Guidance brought me a cutter today- he was already in there for counseling, and needed his arm bandaged (multiple superficial lacs from fingertips to elbow). No cuts on other arms, denied cuts on stomach/legs or other body areas. I did not do any counseling since guidance was already involved and was doing some counseling as well as contacting the parents.
If guidance weren't already involved, of course I'd get them involved right away, but what else should I do? I did teaching on signs and symptoms of infection. I didn't note any other scarring or injuries (burns, no injuries/scars to either wrist that would tell me he's attempted to commit suicide).
Shapiro, S. (2008). Addressing self-injury in the school setting, Journal of School Nursing, 24, 124-130.
Abstract:
The purpose of intentional self-harm is aimed at reducing emotional distress. This is not a new phenomenon, but what is alarming is the increasing incidence of self-injurious behavior among adolescents. Because mental health care is critical for the treatment of self-injury, referral and early access to counseling is an important role for school nurses. The care plan is addressed.
McDonald, C. (2006). Self mutilation in adolescents. Journal of School Nursing, 22, 193-200.
bergren
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Some articles:
The Journal of School Nursing had an article on this last year:
http://jsn.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/24/3/124
Shapiro, S. (2008). Addressing self-injury in the school setting, Journal of School Nursing, 24, 124-130.
Abstract:
The purpose of intentional self-harm is aimed at reducing emotional distress. This is not a new phenomenon, but what is alarming is the increasing incidence of self-injurious behavior among adolescents. Because mental health care is critical for the treatment of self-injury, referral and early access to counseling is an important role for school nurses. The care plan is addressed.
McDonald, C. (2006). Self mutilation in adolescents. Journal of School Nursing, 22, 193-200.
The Prevention Researcher did an entire issue on self injury in 2006 that was very good. you can buy single issues. http://www.tpronline.org/article.cfm/An_Understanding_of_Self_Injury_and_Suicide