Inner City Children

tonih79, LPN · May 5, 2016

I work in an inner city school with elementary 80% Hispanic with English as a second language. and I don't know any Spanish. Sometimes trying to explain the importance of eating a health breakfast and other teaching moments gets lost in translation. This is my first year as a school nurse and I continue to work in being patient and understand that this little bruise from last week probably doesn't hurt anymore but that my touch or empathy/sympathy may be all that he/she needs. I get a large box of fruit 2 bunches of bananas 48 apples and a bag of oranges weekly and I allow the kids that I know don't eat a lot at home to take a few with them. at the end of each day. I don't know where the fruit comes from is it a government grant that pays.. but that helps. I used to get frustrated with my frequent fliers.. (I still do at times) but I remind myself that I may be the only one who actually HEARS HIM. I used to always ask "well did you tell your parents about your (problem)" I don't ask this as much because the response was disheartening SO JUST GIVE THEM EXTRA TLC

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · May 6, 2016

I have a few kids that come down to "work" in the health office. During "non-essential" academic times they can come down and do some sweeping, packing band-aids, etc. Some kids love the sense of purpose and accomplishment. It's also possible to weave in some TLC at the same time.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 6, 2016

It is hard. My population is mixed; I have kids that are well taken care of, but I also have kids who I know that the breakfast and lunch they get in school may be the only two meals that are guaranteed that day. I have snacks and a cot that I have let some sleep-deprived kids sleep on.

We are lucky to have a specific person on staff and a private fund for children-in-need, but it does only stretch so far. We put food in nondescript backpacks for some kids to take home for the weekend. I have a stash of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent and back-up school uniforms. We have finally gotten to the point where the school is going to invest in an in-house washer and dryer for the kids that do not have access to one. I am the glasses fairy - getting kids that can't afford a new pair of glasses, glasses (and I let them pick out their own pair, which most kids of any age appreciate).

I try and get to "know" some kids, asking what their interests are outside of school and making a point of checking in with them and asking them about said interest; some of my kids love to draw and I have artwork in my office on display for them; I ask every frequent flier to leave me a little something that is specific to them and I ask them to sign it.

OP, from your post, can I assume you work with elementary aged kids? Do you have access to some outside school resources in your area? In MA, they have a great database that I've started using to find outside resources for students and families that need them, including afterschool, weekend, and summer options for kids that will go home to an empty apartment they feel lonely or unsafe in. There is only so much we can do in school. I work with the older kids, which means some of them are old enough to be their own best advocate if I can connect them to the right resource.

Flare, ASN, BSN · May 6, 2016

I'm not innercity, but my school has a v. high Hispanic population with a majority of those parents not speaking english or not speaking it well. Since we are a suburb, we don't deal with things like gunshots in the night although we are not immune. But we do deal with things like over crowded houses and children not having their own place to sleep.

I do similar things - try to keep snacks and juice on hand. Try to keep clothing, hats, gloves, etc on hand, particularly in the winter I am surprised how many children come to school (walking to school) in a light sweatshirt or longsleeve shirt and nothing else to protect them from the elements. I also downloaded duolingo to my phone and computer so that i can at least try and communicate a bit.

fawnmarie, ASN · May 6, 2016

It is hard. My population is mixed; I have kids that are well taken care of, but I also have kids who I know that the breakfast and lunch they get in school may be the only two meals that are guaranteed that day. I have snacks and a cot that I have let some sleep-deprived kids sleep on.
We are lucky to have a specific person on staff and a private fund for children-in-need, but it does only stretch so far. We put food in nondescript backpacks for some kids to take home for the weekend. I have a stash of toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, laundry detergent and back-up school uniforms. We have finally gotten to the point where the school is going to invest in an in-house washer and dryer for the kids that do not have access to one. I am the glasses fairy - getting kids that can't afford a new pair of glasses, glasses (and I let them pick out their own pair, which most kids of any age appreciate).
I try and get to "know" some kids, asking what their interests are outside of school and making a point of checking in with them and asking them about said interest; some of my kids love to draw and I have artwork in my office on display for them; I ask every frequent flier to leave me a little something that is specific to them and I ask them to sign it.
OP, for your post, can I assume you work with elementary aged kids? Do you have access to some outside school resources in your area? In MA, they have a great database that I've started using to find outside resources for students and families that need them, including afterschool, weekend, and summer options for kids that will go home to an empty apartment they feel lonely or unsafe in. There is only so much we can do in school. I work with the older kids, which means some of them are old enough to be their own best advocate if I can connect them to the right resource.

