Need advice

[Gertiegirl]

Hello All

I've been a school nurse for 27 years. It's the 2nd week of school and I work at a middle school. This year, we have over 1500 students. I've seen the same students every day since school started, the same ones that I saw last year almost every day. Frequent flyers are a pain!! I've tried everything and have been sending them to the counselor who turns around and calls the parent. They get picked up!!! UGH! This year is not starting out well, any suggestions?? The parents do not seem to care. I've sent letters, etc. Most (98 percent Spanish speaking parents). I've never had this problem until the last 2 years. Suggestions?? Should I call the parent every time the student comes in?? Maybe they will get tired of picking them up?

[longislandjade]

Hmmm, perhaps touching base with the teachers and delicately advise them about the students on the frequent flyer list; but middle school Im sure your kids are changing periods throughout the day which may be tough to notify all teachers. Also your SW or counselor should know who these kids are so that when the parent wants to pick the kid up he/she advises against until the kid gets the picture that everyone is on the same page. Sorry, that's a tough one especially when the parent is not on board.

Personally, I speak with the child, parent, teacher and SW so that everyone knows, and when the child comes down I make my assessment and back to class you go...no hanging out. Inconveniencing the parent may make them have that convo with the kid but if the parent isn't phased then it may not change anything.

Another option maybe just flat out asking the kids whats up?? why all the visits, is there something else going on at home/school and they are just needing to speak to someone. Kind of difficult when you are drowning at work I know...

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I set time limits with my frequent fliers and let know my honest thoughts: there is nothing physically wrong with you that warrants you going home. I have some kids that I know if I call home, the parent will immediately pick up their child and the child knows that too - that is why they are coming :). And yes, a language barrier can be present and make it very difficult. I had this occur with one student last year and finally got her to trust me enough to learn her aunt - a person she was very close to - was in ICU and based on the information she shared, I gathered the aunt's outlook was very poor and the student was not dealing with it well. I connected with the counselor and together we worked out a plan.

I have also developed a ten minute daily nurse's pass with a frequent flier or two - one use during the day, anytime they choose, but one it has been used, they are done. They can rest in my office, rest, etc. I do this after reaching out to the counselor, principal, parents, teachers, and the visits are still coming. Middle school if tough. You couldn't pay me to revisit ages 11-13. Often, I've found, the visits may be due to peer issues that go unseen and the student feels talking about will only make it worse.

Hang in there - it can be hard to find individual time for each student when there is a line of 'em out the door...

[OldDude]

Like I've said before....if I had to deal with middle school or up, I'd go work on one of those crab fishing boats like Deadliest Catch.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

Like I've said before....if I had to deal with middle school or up, I'd go work on one of those crab fishing boats like Deadliest Catch.

And I'm the opposite, OldDude, I'll take the MS/HS kids over the elementary kids most days...but I always liked a challenge, even on the days it seems like an impossible one :).