Calling home for head injuries

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Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.

What is your criteria for calling home after a head injury? My district protocol book has a great algorithm for assessing a treating head injuries which is helpful during triage but what do you consider "call-worthy"?

I do a neuro assessment on every head related concern I get. Document as appropriate. And for the legitimate ones (Kid rammed into a piece of playground equipment, hit his head on the tile floor after tripping on shoelaces, etc) I always call home, of course. I'm talking about the "I was reaching under my desk to pick up my pencil and bumped my head" or "I walked into my friend and we hit heads accidentally." Do you call for these? I would be on the phone constantly if this were the case.

Let me know!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I do consider the mechanism of injury in deciding to call. If it was bumped their head when picking up a pencil type stuff I don't call. However, if there is some evidence of injury like a bump, abrasion, or cut, from a relatively minor mechanism of injury I'll notify a parent.

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I do consider the mechanism of injury in deciding to call. If it was bumped their head when picking up a pencil type stuff I don't call. However, if there is some evidence of injury like a bump, abrasion, or cut, from a relatively minor mechanism of injury I'll notify a parent.

Pretty much this! If a kid hits their head on a locker, no need to call. Fell while running in PE and smacked head on curb, definitely call.

High drama student who hit head on desk, call to be sure the story of the non-injury comes from me instead of the student elaborating once they get home.

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Pretty much this! If a kid hits their head on a locker, no need to call. Fell while running in PE and smacked head on curb, definitely call.

High drama student who hit head on desk, call to be sure the story of the non-injury comes from me instead of the student elaborating once they get home.

That is definitely worth mentioning. I've never worked as a school nurse, but I have been the unfortunate parent who's kid came home telling me of this AWFUL head trauma they received in school (eyeroll). Thankfully, being a nurse myself was able to asses her and then get a more factual account. I have seen another parent who had this happen and due to zero medical training, they panicked, took their kid to the ED, and then flipped crap on the school nurse. It was a less than stellar situation.

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Specializes in School Nurse, Pediatrics, Surgical.

I call if there are signs or symptoms. One year I had a student get hit with a ball towards the end of the day. My health room assistant sent her home after making sure she appeared well. Long story short concussion... Out 2 weeks.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

I am at a small school, less stuff to deal with, but I text every one, especially with the littles. Most of these aren't witnessed and I would rather err on the side of caution. I am amazed at how many concussions occur. Makes me wonder how we survived.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

do you have a school provided phone? I have a few parents that have requested that i text them instead of call them - but i can't figure any way to do that except with my own phone and that's not going to happen. I am not fielding calls and texts at 10:30 at night - and i know that these parents would feel free.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

We are a community school, my kids go here. My number is in the directory, so they can get it if they wanted anyway. The downside is I get questions from all aspects of the school day, homework, shuttle info, etc. I am also the "office", so I answer the phones (average 5 calls per day). I use texting so parents aren't disrupted at work and can make the decision to respond immediately or when they can get to it. I do require a response to know they got it. Laid back atmosphere here, not your typical school environment. I would never do this in a bigger, traditional school.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
do you have a school provided phone? I have a few parents that have requested that i text them instead of call them - but i can't figure any way to do that except with my own phone and that's not going to happen. I am not fielding calls and texts at 10:30 at night - and i know that these parents would feel free.

My district has finally provided us with smart phones..It has really been helpful. If I call a parent and the call goes to voice mail I'll usually send the same number a text. Often times I'll get a response by text. Also, it is sooooo convenient to send a parent a picture of a bump, cut, rash, etc instead of having them come to school and it gives them an idea of what to expect to see when the kid gets home as well as a comparison to see from "then to now."

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

Thanks OldDude, I never thought of the picture thing. I am not real tech savvy, but that is a great use.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Thanks OldDude, I never thought of the picture thing. I am not real tech savvy, but that is a great use.

Good idea on a district phone with parent permission, bad idea on a personal phone. Consider getting a trac phone if needed as a school expense

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