her PCP and/or get a second opinion. We hope you can get to the bottom of this and your daughter be well.

Thread closed.

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