Dear Parent....

[Purple036, LVN]

I am your student(s) school nurse. Plus, the 500+students and 70+ staff who I care for from the simplest to the most emergent situations. I do not have any other nurses or health aids in my clinic, only me. That said I apologize if I forget to call about when your student had a restroom accident and I provided them a change of clothes because I could not get a hold of you and left a voicemail. Yes I wash the clothes myself that I provide for the clinic and most of them are brand new because I bought them at Walmart, Target, Ross, etc. Your student was fine at the time of their assessment and the rest of the day because I did not see them in office again. If I did or my assessment concluded in me contacting you I definitely would have done so. Again I apologize but do understand I am here for your student(s) everyday. I care for them all and want them healthy, safe and happy everyday. I PAID to go to school, graduate, take my boards and work in this field. I applied, interviewed and trained to be in this speciality that I love and will work in until I retire from nursing. Trust me when I say I am not in it for the money because if I was I would have furthered my education or work a different speciality than this but I don't because again this job is for me. I am the school nurse advocate for your student when you are not here. I am to LOOK into what is wrong or their complaint, LISTEN to their body and how they feel and FEEL for their site of pain physically and emotionally. So, when you call my administrators complaining about my judgement know that I will take your complaint into consideration, reflect and make sure to call every time your student(s) come into clinic. I ask that you have all your contact information update such as phone and email so that I may contact you. I look forward to speaking with you.

Sincerely,

School Nurse

**I thought about this yesterday. It is not a official letter just something I wish I could say. I can't believe the complaints we get when all we are trying to do is keep all the students and staff safe, healthy and happy. I do know this for certain we will not always make the parents happy but we will try our best especially for the students. Thank you to all nurses! For caring for people of all ages. Thank you to all the school nurses who take care of these kiddos everyday! Have a great Easter!**

[WineRN]

Sending you hugs. It always stings a little when a parent is unhappy with the care you provided or when they complain to the powers above.

You know you are doing the very best for your students, so let that negative energy roll off and keep your head high. ?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

"I look forward to speaking with you."

YOU ARE CLASSY, Purple. Beautifully said. I would also add - if you believe erry.darn.thing sweet baby says and jump to judgement without the facts or my lovingly and thoroughly documented visit notes...you're gonna have a long few years.

[tining, BSN, RN]

I feel the pain! I don't just take a temp and say you're fine outa' here. I also do a LOT of teaching. I then leave it open, "you may be getting sick and are not there yet, come back if you feel worse." And yet dear parent I am not a psychic, nor do I have x-ray eyes or a magic wand. I also always chart - blah blah blah seen AT THIS TIME.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

AMEN!!