Thanks for your feedback, and thank you to the other posters who replied as well. Yes, I am in an elementary school, K-5th grade. There is a great deal of socioeconomic diversity in this school, with children from some very well-to-do families, and other children that live in public housing. The school zone includes a dangerous housing development, frequently seen on the nightly local news because of the shootings and gang activity that are commonplace. The school district does provide free breakfast every morning, and the school has a well-stocked clothing room with pants, shirts, and shoes for the needy kids. I have a supply of hygiene items, as well. What is heartbreaking to me, however, is sending a child home with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and knowing that no one is going to supervise his brushing, or reinforce what I have taught about oral hygiene. I think it's great that you can help your students get glasses! A nurse in my district was trying to help a child get glasses, and she finally got some assistance from a local rotary club. I ask questions and I do have a genuine interest in the kids. I want them to know that my office is a safe place, where there is a nurse who will take care of them. These children do not go to dance lessons or sports practice after school, they go home to apartments in unsafe neighborhoods, where there may or may not be a parent to fix dinner. It's a different world. I guess it's frustrating because I would like to do more...but what can I do? My heart aches for these kids, who don't have enough to eat and don't get the attention and nurturing that they need.

SnowyJ, RN · May 6, 2016

Suburbia here, but a good amount of poverty mixed with wealthier families.

We do a few things here.

*Free and reduced breakfast and lunch

*Backpack program where we send food home on Fridays. Parent volunteers pack up food from the Regional Food bank.

*Distribute clothing donations and also give vouchers to our local thrift store for clothing and household items.

*Adopt a Family and Christmas. We get money and gift card donations from local churches, Chamber Of Commerce, and school staff/families. People are extremely generous!

*After school homework help/literacy program.

*Distribute hygiene items as needed.

* Various parenting programs throughout the year.

*Little Library book program in neighborhood.

*Free summer "camp" where lunch is provided.

Keepstanding, ASN, RN · May 6, 2016

This post makes me very sad. While I complain about this job sometimes, and complain about the students who get on your last nerve.....I am still in this business for the children. They are why I'm here. I don't see many kids who truly live in poverty and experience rough living every day....thankfully. For those School Nurse's who do have these students, I tip my hat to you.

You are a shining light for their dark world and I Thank You for all you do for these unfortunate kids each day.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · May 6, 2016

I think it's great that you can help your students get glasses! A nurse in my district was trying to help a child get glasses, and she finally got some assistance from a local rotary club.

If you are a member of NASN this is program where they can help you obtain eye care and glasses. VSP

fawnmarie, ASN · May 6, 2016

This post makes me very sad. While I complain about this job sometimes, and complain about the students who get on your last nerve.....I am still in this business for the children. They are why I'm here. I don't see many kids who truly live in poverty and experience rough living every day....thankfully. For those School Nurse's who do have these students, I tip my hat to you.
You are a shining light for their dark world and I Thank You for all you do for these unfortunate kids each day.

Sorry, Praiser, I didn't intend to make anyone sad. This thread has motivated me to learn even more about the students I take care of, and find ways to let them know they are special. I would like to hear more! Please share your experiences with inner city children, and if you are someone who grew up in a neighborhood like I have described, please tell us how you survived.

Graduatenurse14 · May 6, 2016

I was a teacher for years before becoming a nurse and taught in two large Northeastern city school districts. In both I was in the inner-city part in rough, out of control, under-performing schools. It was sad a lot but the nurses were awesome and went above and beyond the same things that you all do.

In the smaller district, all of the nurses have to be FNPs (maybe that changed now but I doubt it) since it might be the only healthcare provider the students would ever see.

tining, BSN, RN · May 17, 2016

I went from an affluent elem to a low socioeconomic elem and I quickly learned what NOT to ask. What did you get for Christmas? I got cookies! (gleeful smile from student, pure utter heartbreak from me) I don't ask about spring break trips or summer vacations. I do want them to know they can come to me for anything, we have to be their safe place.