I'm Stumped

[SnowyJ, RN]

Ok, the condensed version...

This past month I've had 2 4th grade girls fake getting their first period as a way to get out of class and possibly be sent home.

I am not sure how to proceed. I do not want to embarrass either one of them, but I feel it should be addressed. Both girls will try anything to get out of class.

What would you do?

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Faking in my office blows a kids credibility. I have addressed that directly with students before. If i catch them lying - i am not apt to believe them again. It's that simple. Once that credibility is blown, a student has to work really hard to show me that they are trust worthy. That being said This immediately came to mind:

[Farawyn]

I'm in a HS, we all go at the same time. I know when they are lying.

I don't know, Snowy. A 4th grader? I would maybe speak to the parents?

Or like Flare says, speak to the kids, but individually.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

Faking in my office blows a kids credibility. I have addressed that directly with students before. If i catch them lying - i am not apt to believe them again. It's that simple. Once that credibility is blown, a student has to work really hard to show me that they are trust worthy. That being said This immediately came to mind:

Funniest thing I have EVAH seen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Teach them to become the camp gyn:

But seriously, I've had middle school girls get their first period and it is not a ticket home. Call home, change of pants if needed (and new underwear - I stock that as well). And your first period can only happen once, ladies. Use it wisely...

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Faking in my office blows a kids credibility. I have addressed that directly with students before. If i catch them lying - i am not apt to believe them again. It's that simple. Once that credibility is blown, a student has to work really hard to show me that they are trust worthy. That being said This immediately came to mind:

Even being male, that was the first thing that came to mind. Hilarious! Definite positive to being male, not many girls coming to me unless they really need it (change of clothes, etc.)

[SnowyJ, RN]

LOL! Too funny.

Both of these girls were frequent flyers last year too. It go to the point where their teachers had to lay the law down. (Unless they were burning up with fever or vomiting, no nurse visit.)

We've had discussions about honesty, the "little boy who cried wolf," etc. Apparently, it has not made an impact.

Regarding this female issue, I just want to address it, but not make them feel embarrassed.

[SnowyJ, RN]

There are 4th graders, so if they get their first period, it can be scary for them. At that age, they often don't know much about it and need some guidance on how to manage. That is why I usually send them home.

[OldDude]

Nurse Barb G could handle this.

[Farawyn]

If you approach it in a matter of fact way, they won't be embarrassed.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

If you approach it in a matter of fact way, they won't be embarrassed.

This. I hate the stigma with a girl getting her period. It happens. I talk about the facts of why it happens. Girls relax a bit when I don't make a big deal and am prepared with pads and change of clothing. (Helps we wear uniforms; change of pants goes pretty un-noticed here).

While 4th grade is early for most, it can happen. Going home for a first period often gets the "class taking" in my small school (going home for any reason really), so that isn't always the best choice long term. But each kid is different.

[loveschoolnursing]

Nurse Barb G could handle this.

I think this situation calls for a Saltine!