Frustrated !!

Published

Specializes in School Nursing.

I have one teacher who constantly "bums" pads from me in the clinic. I have told her that I am limited as to how many times I can loan her pads (for which she never pays back) . I am on a limited budget and can only afford to buy so many packs of pads for the entire school year. I keep them on hand for my 4th/5th grade girls who have started their periods at school. The woman does not get it. I am down to 5 pads left for the rest of the year. She has used up at least 2 per day this week so far.

How do I nicely let her know that she cannot use the clinic as her source for personal products ???

Thanks,

Praiser

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

I'd tell her point blank - the supply's dried up and you don't have any to spare at all. I'd also tell her that you only have enough of a budget for so many and between the students and her she should really look into buying a bag of her favorite and you'll keep them on hand for her use only. Then again, i tend to tell it like it is...

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Tell her to use to toilet paper if she is going to forget to bring her own pads. The pads you have, are for the kids, not for her. I would be straight forward with her.

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You have established an unfortunate precedent. Now, you need to set a new boundary.

Be straight and to the point--Sorry, can't do it. Don't add a lot of explanations unless she pushes you.

Would you give me a pad, please.

Sorry, can't do it.

Why not? You did before.

Yes, it was wrong of me to do that.

Can't you give me just one.

Sorry, no.

Why not.

The pads are for the students.

Just one, please.

Sorry, no.

Keep answering like a broken record and she'll eventually go away. I wouldn't waste ten seconds feeling bad or responsible for her problems. This is an adult in a position of authority. If she can't handle her own personal hygiene, something is wrong.

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Specializes in Staff nurse.

Doesn't the facilty lounge/bathroom have a kotex machine? Direct her to that.

Don't feel bad about it. Does she bum lunches off the cafeteria staff?

Does she bum pencils, pens, paper, markers, staplers, etc, off the school store?

Does she park in the principal's parking spot?

Does she use the phone system for personal long-distance calls?

You may have tried to help her out earlier and now she is taking advantage of that kindness. I agree, do the broken record thing. Don't feel guilty for being nice or helpful before, you can tell her you don't want to be an enabler, that the pads are for the kids.

OR you can charge all teachers 25-50 cents for pads. That will stop it, I bet!

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Specializes in med/surg, OB, NBN, school health.

Tell her you are out. Every time. Works great for me. : )

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Specializes in Peds ER.

ITA with Miranda. Be blunt and to the point. That is ridiculous.

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You ever try a little pepper sauce on those pads?

Yes, I know I'm sooo bad...

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Specializes in school nursing.
You ever try a little pepper sauce on those pads?

Yes, I know I'm sooo bad...

:) you and I would get along great!!!

My advice to the original poster is.... just put your foot down and say NO! I am tired of staff thinking that the nurse's office is wal-mart. Give me a break!

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