Do you run any special groups?

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Hello,

This is my 2nd and 1/2 year as a full time middle school nurse. I am currently a tri-leader of an LGBTQ group that takes place every other week here (but I run it with two other teachers). I enjoy talking with the students and getting to know them, however it is not really medically related (I decided to help out as many of the students were coming to me for support/advice, etc) .

Anyway, I was thinking of putting together a group for my students with diabetes. Just a support group they can come to and talk about their week, their numbers, highs and lows (both figuratively and relatively speaking)… and any other questions or concerns they have. I just didn't know how to go about approaching the idea.

I'm asking if any of you run any sort of support groups and how you got them up and running. I'm assuming I'd have to get the ok from my principal first, then go to the parents and then present it to the students. But I was hoping for some advice so I sound like I have half of an idea before I bring it up to any of them. lol

If you have any advice.. I'd love it. Thanks in advance!

Jennifer

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Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.

I have opened the first anime club here in my school. I mainly went with the way I went in my high school. I would google information and if you can, maybe find other schools in your district that has had one and ask them too.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

No help from me about this but I do want to say your district is very lucky to have such an enthusiast and interested student advocate as yourself. Good on you!!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Jennifer, you put me to shame. I am of the opinion that if I'm not paid extra I prolly won't do it. But good on you - especially the LGBTQ group. I am sure your presence is a blessing!

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Specializes in kids.

Years ago I co-ran a group for kids with chronic health conditions but the group dynamic came to a natural end, via, graduation and sadly death of some of the students...We did some really neat things with kids, and they supported each other in a way no one else could.

I have tried to get it up and running again, but can't seem to get any traction...

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
2 hours ago, NutmeggeRN said:

Years ago I co-ran a group for kids with chronic health conditions but the group dynamic came to a natural end, via, graduation and sadly death of some of the students...We did some really neat things with kids, and they supported each other in a way no one else could.

I have tried to get it up and running again, but can't seem to get any traction...

My grinchy heart grew three sizes reading this. I vow to be more useful....

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Specializes in kids.

I do not believe you have a grinchy heart!!

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Specializes in NCSN.

I run a Healthy Leaders group and last year I co lead a small group of girls being raised by only their dads.

First step is getting the Principal on board. If your district is as strict as ours there might be a few extra hoops, for the small group of girls we needed to pick a time where the students wouldn't be missing a significant amount of class because holding it before or after school made it "less inclusive" because not everyone has transportation to come early/say late.

I LOVE my Healthy leaders. We talk about how to call 911, how to make sure the "scene is safe" before going to help someone, helping new students find my office and the difference between being sick and being uncomfortable.

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Wow! Oh my goodness you guys.. You are all way to kind. I guess I just thought it would be a good idea as I have one diabetic 8th grader that was not feeling the love here and switched schools (I found out she is not very happy at her new school either), and another who has had some issues with behavior. I just wanted to try and work with the younger ones to help them transition through 8th grade and make it off to high school confident and successful...as I feel that is one of the tougher grades these kids seem to deal with.

I will present my idea to the principal and see where it goes from there. I don't even honestly know if the student's would want to do it. I asked my daughters friend who is T1D (from another school) and she said "No way!". But I get the feeling my kiddos here would be more receptive to it.

Thanks again for all of your responses!!

J

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On ‎2‎/‎19‎/‎2019 at 9:20 AM, OldDude said:

No help from me about this but I do want to say your district is very lucky to have such an enthusiast and interested student advocate as yourself. Good on you!!

Well thank you very much!! ?

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Do you have a good relationship with your school adjustment counselor(s)? If so, that would be a good place to start and find out what groups are being run and if there are any specific students they might want to refer. I know my friend's DD was diagnosed with T1D over the Summer before starting 5th grade and she participated in a weekly group for T1D students facilitated by their guidance counselor and school nurse.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Oncology, School Nursing, OB.
On 2/19/2019 at 4:46 PM, ruby_jane said:

Jennifer, you put me to shame. I am of the opinion that if I'm not paid extra I prolly won't do it.

Ok this is me! ? I truly hate staying after school for absolutely anything because I'm not getting paid for it. Not a great attitude but after working hourly, it's hard to get used to not getting paid for every min esp when it's a lot less than I was used to making. I also have a family at home that I need to get home to in order to get dinner started, let the dog out, etc.

Our school asks us all the time to volunteer to work PTO functions, fundraisers, etc. and it annoys me. I volunteered for YEARS at my kid's school so I'm kind of burnt out on all of that. Also, if you don't have enough parent participation then cancel the PTO. I donate money, food, etc when asked but after hanging out all day with all these kids forgive me if I don't want to hang out some more after school! Sorry that was a side note.

I have actually never even thought about doing a support group so kudos to you. However, I am at an elementary school with only one diabetic who has special needs so that wouldn't really work here as far as a diabetes club. Then we get into the whole, can your parents pick you up later than normal, will someone else be here to supervise, liability, etc. I think for middle school or high school it's a great idea for those who want to!!

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