I could cry....

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I've got another student who thinks she is pregnant. I can counsel until I go blue in the face- this is the second pregnancy scare for her this year. She's only in 9th grade. I don't use this term loosely, but she's dumb as a brick (both book smarts and common sense). There is a family history of a genetic problem that she is a carrier for, and if she even realizes how serious it is, she doesn't care. She can barely take care of herself, much less a child, even less a child with a genetic problem.

:banghead:

Family doesn't care. Mom's too high to care, and Dad doesn't think there is a problem and "she doesn't need birth control". They've finally made her an appointment to confirm pregnancy. :crying2: It's not fair.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

so sad indeed :crying2: what else can you do.......you are a good person for caring as much as you do. god bless you aneroo :nurse:

praiser :heartbeat

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This is the changing generation trend that we're starting to see. Very few grandmothers are around to teach/instruct; they're working or ill. Mother is trying to act and look like daughter. Dad is doing the street thing too. Very few have strong stable functional family foundations. I also work with 9th grader 14 and 15 year old preg girls who are shuffled around unconcerned or overworked parents. CPS people are short-staffed, we can say so much in regards to sex education and the students go out and try it. No one is home or they give them room to roam here and there.

Just as in the hospital, I try not to get too tangled up with each individual because I can only do so much. I put a lot into each kid when they are at school with me, but then I have to let it go when I clock out. I used to get so stressed while working in the hospital that I couldn't stand for my DH to turn on the news right before I went to work on a trauma/med-surg floor. So keep up the good work and utilize area resources when possible to lessen the load.

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Specializes in OR, HH.

If the parents don't care about her wellbeing, then maybe they are unfit and should be reported (annonymously;) to APS. I would definetly report them. Just because they are a mess doesn't mean this has to be generational. With the appropriate help she might be ok and not need to have SEX in the 9th grade.

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.
If the parents don't care about her wellbeing, then maybe they are unfit and should be reported (annonymously;) to APS. I would definetly report them. Just because they are a mess doesn't mean this has to be generational. With the appropriate help she might be ok and not need to have SEX in the 9th grade.

They're already involved! I reported them for something else a little over a month ago. She was my first CPS report.

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Specializes in OR, HH.

That is horrible. Well I guess all that you can do is keep contacting CPS and if they can build a good enough case against the parents then maybe she has a chance.

Maybe you could be that person that is able to be a role model and really influence this child. Talk to her, its worth a try. I'm sure you already have, but I had to just say it. You could maybe be that one person that can make a difference.

I don't mean to sound Pollyanish, coming from a Mom who knows; their 9 and 12 year olds friends, who they ate lunch with, how their day was, what their homework is for the night, what upcoming projects are due, takes them to Santa Barbara ovenight when one has a project due on the Mission, etc, etc.

BTW what school district are you in?

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Specializes in school nursing.

Last year, I had a student deliver 2 weeks before her 13th birthday. When that baby was 7 months old - she was pregnant again. Parents thought it was cute! Disgusting......

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Specializes in OR, HH.

I understand privacy laws, but I am so curious to know what City, State that these girls live in!!!!

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Specializes in School Nursing and Dialysis.

They are in any city, state, in the United States. I have an 18 year old junior student who is on her 3rd baby. No reason for it when my girls can go to the health department at age 12 and get free birth control without their parent's consent or knowledge. I believe it is a socio-economic issue. More babies equal more money. The situation goes full circle when you realize that most of your teen mothers came from teen moms themselves. Just a little rant I have every now and then.....

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

Say a little prayer for me. I've caught this girl in TWO boldfaced lies to me today about this. Mom knows something is up because I called home to ask if the student went to the doctor on Friday and of course, the answer was no.

I'm taking another nurse with me and we're going to the house this afternoon so the student can test (so she'll do it at home so I'm not stuck with breaking the rules and having her test at school) and we can talk to parents about either a. prenatal care or b. birth control.

I'm honestly terrified of going. She has a rough home life. Thank God I have some moral support!

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Specializes in OR, HH.

I you are in fear of your safety and knowing her home life then you really shouldn't go. Doesn't sound too great.

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

And another update- the student didn't tell me she had an IEP meeting this afternoon, so Mom is here at the school and the student told the PRINCIPAL she had to go home so I could meet her there.

Mom said "If she's telling you she's pregnant, that's a lie. I keep track of her cycles and know when she starts and when she stops" and proceeded to tell me WAY too much information about the students last cycle. :lol2:

I'm mad that the girl is STILL lying. Mom is coming by the school tomorrow at 1:30 and we'll all talk together. I will still work next week during spring break. Transportation is an issue for them, so I am going to let them know I will be more than happy to take her to the health department to be seen to r/o std and discuss birth control options.

I'm relieved to know there is almost no chance that she is, although I could pull my hair out.

I need a strong drink tonight. :lol2:

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