Perhaps sicker isn't the right word. Maybe more health conditions?
I'm a new school nurse, coming from bedside for years. I love the job so far (even if it is a bit overwhelming and a lot to learn) but I was a little surprised all the health conditions I've seen so far. Through our district we have students with diabetes, seizures, post open hearts, blood disorders, asthma & allergies, VP shunts, more students needing straight caths and tube feedings, etc.
Some coworkers have said they feel like kids have more health issues these days, but I wonder if it's just my district or area or if it's something the rest of you are seeing.
Specializes in Pediatrics and School District Nurse.
After 18 years in Peds, I don't think the kids are sicker. I think the parents want and frankly expect dx for every possible thing. It makes their little darling special and it becomes a race for some parents to see how many dx and tx and meds their child is on. I was doing med audits on my 11 schools...I cannot even tell you all how many OTC medications are in our schools! Some kids have 6 + and parents have tables set up for when we are supposed to give them and in what combo. It used to be sick kiddos stayed home or were followed by district teachers, I am sooooo glad more and more are coming to school to be with their peers....and it isn't those kiddos/parents that want all the complicated instructions, they love that their kiddos get to be more normal. To me, it is all about when we started putting all the medication ads on TV...now its a pill for everything. Am I venting....a little. 🙂
After 18 years in Peds, I don't think the kids are sicker. I think the parents want and frankly expect dx for every possible thing. It makes their little darling special and it becomes a race for some parents to see how many dx and tx and meds their child is on.
This 10000%. I work in a peds ER on the weekends and holy cannoli. Parents bring their kids in for every crossway fart and scratch expecting a diagnosis. Now I totally understand and sympathize with a nervous new parent or the classic story of "I swear they were dying at home" and now the kid is acting perfectly fine once they're to the ER. Like its OK, I believe you. But we have some parents, and I do not live in a small town, that I am on a first name basis with them and every member of their family because they are constantly in the ER for silly things that could be taken care of at home with a little common sense. And some of these parents get super mad and confrontational when we can't find anything wrong with little Johnny besides a runny nose. Like I'm sorry, the ER exists to rule out the immediate and life-threatening things - none of which pertain to you at the moment.
Slight side note - the number of parents I have noticed that are spending the whole ER visit snapping pictures of little Johnny on the stretcher and his hospital bracelet, etc. and then positing the pictures and a play-by-play to Facebook. Is nothing sacred? What is the point in this?
End rant. But I'm sure someone else out there can relate to my frustrations.
Specializes in Pediatrics and School District Nurse.
nurse__ab19 said:
This 10000%. I work in a peds ER on the weekends and holy cannoli. Parents bring their kids in for every crossway fart and scratch expecting a diagnosis. Now I totally understand and sympathize with a nervous new parent or the classic story of "I swear they were dying at home" and now the kid is acting perfectly fine once they're to the ER. Like its OK, I believe you. But we have some parents, and I do not live in a small town, that I am on a first name basis with them and every member of their family because they are constantly in the ER for silly things that could be taken care of at home with a little common sense. And some of these parents get super mad and confrontational when we can't find anything wrong with little Johnny besides a runny nose. Like I'm sorry, the ER exists to rule out the immediate and life-threatening things - none of which pertain to you at the moment.
Slight side note - the number of parents I have noticed that are spending the whole ER visit snapping pictures of little Johnny on the stretcher and his hospital bracelet, etc. and then positing the pictures and a play-by-play to Facebook. Is nothing sacred? What is the point in this?
End rant. But I'm sure someone else out there can relate to my frustrations.
Rant away sis! Yes, I totally agree...SM clout is real. I think a nice sign in the waiting room AND the exam rooms reminding parents that taking photos for social media make you look TACKY. LOL. Our Peds ED has large signs listing symptoms that are NOT appropriate for the ED and where the local UCs and free clinics are.
Slight side note - the number of parents I have noticed that are spending the whole ER visit snapping pictures of little Johnny on the stretcher and his hospital bracelet, etc. and then positing the pictures and a play-by-play to Facebook. Is nothing sacred? What is the point in this?
End rant. But I'm sure someone else out there can relate to my frustrations.
Have you all seen the video of the mom of a child on a NICU monitor, unplugging it , so she can get a turkey d sandwich? instead of using the call bell?
The hospital video starts around 3:30 Oye! I knew a little guy, who when he came in, and he was there a lot due to dx of pilomyxoid astrosarcoma, would ask for food right away! It was cute coming from a 4 year old, not so cute from an adult(?)
Specializes in NICU, PICU, Transport, L&D, Hospice.
The health of the children reflect the overall health of the nation. Look at our healthcare metrics as compared to the world and you can see the evidence.
Have you all seen the video of the mom of a child on a NICU monitor, unplugging it , so she can get a turkey d sandwich? instead of using the call bell?
This is absurd!! Educate the first time that this is not appropriate and then any time again after that and I would absolutely have security escort you out! That is such a huge patient safety issue!
This is absurd!! Educate the first time that this is not appropriate and then any time again after that and I would absolutely have security escort you out! That is such a huge patient safety issue!
KidsNurseJen
3 Posts
After 18 years in Peds, I don't think the kids are sicker. I think the parents want and frankly expect dx for every possible thing. It makes their little darling special and it becomes a race for some parents to see how many dx and tx and meds their child is on. I was doing med audits on my 11 schools...I cannot even tell you all how many OTC medications are in our schools! Some kids have 6 + and parents have tables set up for when we are supposed to give them and in what combo. It used to be sick kiddos stayed home or were followed by district teachers, I am sooooo glad more and more are coming to school to be with their peers....and it isn't those kiddos/parents that want all the complicated instructions, they love that their kiddos get to be more normal. To me, it is all about when we started putting all the medication ads on TV...now its a pill for everything. Am I venting....a little. 🙂