How do you tell your MS/HS kids it's only a cold?

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2016

I don't if there is such wordage, but battling a cold myself at the moment, I have blown my nose, used hand sanitizer, and smiled at some of those kiddos, saying "I'm here pushing through during a cold, so I think you can to."

But I do work with the older kids and take the time to explain some things. But I also have tried this: yes, a cold can leave you feeling not so great. But that not great isn't severe enough to stay home, but can be annoying enough to make your day a little harder. Your body knows what to do and you can help it out by getting more sleep, drinking more water, and treating yourself to a hot shower right before bed. And yes, you are going back to class. (I do have OTC if parents sign off, so can give some acetaminophen for sinus pressure if it is bad. Kids do expect me to stock everything, however! That is a different thread...)

My recent issue is vomiting/nausea due to post nasal drip. I sent a kid with some terrible nasal congestion back to class twice yesterday (it was a student that misses a lot of school, so worth it to fight the cold battle in this case). Poor thing vomited (gagging mostly) due to post nasal drip and, of course, was in my office for the third time. Even the kid apologized as the student knew it was a cold! But I knew at the point I was losing the battle with the teacher when they heard "vomit." Called home and the parent did pick up and understood. I do expect the student back in school today and told parent if she was willing, she was welcome.

DEgalRN · Dec 14, 2016

I find that validating how bad they feel goes a long way. I also explain that no one goes home for a cold because they always want things to be "fair." For the most part I can push Advil and Tylenol for the sinus pressure, and that usually placates most of them. Often times being firm is what works. It takes time to change attitudes, so if you're new to the school, and changing the ways things work, push back is to be expected. But, you do you! Colds are not a reason to go home even if they're sometimes a reason to stay home!

Just keep explaining and explaining and explaining. Ask if they would really expect to stay home for a week or more for a cold to pass? Sometimes common sense is all they need too.

Farawyn · Dec 14, 2016

I like the, "yea, me too, I have a cold!" approach.

I also do employ the "suck it up and go back to class. It's gonna be a long winter." :bag:

verdeacres · Dec 14, 2016

We are not allowed to give stock meds, the parents have to provide med and sign a form. I think with stock meds, it would be easier. I do explain, educate, etc., but their stares are dumbfounded due to the change in policy. Just venting! Thanks for the insight! Keep the ideas coming!

Farawyn · Dec 14, 2016

We are not allowed to give stock meds, the parents have to provide med and sign a form. I think with stock meds, it would be easier. I do explain, educate, etc., but their stares are dumbfounded due to the change in policy. Just venting! Thanks for the insight! Keep the ideas coming!

I don't think I like the idea of stock meds for the kids outside of Benedryl and Epi in case of allergic reaction.

Just my own preference.

I have some kids who try to take Advil every day just cause they have an order. Kids don't need daily Advil. I usually call the parents if I see the kids coming frequently.

And I'm sorry if I come off as having an attitude, but some kids NEED to suck it up. These are mostly healthy students, not patients.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Dec 14, 2016

I agree - validate that feeling bad with a cold stinks. "Oh! having a cold stinks!" "I hate that" those type of things... but then gently break it to them that you can't give them any medications (unless they are the lucky ones that you can) and you can't send them home for those symptoms. I Then give them the practical things they can do while in school - more fluids, don't touch their (cute little) faces, lots of hands washing and rest when possible. If your school offers recess, today isn't the day to get involved with a hardcore basketball game - however some nice fresh air would be great!

Also i agree with Far, i'm for a big fan of stock meds - i don't like the idea that i can't guarantee that nothing wasn't given at home and i'll echo her point of possibility of reaction. I get the fact that parents have to sign off, but that doesn't mean that Jimmy didn't take advil at 7:00 and is asking me again for it at 9:00. I feel it lacks checks and balances, especially in older kids.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Dec 14, 2016

I don't think I like the idea of stock meds for the kids outside of Benedryl and Epi in case of allergic reaction.
Just my own preference.
I have some kids who try to take Advil every day just cause they have an order. Kids don't need daily Advil. I usually call the parents if I see the kids coming frequently.
And I'm sorry if I come off as having an attitude, but some kids NEED to suck it up. These are mostly healthy students, not patients.

