I'm beyond upset over this

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

I was doing the routine hearing and vision screenings yesterday when i had a kindergarten student get upset when i called him. It's not the first time a student's been upset about having to do go to my office for screenings. I told him to come with me and the other student i was testing (i take them in pairs). He continued to cry but with some prodding by the teacher did. I told him to watch the other student do their screenings and that it was no big deal. This has rarely failed for me in the past. The student still refused, i tried to talk to him to see if something else was upsetting him and he teld me he didn't want to come into school that day, prefering to stay home to play. I sent him back to class but advised him that i'd have to call his parents to let them know. Well, when i called the parent I got my butt chewed out for not accepting his first refusal of the screenings - i tried my best to explain about letting him see that the screenings are no big deal and explained about the student being upset about being in school in general. I'm told that the student doesn't like to have his ears touched and doesn't like to be touched and that if the parent knew that there would be these screenings i would have been informed of this sooner. I'm thinking did this parent ever go to school? These are done in every school every year! On top of that I sent home a letter during their registration clearly explaining that these would occur. It's obvious that this was never read.

I thought it was all done and over with - told parents to send in a letter refusing screening and to provide me with documentation from the MD for normal screenings. So the letter comes in the next day RIPPING me apart. Stating that I was a STRANGER trying to touch him and forcing him to take scary medical tests. I mean come on! I take exception to that! The letter went on to say that i should have accepted his first refusal. Makes me wonder who rules the household at home.

I just wish that when i was on the phone with the parent that i remembered that i had successfully and without issue screenig his hair for lice.

Thanks for the vent.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

Geesh, that is a new low for irrational parents. Hello, screenings are usually a state law, they are not ways that the evil school nurse comes up with to torture innocent kids. I think all this parent succeeded in was making themselves look foolish. Try not to let it ruin your day. I know it sucks when we do the best by the kids and we get **** like that as our reward.

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

i feel for you firefighter. one year i had a parent send a letter to my principal stating that their child was exempt from any screening and if they needed to go to the health room, then the parent needed to be called first for approval. what the heck do they think we are doing to their child i see parental paranoia all the time. wonder what would happen if their child was seriously injured at school ? then what would our course be ??

don't let this "wacko" bring you down. just keep on doing the great job you do every day !

praiser :heartbeat

[BunnyBunnyBSNRN, ASN, BSN]

All I can say is, "Wow".

I'm with Praiser and Purple, don't let this get you down. Some people are frightened of what they don't know and it sounds like the educational level of this parent is fairly low. Keep your sweat up, never let them see your chin...o, wait, I think I have that wrong...sorry. Anyway, go home tonight, put your feet up, have a glass of wine (or four), if you drink, if not, a cup of cocoa and forget the day.

HUGS!

s

[bergren]

There is something else going on in this family. They are uncomfortable with a health professional that close to their child. Keep you antenna up.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I feel a bit calmer now over the whole thing. My big boss got ahold of the letter and was apperently livid with this parent and wants to have a face to face with her. I told my principal (who relayed this info) that i expect not to be part of this meeting (which would be a good thing) and that should i see this child for any reason that i may elect to get another staff member as an observer. this reply has been brought to you by the letters CYA :)

[noreenl]

You know what Martha I got the same "funny feeling" . I don't want to be naive or overly suspicious but sometimes .... If it were me I would definitely have someone else in th eroom. In fact I might even try to notify that parent about upcoming screenings to avoid the upset completely!n But I would still have another witness!!!!