I feel like I'm losing.

NurseBeans, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 30, 2017

That's what the admin said to me, she said I'm not in trouble or anything, so I need to stop to thinking of it as if I am. That we just need to work together and I shouldn't feel bad to ask questions because this is my first year as a nurse and I just need practice.

You have ADHD, right? There's a thing called rejection sensitive dysphoria, it's pretty unique to ADHD and sometimes bipolar patients. You do one thing wrong, or one person says something or does something even slightly critical, and you go on this downward spiral. Been there myself...sounds like you are getting a bit of criticism and then spiralling. Try to give yourself some grace. This job is tough, and there's a learning curve. Also, sometimes people are going to be angry NO MATTER WHAT you do.

ohiobobcat · Mar 30, 2017

That we just need to work together and I shouldn't feel bad to ask questions because this is my first year as a nurse and I just need practice.

Be careful!! I don't know if this is administration or you referring to yourself as a nurse, but that needs to stop. You are NOT a nurse, and you and administration need to be careful about referring to you or your position as such, and also that you are not practicing outside your scope of practice.

That being said, I sense from this post, and from others I have read from you, that you are really struggling with you role in the school. This is a tough position for an RN with years of experience to adjust to (as many of us have found out, including myself). It would be best for you and your administration to sit down and really figure out what your role is in the school, with the emphasis on your scope of practice. The biggest concern I would have is that CMAs are not allowed to triage independently (from my understanding anyways- please correct me if I am wrong). If the school is asking you to do this as part of your duties, both you and the school can be in a world of hurt if something is missed during your assessment.

I am not trying to bring you down, I just want you to be careful!! Protect yourself and don't let the school try to push you into a role you are not licensed for.

WineRN · Mar 30, 2017

I'm in a charter school, so they kinda try to skim on that. There is a school health manager that we can call and ask questions to about things, but I tend to try to not call her because she tends to get angry on me because I'm suppose to know what to do at this point and asking her now would look bad.

My opinion, maybe your boss needs to be made angry in order to realize that you are being dumped on. I would explain that recently the admins in your building have been asking you to do things that you are not LEGALLY able to do because they are outside your scope of practice.

Farawyn · Mar 30, 2017

So, the schools want nurses, but they don't want to pay them, so they hire A and make her feel like crap for not being a nurse.

I get it.

((((((A))))))

ohiobobcat · Mar 30, 2017

So, the schools want nurses, but they don't want to pay them, so they hire A and make her feel like crap for not being a nurse.
I get it.
((((((A))))))

I think you hit the nail on the head, Far.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Mar 30, 2017

Amethya, I would call your state BoN and discuss what they are asking you to do. I realize that you like your job and don't want to jeopardize it, but it sounds like you may be on a cliff totally exposed. In the immediate, I would EMAIL every parent, this leaves a traceable proof of correspondence. It may be tedious, but worthwhile for your security. You need to see this for what it is and go into CYA mode. Sorry your school is putting you in this predicament.

Farawyn · Mar 30, 2017

Amethya, I would call your state BoN and discuss what they are asking you to do. I realize that you like your job and don't want to jeopardize it, but it sounds like you may be on a cliff totally exposed. In the immediate, I would EMAIL every parent, this leaves a traceable proof of correspondence. It may be tedious, but worthwhile for your security. You need to see this for what it is and go into CYA mode. Sorry your school is putting you in this predicament.

Why the BON? She is not a nurse.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Mar 30, 2017

A lot of states BoN has oversight of CMAs, GNAs and CNAs. They also would know the exclusive responsibility of a nurse.

Daisy4RN · Mar 30, 2017

Agree with other posts that state you better be careful with who is calling you a "nurse" if you are a CMA. Maybe this is the problem with your admin, they don't see the difference between a CMA and a nurse, and this will get you both in big trouble, not to mention the stress its puts you in trying to live up to their expectations (as a nurse when you are not). You should have a meeting with the nurse and admin to clarify your job description, come prepared with past experiences, expectations and questions. Good luck!

Graduatenurse14 · Mar 30, 2017

Aren't Charter Schools public schools in TX? They are in my northern state. They have great autonomy with curriculum and that kind of stuff but I would think the school nurse requirements would be the same.

Workitinurfava, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2017

You are being used and if I were you I would clarify my duties and make real sure that you aren't working outside the scope of your title. You could get into some serious trouble down the line. You aren't prepared to act as a nurse because well... you aren't a nurse.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Mar 31, 2017

The culmination of all these replies is to tell you that your employer is putting you in a precarious position that makes you go into gray or black areas that violate the nurse practice act of your state for a bottom line savings. The company will not be fined, though really, they should, it will be you who loses your license and punished the hardest. I would be on this all day with your public school system or licensing board. I would clarify exactly what scope you can practice under and what you can not do.