Don't know how to react...

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Specializes in Cardiac/Progressive Care.

I'm a telemetry nurse, moonlighting as a substitute school nurse while she is out on medical leave. I love this job, and would love to work my way into a permanent position.

Today I just had a student come to me and tell me that her parents hit her last weekend. Her mother grabbed her hair and pushed her on her knees, and she was slapped across the face. I found no visible marks or bruises or bumps anywhere, and she was pretty open to talking with me about it- a huge relief for me since i'm not the usual nurse and a lot of the kids are pretty shy. She said it's happend quite a bit in the past, as well, but no one has been around to witness it, and this time her brother was. I made sure to tell her that even if no one else sees, she can and should always feel it's ok to tell someone.

This student does have a lot of attitude issues, and is on a gamut of psych and behavior meds. Her parents don't have a great grasp on everything going on with her, she's what you would consider to be a handful. They have done things like given her her HS medications in the morning, rendering her completely useless and like a zombie for the first few hours of school. The regular school nurse has dealt with that issue, and from what I gather, is pretty sure the parents do that on purpose to try to control her. She's always been a sweet girl when she comes to see me for her afternoon meds.

She did say that her mom has a lot of health issues, and things have been hectic around the house lately, getting ready for graduation and all (she's 8th grade). Still, thats no excuse to get violent with a child!

School administration is involved- it was actually the principal who brought her into me after she had told a teacher- and they are contacting DCYF.

How do you deal when a student confides in you this information? I just want to close the door and cry the rest of the day.

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It is your obligation to report it to DYFS, or Child protective services. It is possible that the student is making it up, BUT what if she isn't?? It is not up to you to decide that...it IS up to you to make the call. It is your obligation, your license that decided that you must make the call. I would also mention it to the principal and document document document. Child stated....

good luck!

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You can only do just what you did.... comfort her and let her know someone/you will be available if they need to talk. I have been in your shoes. I never make the decision to call DCF lightly, but I know it my responsibility to keep these kids safe. Just try to remember that you are doing what you can to keep her safe. Kudos to you for making her feel safe enuf to tell you...... it is very hard for these kids to "tell" on their parents. Its ok if you cry, but I usually try to wait til I get home. :)

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we all want to cry and take these kids home, away from the danger, but you can only do what you can. You did alot by opening your door and your heart.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Well, in addition to the above, my way of dealing with it was to become a certified foster/adoptive parent :) I figure I might not be able to do much more than report and console the kids who come to me, but for some other kids I can make a bigger difference. My husband and I are in the process of having a 9 year old and a 10 year old (brothers) placed with us for a pre-adoptive placement. Cannot wait to bring them home!

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Specializes in Cardiac/Progressive Care.

Donnacee: It's not a question of contacting DCYF or not; thats already being done. And it was the principal who actually brought her to my office to begin with. I have documented the conversation I had with her, as well, so thats covered.

Thank you everyone for your responses. Going from working with adults to kids is hard! Not that I ever thought school nursing wasn't hard, it is just so incredibly different and difficult. I love it though. This situation is hard, but I feel better knowing that at least I'm there for her.

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She will remember you helping and listening. You did good

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

I think you handled it exactly right. I see this about once a month. The population that i serve is universally low income. Lots of single parents unemployed or under-employed. Lots of substance abuse, gang violence, guns, etc. Very high stresses in their homes. These families have a lot against them and frankly, i'm surprised i don't see more child abuse. But I have to call CPS and let them sort it out.

I have been on the receiving end of a CPS report, btw. My youngest son, DS16, is profoundly mentally handicapped. He walks but he's off-balance, which leads to lots of falls. In the past two years he has experienced several significant injuries, including a fractured humerus, fractured ribs, sprained knee, and the latest, a fractured hip. Needless to say, the ER was very interested in all this. Our experience with CPS was overwhelmingly positive, however. The case worker came to the hospital to interview me and she was very concerned with the high level of stress in our home(DH is disabled and I have bipolar disorder.) There wasn't a lot she could do other than offer suggestions for accessing community services, which we had already done (Believe me, we have left no stone unturned.)

CPS is not interested in taking kids away from parents if they don't absolutely have to. But sometimes it's necessary for the welfare of the child. I hope this child's parents receive the assistance they need. This girl does sound like a handful. I have an older son who has severe ADHD and let me tell you, parenting him was no easy job.

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