Good morning all! It's a rainy day here in Texas! I was just wondering how you guys handle your frequent flyers and the phantom vomiters. When do you bring the "hammer down" on calling home? Already this morning I've had a student say they "threw up this morning" but, as usual, they seems fine by the time they make it to me. I let them call mom but there was no answer (SURPRISE!). The teacher sent the student back down to make sure a message is left for mom, so naturally, a second call was made and a message was left. I've sent said student back to class with instructions to come back if they feel sick again.
So, to summarize, at what point are parents called or are you stricter with your phone call policy?
I'm going to go row out to my car now to get my jacket because our office is going through menopause at the moment...
Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.
Unless they are throwing up when they walk through the door, a teacher saw them do it, or they are a beautiful shade of green, I don't call home on the first clinic visit for "I threw up" or my stomach hurts. I usually let them rest 10-15 minutes and if no further symptoms happen it's back to class you go. If they visit a second time, I still don't feel it's legit, I will call and let mom/dad know they have visited me twice and I let them make the decision. I gotta see it before I believe it!
I'm pretty strict, unless they clearly look ill or vomiting is witnessed. I have so many teachers diagnose students with fever, and they are always disappointed when their temp is normal. I have a small clinic, and the cot is behind my assistant's desk. Students don't get to lie down unless they are injured, or parents are coming to get them. I'm not running a hotel, and ten minutes of rest is not going to magically make them feel better.
Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.
"I'm not running a hotel, and ten minutes of rest is not going to magically make them feel better."
I like to keep them with me for that little bit of time so that I can observe them, see how they are acting, checking to see if they will have a repeat episode.
I like to keep them with me for that little bit of time so that I can observe them, see how they are acting, checking to see if they will have a repeat episode.
I do keep them in the clinic for a few minutes, but they get to sit at my table instead of resting on the cot.
Try to stay dry! This is somewhat off-topic, but you reminded me re: asking about our 'hammers' that I've joked with my aides that sometimes, when one or more of our residents become too big of a problem (for too trivial reasons), we need one of those huge mallets that characters in the old cartoons used to whack someone over the head and knock 'em out. It never *hurt* anyone, it always just knocked 'em out for a bit.
Try to stay dry! This is somewhat off-topic, but you reminded me re: asking about our 'hammers' that I've joked with my aides that sometimes, when one or more of our residents become too big of a problem (for too trivial reasons), we need one of those huge mallets that characters in the old cartoons used to whack someone over the head and knock 'em out. It never *hurt* anyone, it always just knocked 'em out for a bit.
It depends on the day. And whether I am in honey badger mode or not.
With puke, if nobody witnessed it, I take a temp, give water, then wait. if nothing happens in 10 minutes, buh bye.
With FF of various ailments I often call a parent. This does help cut down on visits. I have also copied visit logs to let parents know how often it happens.
As for general calls FF or not, after 2 visits, I call home. That is our protocol.
I love the title of this. As you know, I'm not a school nurse. When it comes to little kids, I have a 6 ounce play hammer. "Awww, let me kiss the booboo. Here's a cartoon bandaid. Want an ibuprofen? Here's some jello. Come here, you can sit on my lap. Do you need cuddles?"
When it comes to adult FFs in my unit, I carry a twelve pound sledge.
"You've got ten minutes to call your family to come get you. After that, security will escort you out. YOU HAVE BEEN DISCHARGED FOR AN HOUR."
My first question for phantom vomiters is "what color was your throw up?" Let them rest & talk small talk, then ask what did you have for breakfast. MOST of the time the colors "don't match up." hehe. Unless you bring me a trash can with vomit (or adult sees it) or throw up in my office, back to class you go!!!
I made this comment about seeing the vomit.....my self induced vomiter brought her vomit in her hat and shoved it towards me....now she sits in front of me in front of a trash can.....no vomit....ever
Supernrse01, BSN
734 Posts
Unless they are throwing up when they walk through the door, a teacher saw them do it, or they are a beautiful shade of green, I don't call home on the first clinic visit for "I threw up" or my stomach hurts. I usually let them rest 10-15 minutes and if no further symptoms happen it's back to class you go. If they visit a second time, I still don't feel it's legit, I will call and let mom/dad know they have visited me twice and I let them make the decision. I gotta see it before I believe it!