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Couple middle school parents are starting to get very demanding for school nurse's to be available to cover all events that all other kids are able to go to. Dance's, sports, before school intramurals, clubs and just hanging out after school. It's getting out of hand. They are very fast to throw (sometimes literally) ADA in your face. I'm afraid I'm going to need to start going home for after school care for them. Is this happening in your district? I'm in NYS.
OMG I do appreciate you school nurses. I am getting such an education from you all in this forum.
It amazes me how some people can take advantage of situations at such a high cost to others. I am ever so grateful to have grown children, I do not think I could have enough patience with being a school nurse and dealing with parents. I think I would rather deal with the inmates in the prison system.
I am the parent of 2 Type 1s and a very familiar with the law (been at this 12+ years). I have one child that is in marching band. they go out of town. If it is far away, my husband or I go. We do not expect the school to provide a nurse.
What I try to explain to people in my diabetes FB groups is that the ADA guidelines end at the end of the school day. If they stay after school, and the govt subsidizes the after care or the food, then the school needs someone to care for them. If it is an extra-curricular activity, like a dance, where the child does not HAVE to attend, the school owes them nothing. By middle school the kids should be able to deal themselves. Most have pumps and CGMS and phones. Parents are able to monitor remotely and can communicate with their child. Now, they should be able to have access to the school during these times and this is an issues that I have had I usually have the cell number of an administrator for emergencies.
Let them throw around ADA and 504 plans and HCP. They apply to school, not extra curricular. If their child were at the mall, they would be on their own. They should carry a glucagon pen and supplies. Someone can call 911 for a severe low and usually there is an administrator at most extra curricular activities and they are trained how to use epipens and glucagon. Plenty of time for EMS to get there.
Our district is considering just making diabetes training part of the annual training along with blood borne pathogens, Safety Data Sheets, Epipens, etc each year. Because although a nurse isn't required SOMEONE who knows what to do is so this would hopefully help us cover our bases. And, although most of our parents wouldn't make a big stink about it, we have a handful that definitely would.
I'm required to stay until 430 all day, which is the end of school sponsored after school activities. But that is part of my contract. I have trained teachers on field trips.
I don't go to dances, proms, etc. But I also manage MS and HS students and my goal is to get them to be independent. Because I can't be everywhere. And parents thus far on my end have been on board with this.
I totally agree! I can't believe how pansy "pants" the administration is behaving. They don't want bad press. They don't want to be called discriminatory, they don't want to be sued. So they offer to put a nurse where ever the parent demands. They just assume they will be able to find one to work for $13 hour with crappy parents and sassy kids. (not all of course... most are ok)
KKEGS, MSN, RN
723 Posts
What about a PTA sponsored event that is held at the school?