"Cover" for a student?

[ColleenJune]

A third grader came to my office today and asked me to tell her teacher that she was sick. She looked fine to me, so I asked her why. She said, "I went to the bathroom in my pants, and I don't want anyone to find out." Would you do it? (I did, BTW)

[Feral.Cat.Herder, RN]

In cases like that I send them to class (after cleaning up and changing clothes) with a return to class pass from me stating student was in clinic; it's timed from entry to leaving the clinic and dated. I explain to the student I can't or will not "lie" or deceive the teacher but I do not have to tell the teacher their reason for coming to the clinic unless she/he needs to know (info that would have a direct impact on the teacher or classmates). Our teachers understand this policy and realize conversations or "illnesses" are on a need to know basis. My principal and staff are on board with this policy.

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN]

I've never had this come up, but I think Feral has it spot on. Make sure the student understands, if asked directly "why" they were there, you won't lie however, you won't go voluteering the information.

[CampyCamp, RN]

I never had this request but potty accidents are the perfect time for kids to learn that what happens here, stays here, and it's never anyone's business why they came to the nurse.

(Unless they are malingering but I tell them that unlike health, teachers always get to hear about behavior!)

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

You pose a great question. I would probably have cleared the kid to go with no fuss and a little TLC.

BUT - I would also call the parent to let them know (and to get my clothing back!) And I would have had a convo with the teacher AFTERWARD. There may be something going on. Teacher may have been fully unaware of LD's potty dance in the classroom. Maybe s/he can help.

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

I gently and as kindly as I can mention to them that coming back to class in a new outfit may make the teacher aware of happened without having to say anything. (my donated pants are often unusually colored/styled)

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i've had students (older kids, usually) who have had to go home for various reasons that they have felt have been embarrassing. My piece of advice to them is all generally the same - you don't owe anyone an explanation. If your friend or teacher asks, if generally comes out of concern rather than curiosity and you telling them "I wasn't feeling well and had to leave." generally is explanation enough. If they press for more, you can add - i'm feeling better today, thanks for asking. - If teachers ask me point blank "why did XXX go home, I take an opportunity to remind them about confidentiality.

[ColleenJune]

Thanks for the suggestions. I had not thought of this as a teaching opportunity, but children do need to learn that the nurse's office (and any medical facility) is a safe place.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

On 4/4/2019 at 9:31 AM, ruby_jane said:

And I would have had a convo with the teacher AFTERWARD. There may be something going on. Teacher may have been fully unaware of LD's potty dance in the classroom. Maybe s/he can help.

This is very important I remember a friend waving her hand to go to bathroom and the stern teacher refused, even after class ended.This child later went in her pants.This is not fair to child to suffer because some teacher has a bug up her *** over too many bathroom requests.