ixchel's What I Learned This Week, 12/26: Not a Creature was Stirring

[Farawyn]

Not even a Louse.

Lice.

Nits.

Oh deers!

These words have been known to strike fear into the hearts of every School Nurse. For one reason, and one reason, only. The Teachers.

There are about 5 threads on the SN Board right now talking about lice. For those that don't veer shockingly off topic, the theme that comes up ad nauseum is the teachers' lack of understanding about lice. What is it about lice that strikes fear into the hearts of teachers?

A few fun facts about lice:

They are bugs

They are attracted to clean hair. If you have lice, it does not mean you are dirty.

They lay eggs called "nits"

Nits are tiny white and sesame seed sized. They cling to hair shafts and are difficult to remove. They tend to cluster close to the scalp, behind the ears, and at the nape of the neck.

Yes, if you are scratching, the mere mention of lice does that to all of us SN's as well. We are not immune to the psychosomatic itch.

Lice do NOT jump from person to person. In order to catch lice, you must share grooming utensils, headwear and beds- in other words, a slumber party for 5th grade girls can result in a HUGE lice outbreak.

If your child has lice, we will send her/him home to get treated with the shampoo. I'm not an ad exec, nor am I getting paid as an endorser, so I'm not mentioning brands. "Ask your doctor." I'm also old school, so I like the fine tooth comb.

Most schools now do NOT have a "no nit" policy.

And finally, and this is significant, The whole surrounding world/ classroom/ relatives from Jersey, do NOT have to be checked for lice just because Little Cliffy may have it.

(Now, that other lice? That's a tale for another day. Talk of it can be found on the SN board.

I will say that thanks to all things "retro" there will be a upswing in that other kind of lice.)

Are you itchy now? Me too.

I've also re-learned IV Tylenol is a hell of a drug. I am impressed with how quickly and efficiently I have seen it work not only on pain, but to bring down a fever.

I've re-learned that crazy old people are often crazier when they have a UTI. So, if Ed starts hopping the side rails, check his urine.

I've learned that Risperdal is a hell of a drug and needs to be tapered.

I've learned I can sleep HARD when I'm off, and that my cat sleeps with me because he thinks my snoring is purring.

I've learned Coquito is strong and must be tapered. (Kidding)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coquito

I've learned that smells are one of the biggest triggers to memories, and have been reminded of it several times this week. Some good, some not so good.

I've learned that I am excited for my friends who are students who have time off right now. My Big Kid, too!

I've learned that even when things are changing all around me, if I have my kids and people I love I can get through the holidays. I am glad Christmas is over, though.

Bring on 2016!

Thanks to my girl, ixchel, for trusting me with her thread this week.

For all of you working over the holidays, THANK YOU!!! A close family member of mine is hospitalized and nurses like you all have made all the difference in her care.

What have YOU learned this week?

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

I've learned that sometimes, family can be exhausting.

My mom makes awesome black bottom cupcakes.

In the last few minutes, I learned more about lice than I wanted to know. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go take care of this insane itch I've got.

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

Thank goodness for the SN forum-I need some smiles, as Christmas was a bit melancholy this year.

On Christmas Eve, after consulting with the vet, we essentially placed one of our cats in Kitty Hospice (and yes, I totally played the "I'm a Hospice nurse" card so the vet could go over labs and options without having to explain every. single. thing. Sue me).

Probable terminal diagnosis of gastric lymphoma. He's almost 18, and that's what kitties tend to get at that age. So, definitely no surgery, chemo, or further testing. He's also been hyperthyroid for almost 10 years, with very few problems.

We're treating the vomiting with an oral anti-emetic, letting him eat and drink whatever he wants and giving him plenty of snuggle time. So far, he's comfortable. As soon as he isn't, it will be time for "that talk" with the vet.

I'll miss my little buddy. He's been a part of our family for 18 years. I know some of you won't understand how completely "just a cat" can wrap himself around your heart. That's ok.

[Farawyn]

I understand, Jensmom. I'm so sorry.

[Nurse Leigh]

(((hugs))) Jensmom.

So sorry you are dealing with this. I am glad you are able to help your sweet kitty through this.

Pets are such an important part of our lives.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

I know some of you won't understand how completely "just a cat" can wrap himself around your heart. That's ok.

Understanding hugs to you J.

Hoo boy do I understand that pet bond stuff. Worse than Gorilla glue. Dog blew out his ACL. Over $4000 for knee surgery. Who would spend than kind of money on a dang dog? Well, I guess I would because he had his surgery Christmas Eve eve. (My buddy said I could get 4 or 5 new ones for the price of fixing the old one.)

The vet staff commented what a good dog he is. The house sure seemed empty for the two days he was gone. He looks like a goofy poodle now with all the shaving but his little stub tail is wildly wagging. Tramadol is a hell of a drug, for dogs anyway.

[Farawyn]

Mav, you old softie, you. :)

[CBlover, BSN, RN]

Sorry about your kitty jensmom.

[Farawyn]

Pet Therapy.

[Purple_roses]

Jensmom That's heartbreaking. Kitties have distinct personalities and we grow attached them over years and years. It's hard. Hugs.

[Purple_roses]

My kitty looks like she's been possessed by the Christmas tree. She gets a little too excited when that thing comes out.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I've learned that non-bedside nursing jobs can be less stressful.

I've learned that entertaining myself at the airport due to a delayed flight can be challenging (read: my flight does not board for another 8 hours). At least I have my tablet and phone to distract me.

I've come to the realization that I'm anticipating my work-from-home job more than ever. However, I hate the Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm training aspect.