Guidelines for contacting the school nurse

[jpearlRNBSN]

I am the only school nurse for a district with grade level schools at 6 buildings (kg and 1st split between two buildings, 2nd and 3rd at another building, 4th and 5th separate again, 6-8 at 'middle school', and 9-12 at the high school). I am spread thin enough as it is, but have recently experienced quite a few requests (from main office staff, who are often in the destination for a child sent from class with complaints when I am not in the building) to travel to another school building for minor complaints/ injuries, etc. My goal is to educate teachers and main office staff on "when to contact the school nurse, when to request that she come to your school, and when to call parents first". While I understand that my job is to provide first aid, it is very ineffecient to delay first aid while I travel between schools. Does anyone have suggestions for my little education project? I have a few ideas, but am envisioning a nice comprehensive list.

[zenman]

Are you an ex-elementary teacher? Please write in black font. Very difficult to read your post.

[jpearlRNBSN]

NO, not a former elementary teacher, just enjoy a little color.

[michigooseBSN]

I don't really have any suggestions for you but I'm full of admiration. I cannot imagine working under those conditions. In my town every school has a full time nurse and we're still run ragged. I think your job must be primarily educational (in other words, educating the auxilary staff in each building on first aid techniques and when to call 911). Good luck.

[bergren]

Have you seen your job description? Ask for it.

"While I understand that my job is to provide first aid..." I question that. If you are covering 6 schools, your job is pretty restricted to population services, and individual services for special education students. You certainly could do first aid if you are present, but any lay person can take a first aid course, that is not an RN only skill.

Figure out how much class time the students are missing by waiting. Bring those numbers to your adminstrator and ask for their support in changing the paradigm. Provide "first aid" kits for the classrooms - kids should not be even sent to office if minor scrapes and cuts. They should be taken care of in the classroom.

What are you wearing to work? If it is scrubs, you are communicating that you are the first aid, walk in clinic type nurse. If you wear street clothes it might help communicate that your job is bigger than that.