First Timers

iggywench, BSN, RN · May 1, 2018

I usually tell them to carry an extra pencil bag, or some sort of zippered pouch with some underwear and pads in it. I also will demonstrate how to put a pad in a pair of underwear, if a girl doesn't understand how to do that. I offer for them to call their moms, or I will call their mom for them if they are not comfortable doing it themselves.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · May 2, 2018

Check for the student's understanding (all my summer campers but one knew this was coming). With the one, we got mom on the phone so that mom could discuss the subject in the way that was "appropriate for the family." I had no problem discussing menstruation but I wondered why the parent hadn't.

Flare, ASN, BSN · May 2, 2018

i have had girls come in and have gathered it hasn't quite been their first time but then figured out that they were needed more information than what they were given at home. One encounter that springs to mind is a girl that came in in tears thinking something was wrong because she kept bleeding through the pads only to find that all she was offered at home was panty shields so that's what she assumed was all that was available. She was amazed by the regular pad. Simple fix, happy ending.

AdobeRN · May 2, 2018

I find these talks difficult with other peoples kids. While I am of the mindset the more correct info the kids have the better there are so many parents that do not agree - every year with the 5th grade hygiene/puberty video I always get about a dozen or so kids not allowed to watch. I call parents first to make sure we are all on the same page with info.

I do tell the girls to bring in a little bag with extra underwear and whatever pads/products they use to keep in my bathroom. I tell them just to tell the teacher the need to go see the nurse for personal reasons and the teacher will let them come see me. I tell them they don't need to ask to use my bathroom just to go take of business and head back to class - I try to make it as comfortable as possible for them.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 2, 2018

Check for the student's understanding (all my summer campers but one knew this was coming). With the one, we got mom on the phone so that mom could discuss the subject in the way that was "appropriate for the family." I had no problem discussing menstruation but I wondered why the parent hadn't.

This. Some parents I know I need to just call when this happens and hand the phone off to the student.

But I have no problem being honest with a student at their appropriate developmental level. I carry pads, tampons, extra underwear, and extra uniform pants for the girls that need them. I have a poster of the menstrual cycle in my office and use to explain if needed. And for any girl's first time, I always call home. I will ask the student if they'd like to tell mom(other parent/guardian) themselves, but most want me to do it :).

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · May 2, 2018

I have a poster of the menstrual cycle in my office and use to explain if needed.

^That's genius!!^

OldDude · May 2, 2018

Two years ago, 5th grade became part of elementary school in our district so I deal with this more and more...I just write the girls up with a discipline referral and send them to the principal. :whistling:

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 3, 2018

I used to sing "This Girl is A Women Now"....

pedi_nurse · May 8, 2018

Since I'm at a middle school, most of the girls have some familiarity about the issue even if they've never started. I'm of the opinion that patient education plays a big role and that girls will be less stressed if they understand what their body is doing. I don't talk about or answer questions about sex, of course, but I do tell them the basics from an anatomical/physiological perspective. I offered adult wipes to clean themselves up, keep a new underwear stash, and pads (sometimes tampons if we get free samples, but very few girls want those). I also offer to store and extra change of underwear/pants/supplies in the clinic, though I have very few take me up on that offer. I allow girls to use the restroom in the clinic once or twice, but if I notice it is becoming a habit, I have them take extra supplies with them for the rest of the day. At this point, it's definitely still awkward, but they also need to learn some personal responsibility in this area.

pedi_nurse · May 8, 2018

Since I'm at a middle school, most of the girls have some familiarity about the issue even if they've never started. I'm of the opinion that patient education plays a big role and that girls will be less stressed if they understand what their body is doing. I don't talk about or answer questions about sex, of course, but I do tell them the basics from an anatomical/physiological perspective. And I always ask if they want to call a parent. I offer adult wipes to clean themselves up, keep a new underwear stash, and pads (sometimes tampons if we get free samples, but very few girls want those). I also offer to store and extra change of underwear/pants/supplies in the clinic, though I have very few take me up on that offer. I allow girls to use the restroom in the clinic once or twice, but if I notice it is becoming a habit, I have them take extra supplies with them for the rest of the day. At this point, it's definitely still awkward, but they also need to learn some personal responsibility in this area.

I should add that I live in a conservative "Bible belt" state and definitely expect one day to have an issue with a parent about this topic, but I feel strongly that I educate according to what is age appropriate.

Guests · May 9, 2018

That would suck to start at school. I k now I will need to be prepared probably next Summer when my daughter is 11 and going off to overnight camp for three weeks- no signs of anything yet, so for this Summer I think I am in the clear. My school is only K-2 right now so thankfully have not dealt with that YET, but next year I am K-3 and there are a few second grade girls this year who are looking like puberty is knocking on their door.