Not coming across as an attitude to me, Far!

OTC meds are a double-edged sword. I love having them for menstrual cramps (which can truly be uncomfortable without them), but seriously, some kids do believe everything pain requires a pill. It can be hard to explain to kids, that, yes, sometimes you will experience discomfort in your body. And that is actually normal.

I just got an ice maker and have found actual ice (that MS kids love to eat) is amazing and when offered to a student vs. taking an OTC can be a miracle! I have also called home prior to giving an OTC if needed to confirm parental permission and/or if student has taken any additional medication at home.

(But I am also grateful for them when it does come to kids with migraines, which I have been seeing an increase in. Stress likely plays a large role and does not help, I know. But I am usually talking a lot to the parents with that one.)

DEgalRN · Dec 14, 2016

I don't think I like the idea of stock meds for the kids outside of Benedryl and Epi in case of allergic reaction.
Just my own preference.
I have some kids who try to take Advil every day just cause they have an order. Kids don't need daily Advil. I usually call the parents if I see the kids coming frequently.
And I'm sorry if I come off as having an attitude, but some kids NEED to suck it up. These are mostly healthy students, not patients.

I actually agree with you 95%. There are some genuine need for them during the school hours, but not nearly to the degree that kids think they need them. And then they get all angsty if I don't want to give them meds and then I get calls from parents. ::sigh::

I would love, love, love if they were just allowed to carry their own advil and tylenol. Have parents fill out and OTC permission form for the meds, I'll keep it on file, and then kids can carry their own around in the bottle it came in (no random pills in baggies!).

BeckyESRN · Dec 14, 2016

I love my stock benadryl, it has come in handy many, many times. Luckily, my instructions are just "for allergy symptoms" so I've been able to save a few parents from having to pick up their little darlings when the outdoor allergens caused a problem. I work with elementary kiddos and I use the "I know you're not feeling 100%, but sometimes we have to be in school even if we feel a little sick or a little tired" I also love "A cold my have been a reason a to stay home, but it's not a reason to go home" especially for my 5th graders. I've even said "It's a cold, you'll live. I promise" to certain older kids!

Farawyn · Dec 14, 2016

DEgal, it's not that I'm against it. I have migraines, back issues, cramps that are severe, etc, as well as the occasional bad headache, and I am grateful for the Advil/Tylenol order.

It's the kids that come in all the time because it's on file. Stop. Suck it up.

And no, I don't want kids walking around with pills. I know they do, and that can't be helped. I'm not going to go ballistic and start searching back packs. But to encourage kids to carry pills around? No.

Benzo abuse, as well as abuse of ADHD meds is a HUGE issue in my school.

Nope. No pills.

DEgalRN · Dec 14, 2016

DEgal, it's not that I'm against it. I have migraines, back issues, cramps that are severe, etc, as well as the occasional bad headache, and I am grateful for the Advil/Tylenol order.
It's the kids that come in all the time because it's on file. Stop. Suck it up.
And no, I don't want kids walking around with pills. I know they do, and that can't be helped. I'm not going to go ballistic and start searching back packs. But to encourage kids to carry pills around? No.
Benzo abuse, as well as abuse of ADHD meds is a HUGE issue in my school.
Nope. No pills.

Absolutely (and I didn't take it as you having an attitude at all!). I don't have the same problem with substance abuse at my school, so that probably makes me more lenient in wanting to let kids handle their own OTC meds.

I understand the concern that comes along with that, so I don't plan on pushing the issue in my school or district (not that it ever go anywhere, anyway!). I guess it's just a pipe dream that teenagers can be trusted to handle certain aspects of their lives themselves responsibly. lol