fecal painting

[michigooseBSN]

Has anyone had experience with in-school fecal smearing (in the girl's bathroom)? We are having a horrible time identifying the responsible party so she can get help. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

[TAB_RN]

Are you serious????

[michigooseBSN]

I am completely serious. Some third or fourth grade girl has been doing this for several months and we are nowhere near solving the problem. The principal's suggestion has been to close that bathroom and have all these girls (72 or so of them) use the nurse's bathroom which has severely impacted my ability to do my job. It is driving me crackers!

[vashtee, RN]

I have to wonder what kind of kid would do such a revolting thing. She must be seriously messed up.

[elizabells, BSN, RN]

It used to happen at least once a year when I worked at a summer camp. To the best of my recollection we never found out who it was. I don't have any suggestions, just support. This is a tough thing to deal with.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

I have seen this before and mostly with boys. Very hard to find the one who does this. Maybe after you know when this has happened, do a hand check. The fingernails may tell the secret....??? Teachers may need to monitor who they let go to the bathroom and when. I hope you will narrow this down and the problem will go away.. Good luck !

Praiser

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

We had this problem in an elementary school where I worked. Never did find out who did it but the teacher had to go with the kids to the bathroom and when the kids came out the teacher inspected the bathroom. It stopped the behavior but we never did find out who or why they did it.

[rph3664]

What is the possibility that a teacher or other staff member may be doing this?

[luvschoolnursing, LPN]

I suppose it is possible, but since several of us so far have said we have seen it in elementary schools, I would think it is more likely it is a student. If it were a staff member, I think it would be much more isolated.

[bergren]

"Older children may soil intentionally, sometimes smearing the feces on wall or clothing or hiding feces around the house. Children who show this pattern of soiling behavior often have clinical behavior problems such as conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder."

http://www.minddisorders.com/Del-Fi/Elimination-disorders.html

[michigooseBSN]

Thought you might like an update. It took the combined efforts of many staff members and many meetings but we finally identified the child. She was one of several suspected girls who have known serious emotional and family issues. She is now receiving psychological help. This was a really difficult problem but I am proud to say that the emphasis here among the staff was not one of "stopping it" or "punishing the culprit" but getting emergency help for a very troubled child. This was not a "disgusting" child, but a child in serious pain.

[bergren]

Thanks for letting us know and that all of the caring professionals were on the same page.