Invites to IEPs

[jess11RN]

I am frequently the last person considered when it comes to IEPs. Recently, I was given a 5 day notice to an IEP meeting and even more recently, an IEP meeting was rescheduled and I had no idea until they called me...DURING the meeting.

It doesn't help that I cover 2 schools (so out of sight, out of mind, I suppose) but the communication is lacking. I've tried several times to talk to people about this issue, but no matter how much I try, things seem to be getting worse.

Folks are genuinely apologetic, so I can't get too upset, but I'm wondering if you all face the same issues? Is there a certain process that you follow that seems to help?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately, you've called it correctly: You're out of sight.

And nobody has time for rescheduling....I hate it but I'm still on campus so I can invite myself whenever I feel like it.

What I've asked for is a list of all the ARDs and IEPs (and that has been provided to me). I only feel it's imperative for me to be physically present when I medicate or do another nursing intervention, or I feel that my presence will help move the process along for the student to obtain medication or another intervention.

You absolutely cannot care more than your professional partners. Ask for the list, review who needs you most, and try to be there when you can. Best of luck.

[AdobeRN]

I have access to the campus ARD/IEP/504 outlook calendar - I monitor it - its about 50/50 chance whether I get an actual invite to the ones I need to go to. If I don't get invited I don't worry about it - they will eventually come to me if needed.

[KeeperOfTheIceRN, ADN]

I'm in the same boat except that I'm never called. I'll get approached by my principal who will request something after the fact. But I've been to one meeting (not even an official IEP or 504) in the 4 years I've been here and that was at the request of the parents because we had already been discussing their student's condition.

So yeah. Out of sight, out of mind for sure.

[CanIcallmymom, BSN, RN]

I am invited to most medical 504 meetings. They are usually brief so they do not interfere with too much. Our counselor who handles the 504s is very good at including me in them. IEPs though, not so much.

[kidzcare]

I work in a large enough district that we have an entirely separate position for nurses who do IEP paperwork and that is the position I have.

All I do is go to IEP meetings and get health histories and updates for annual reviews. Sometimes (like the other day when we sent a kid out 911) I'm asked to fill in as a building nurse.

I'm always there for initial IEP meetings but I don't go to annual reviews unless there are significant medical concerns. I'm often not thought of for review meetings and such though when the evaluation team is meeting to discuss eligibility and placement for students.