I'm not sure what they expect!- Small vent

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

What I want to say...

Listen, if you don't want little Johnny to go home then stop sending him to me multiple times throughout the day. I can only do so much, and if I have seen the same kid, for the same reason, multiple times, I am going to call home to see what the parent wants to do. Obviously, what I am doing/trying is not working and the little snowflake is going to continue until Mom says "no more" or they decide to pick him up.

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Specializes in School Nurse.
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They want you to tell the kid they need to stay in class, so they don't have to. However, it puts you in a bad predicament. If a kid comes to see me several times in a day, I feel an obligation to call the parent. And if the parent decides to pick up, that is their decision.

If the student goes home and tells parents they saw you multiple times, then they will be upset with you for not making contact.

One of those darned if you do, darned if you don't situations.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
They want you to tell the kid they need to stay in class, so they don't have to. However, it puts you in a bad predicament. If a kid comes to see me several times in a day, I feel an obligation to call the parent. And if the parent decides to pick up, that is their decision.

If the student goes home and tells parents they saw you multiple times, then they will be upset with you for not making contact.

One of those darned if you do, darned if you don't situations.

True this! I used to use the 3 strikes rule and call parents with the 3rd visit. Now I usually call with the 2nd visit.

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True this! I used to use the 3 strikes rule and call parents with the 3rd visit. Now I usually call with the 2nd visit.

Me too! You can't make them all happy, goodness knows I've tried!

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Specializes in School nurse.
They want you to tell the kid they need to stay in class, so they don't have to. However, it puts you in a bad predicament. If a kid comes to see me several times in a day, I feel an obligation to call the parent. And if the parent decides to pick up, that is their decision.

If the student goes home and tells parents they saw you multiple times, then they will be upset with you for not making contact.

One of those darned if you do, darned if you don't situations.

This! For non automatic exclusions, febrile, vomit etc., After visit number 2 or maybe 3 depending, I call. It's up to the parent after that. I chart it as (whatever ailment) "persists", parent chose to take home. Oh and mom can talk to Susie or Joey for 2 min max while on speaker phone. No scuzzing up my phone with germs or negotiating world peace while tying up my line.

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Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..
Oh and mom can talk to Susie or Joey for 2 min max while on speaker phone. No scuzzing up my phone with germs or negotiating world peace while tying up my line.

My phone doesn't have speaker!

I use an alcohol pad after the kid is done talking before I take it back, parents are probably wondering what the funny noise is.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.
They want you to tell the kid they need to stay in class, so they don't have to. However, it puts you in a bad predicament. If a kid comes to see me several times in a day, I feel an obligation to call the parent. And if the parent decides to pick up, that is their decision.

If the student goes home and tells parents they saw you multiple times, then they will be upset with you for not making contact.

One of those darned if you do, darned if you don't situations.

Exactly! I'm not allowing myself to be put in that situation, for sure!

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.
True this! I used to use the 3 strikes rule and call parents with the 3rd visit. Now I usually call with the 2nd visit.

I will normally call with the 2nd visit, as well. I figure the 3rd visit is within walking distance so I may as well just go ahead and call.

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I love when they do this and then you see the teacher later and they say something like "You know he was just trying to get out of test/presentation" or "She was in trouble, that's why her stomach was hurting". Believe it or not, I'm not psychic! A note, an email, a phone call with a heads up would be helpful! Similarly, if the parent emailed you to say that little Timmy has been sick, tell me that when you send him down and I will call on the first visit, thanks.

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Specializes in School nursing.
I love when they do this and then you see the teacher later and they say something like "You know he was just trying to get out of test/presentation" or "She was in trouble, that's why her stomach was hurting". Believe it or not, I'm not psychic! A note, an email, a phone call with a heads up would be helpful! Similarly, if the parent emailed you to say that little Timmy has been sick, tell me that when you send him down and I will call on the first visit, thanks.

We're supposed to read minds! We're that special... :sarcastic:

Kids expect I can read their minds as well when they just hand me their pass and blink at me. Or hand it to me with a "I don't feel well" (and never a hi before it).

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I love when they do this and then you see the teacher later and they say something like "You know he was just trying to get out of test/presentation" or "She was in trouble, that's why her stomach was hurting". Believe it or not, I'm not psychic! A note, an email, a phone call with a heads up would be helpful! Similarly, if the parent emailed you to say that little Timmy has been sick, tell me that when you send him down and I will call on the first visit, thanks.

YES, THIS!!

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