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

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Not even a Louse.

lice.jpg

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. :bag:

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?

I've learned to cherish every moment of being a mom of a 13 month old. My baby is growing way too fast.

I have learned that I love love love family time around the holidays. Having hubby home more days of the week is amazing !!!!

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I'm sorry jensmom, having a beloved sick pet is so hard, anticipating the grief of after is even harder. :cry:

I learned this week that it's possible to wait until Christmas week to do the shopping and tree and have the holidays work out.

I've learned no matter how they're cooked my insides will never be happy to meet a brussel sprout.

I've learned that after many years out of nursing the biggest hurdle to returning is allowing myself to trust my own instinct and judgement.

I've learned that as awkward as it is being "new again" I'd still prefer another couple dozen preceptored shifts before being on my own.

I've learned (well re-validated) that I'm a rescuer....I just can't look at petfinder and not want to take in the ones that will likely have the hardest time finding forever homes.

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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.

Do you start next week?

This is scary/exciting!

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I have learned that in a year without much snow the ski resort will upgrade your accommodations and give you a call to inform you of all their additional activities to ensure you are not canceling...

Having 3 days off in a row is great and buying a kindle was definitely a good idea....

And - just because a patient really really really wants to go home for the holidays does not mean that it is a great of even safe discharge plan...

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I learned that I can do night shifts. I learned that confidence is my biggest asset when working with complex pediatrics. Even though I worked 22 out of 34 hours my nights kept two complex kiddo's home. The biggest compliment? When a nervous parent that never met you who wakes up for each alarm, each cough stumbles in at 2am eyes half open smiles seeing their child cared for and relaxed and says "Ok you got this I will see you at seven unless you need me" and finally gets at least a half nights sleep.

Same for the family who handed off their complex kiddo at midnight and went to bed 15 minutes later....a family that normally stays up until 3-4AM just in case. (Normally one parent works late evening in hospitality so not home until 1 or 2am so awake out of habit)

Infants are not much more difficult than toddlers and preschoolers.

Learning details about a strict local culture especially the rich history is fascinating.

Receiving not a single Christmas present (not counting the stock logo product from work) when you honestly don't want or need anything (aside from bills paid) really is not disappointing after all. I hate wrapping paper and I don't have to fake getting items not wanted/I'm allergic to/don't need. Teachers in middle school appeared to be appreciative of my own kiddo's choice of affordable gift...candy cane bouquets (even if my mom made fun of it).

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Yea, JustBeachy. I could never, ever do what you do.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
Yea, JustBeachy. I could never, ever do what you do.

My son's school nurse tells me that frequently. Its not easy but I do it because I can and after the last two weeks apparently I'm pretty skilled at it.

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My son's school nurse tells me that frequently. Its not easy but I do it because I can and after the last two weeks apparently I'm pretty skilled at it.

:)

There's a peg for every hole.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

I didn't learn anything this week; if anything, I am enjoying a much needed rest...having five days off and then switching to three days a week is the best gift a nurse can get!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU.

I learned that I don't know what to say when a high-as-a-kite (should this be hyphenated? I don't know!) mom asks to hold her baby. All I could think to do was to make up different excuses not to let her hold her child because I didn't want this mom who could barely keep her eyes open and almost fell on the floor to drop her baby. :no: I wish I was gutsy enough to say "No, you're too high" but I'm not. I'm a people pleaser so this is an area I am working on!

I learned that working super short on Christmas really really really sucks! But the time and a half pay and the huge potluck do make up for it a bit. ;)

I learned that I can't help myself in participating in this thread every week! It's the best and I learn so much from it!

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Did she drop the baby? :nailbiting:

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Specializes in Pediatrics, NICU.
Did she drop the baby? :nailbiting:

I didn't let her hold the baby. It made her super upset which I felt bad about but I have to look out for the baby first. We've had issues with high parents dropping babies in the past so we are a bit edgy!

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