Lunch for the School Nurse

guest83140 · Apr 28, 2006

Yes, I do feel cheated esp when teachers get lunch plus planning time off too. But then I realize that some things happen that the office can't assess or triage as to whether it's serious or can wait. This happens more so with my Junior High students because some of them are good actors, are playful and get hurt or are ill at the time. I just take extra 5-10 min at another time or relax with my radio in my office to make up for it. Unlike the clinic or hospital that I worked previously, I had back-up coverage from an experienced colleague. One day, I keep thinking, I will give the office staff a brief triage course. But I never got around to it and I will hopefully get an aide next year to relieve the burden. I also take my lunch pretty late when most kids are pretty much set for the day in class-1:30-2:00. Try to email teachers of your lunch time and tell office coughs, stomachaches without vomiting, headaches, and anything that is not emergency-can come back after lunch. Hope this helps. :nono:

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

I lock my side door. Some times I still get interupted from time to time, just gotta deal with it.

kimbernurse · Mar 17, 2009

I also try to take my lunch later in the day, between 1 and 2. Noon meds are done then and the influx as slowed some. If it's approaching my lunchtime, I will shut my door and finish up with the kids I have left. If the kids do manage to track me down in the LOCKED teachers lounge (they wait outside the door until some one comes out), I tell them if they are not "dead, dying or bleeding", they can come back to my office in half an hour.

Some days you don't get to eat. I can deal with that. But please, give me 10 minutes for mental health recharge and please, LET ME PEE!

We have got to remember, if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of others!! Take your legally mandated break!! :)

cowgirlBSN · Mar 17, 2009

I would say 3 out of my 5 days I don't get lunch. I also get upset to see the teachers going home for lunch and know that I could never do that! What really gets me is that I get called out of lunch for the dumbest stuff. Stuff that could totally wait till I scarf down whatever. I know they don't know what is important or not but like someone else said, if they are not dead,dying or bleeding...profusely...come back in 30! I had a high speed come apart about this a couple weeks ago and had to speak to the principal about it

AngelfireRN, MSN, RN, APRN · Mar 17, 2009

Where I worked, I hand the bottom half of a Dutch door, no top. It did not lock. They could see I was eating, and they would either barge in, or shove the kids through anyway, depending. I finally resorted to locking myself in my bathroom (REAL sanitary) and even then would be hearing my name over the walkie. If I ever told a child to come back after lunch, they'd be back in a matter of minutes with an irate teacher or an even more irate office worker or principal. I wrote a book about my experiences as a school nurse, I have GOT to get that thing published.

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Mar 17, 2009

I take my lunch nearly every day. I leave and lock my office and the main office is pretty good about only calling me if it is serious. Of course some days I don't get lunch because of a serious problem but most days, I take my lunch.

pugmomrn · Mar 17, 2009

I take my lunch nearly every day. I leave and lock my office and the main office is pretty good about only calling me if it is serious. Of course some days I don't get lunch because of a serious problem but most days, I take my lunch.

:up:

That's exactly what you need to do!!! I am just as guilty as the rest at eating at my desk or skipping altogether-- my busiest time is 11am-1pm. However, there are days that I force myself to report off and leave-- even just to run to the nearest salad bar or to drive around the neighborhood. (The front office covers me.) If I don't take my time, I don't get overtime or even a pat on the back. We are entitled to our lunch periods and breaks-- it's even written into my contract. We need to remember to treat ourselves to what we deserve and advocate for our own rights. (Just remind me that I'm saying this next time I work straight through!)

A good tip, especially for new school nurses: Eat in the teacher's lounge-- great way to make friends!

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2009

I refuse not to eat lunch. Among our other duties, I feel like we should be models of good healthcare behaviors for our students. It is never acceptable to skip meals, and I lecture my kiddos strongly for doing so. Besides that, I would be a cranky hell demon without eating something all day! Sure, there have been days when my lunch ended up being at 2:30 and I leave at 3:10, but I ALWAYS get a lunch.

My strategy is to go at 1:00 which is after the kids lunch hours and usually pretty quiet around here. The key for me is to LEAVE my office and go to the lunchroom. I usually eat with the AP and clerk. My school's secretary is wonderful about not interrupting me unless for blood, vomit or breathing problems. I am truly lucky in that respect. When I am interrupted for that kind of reason, I do not mind one bit. I also try and take at least 20 minutes, even if I don't take the entire 30 that I am "entitled" to. If I am interrupted, I make a mental note of the time and make sure to take the rest of my time off. If I run into a student who is heading my way, I have them come back in 30 minutes. The secretary does the same for headaches, etc, or sometimes lets them wait in the office for me.

Call it selfish, but I do not feel like I should have to sacrifice my body or be a martyr for my profession. When I need to pee, I pee. When I need to eat, I eat. Pretty much everything can wait a few minutes for me to take care of my basic needs. It may not make others happy sometimes, but I can't be a good caretaker if I am not taking care of myself.

SchoolNurseBSN · Mar 24, 2009

This is a sore topic with me.... I received an e-mail from my district a month or so ago. Of course - it was meant for teachers - about how you are entitled to a 30 minute lunch that does not include supervision of students in any way. Hmmmmm, you would think that is what is good for the goose is good for the gander.

I have tried to leave for lunch but it never seems to work out. I usually eat at my desk at about 1:00. Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes to finish my meal....sometimes 2 hours. I have tried locking my front door - they come around through the front office. And I am talking more about staff than I am students. "Oh, your front door is locked and your lights are off and I see you trying to eat lunch.......but, do you think you could take my blood pressure right now? You know - I only have 2 45 minute planning periods and a 30 minute lunch everyday."