Lice

Specialties School

Published

Specializes in nicu, internal medicine.

My school is notorious for Lice infestations! The teacher's don't seem to understand that if the student had treatment and no live lice are found but nits are present I can't send the kid home. Our policy is no live lice ok to stay. I have told the teacher's that it's getting harder to get rid of lice w just otc treatment since lice/nits are growing immune to them just like constant use of abx. I feel like they blame me for not keeping this under control. They would like me to do weekly checks on the kids but is that really necessary what is that going to achieve other than a complex and over use of lice tx. Any suggestions?:crying2:

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Provide them with the American Academy of Pediatrics Position statement:

http://www.aap.org/sections/schoolhealth/

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

We have a district-wide "no-nit" policy so I don't have to deal with that but I do understand your frustration. I have teachers coming to me all the time because repeat offenders are "digging and scratching" and "didn't they just get sent home for that?" It's not like I'm planting the lice ;)

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Specializes in nicu, internal medicine.

Thank you Bergren and Supernrse01...

I read the info suggested Bergren thank you so much.

Supernrse01 : i had to lol when I read your quotes from teachers, I get the same thing. I like when I call parents and they say " Where did they get the lice from?" :smackingf

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Specializes in school nursing.

http://identify.us.com/head-lice/head-lice-document-download/

More good info. I refuse to do mass screanings! It is unwarranted and a disruption of the educational process. EDUCATE, EDUCATE, EDUCTE your staff with the newest evidence-based information.

When I do check a child, I try to check them at the end of the day just in case I find a live one. That way they can go home that evening and shampoo and be back to class first thing next morning. MIMIMAL class disruption.

Teachers, if you did not want to be exposed to pediculosis, conjunctivitis, scabies, the common cold, and such.......why did you choose to work with children? Your goal and mine SHOULD be the same, education!!!!

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Supernrse01 - please give your district the AAP Position statement and the identify.us.com information against practices that keep kids out of school against all scientific evidence.

School nursing started because of all of the unneccessary and preventable exclusions in the early 1900s. Sign In â€" The Journal of School Nursing We need to continue that legacy.

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Specializes in nicu, internal medicine.

Thank you both. honestly I had not even thought to do head checks close to end of day.To quote one of my students " you are the awesomest" :bow::yeah:

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

Bergren- I have given the Administrators all of the latest information on the treatment of head lice and school exclusion, however, they are at a no-budge standstill with the decision to change the policy.

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It is estimated it takes 15 years for evidence to be adopted into practice. We have reached the tipping point with lice. More schools are changing thier policies based on the evidence than those who are keeping no nit. Just keep bringing it up each year and sharing new information as it comes out. They will adopt at some point.

Good luck.

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