No parental involvement

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 17, 2009

Wow -that's a tough nut to crack. First and foremost start with what can be controlled to some extent: the staff.

Meet with the administration to determine what the problems are exactly and then create a committee made up of you, administrators, staff and perhaps a substance abuse coulselor or even a school resource officer if you have one.

For the field trip issues, it's this simple in my district: you din't inform me - the kid that has the medical concern doesn't go. I have explained to the staff plenty of times that I cannot make a sub nurse appear out of thin air on the day that they have a trip. Nor cen i leave the building unattended so that I cab be sure that susie gets her insulin. Either Mom or dad goes as a chaperone or she doesn't go. Same thing with athletics - no form, no play. It's tough to crack down, but as long as you have the administration (and your state laws and guidelines) on your side, it should work out in your favor.

As far as the parents go - meet with your PTA president to see if there are any interventions that can be put in place to increase parental compliance. It may be something as simple as translating the forms into Spanish or mailing them hime instead of sending them via kid. You may also be able to arrange something with your administration where the child's report card won't be sent until certain paperwork in received - especially important things like emergency contact numbers that work.

Good luck, and keep us posted on what gets done and how it's working.

SchoolNurseBSN · Feb 17, 2009

Thanks for your wonderful response firefightingRN. the problem is......I have hit a wall because most of the things you mentioned have already been done. Especially with staff, how many times must you inform these people before they will listen / heed your warning.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Feb 17, 2009

I'm so frustrated dealing with the same kind of stuff that I have nothing constructive to add. Beaten down is the perfect way to describe it. It seems like the parents just really don't care about their child's education or health and wellbeing. No, not every parent, but way too many of them.

OK, forgive me, I had a really bad day. Only 3 1/2 weeks until Spring Break!

bergren · Feb 18, 2009

Are you familiar with the promotora model?

http://www.csufresno.edu/ccchhs/documents/CVHPI/APHA%20Poster.pdf

http://hpp.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/7/1/68

Can you partner with a health clinic or community organization that has a established relationship in the community?

This is a program that worked here in Chicago - the parents tell the school what they want versus the school telling the parents what they need. This group is focused on obesity, but it can be any health issue.

http://healthyschoolscampaign.typepad.com/healthy_schools_campaign/parents_united_for_healthy_schools/

Justme269 · Feb 18, 2009

Are your kids really allowed to be involved if they don't turn in a release form to participate in a field trip? Our children have to each and every time! Also, they MUST have all shots up to date for each and every field trip.

I agree...do the work parents...or your kids don't play! Tough love!

Wow...even with an income, I would take advantage of a eye exam, etc!! What parent would not do that?

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Feb 18, 2009

I wonder the same thing. I have a student with very poor vision ( screened at 20/80 and 20/100) for the last TWO years. Finally this year I got the parent to come in and talk to me and I obtained a voucher for FREE eye exam and FREE glasses. Have they even made an appointment yet? Nope. The child is failing and they wonder why. I am at the breaking point with that family and I am strongly considering a report to CPS for medical neglect. I just don't get what is with these parents?

SchoolNurseBSN · Feb 18, 2009

Did I mention we have a clinic that provides acute care and mental health services in our parking lot? No student is turned away regardless of ability to pay.We can even walk kids over there during school hours if we have a signed consent from the parents. But getting in touch with that parent and getting the signed consent is like pulling teeth.

Also, when you are seeing 40-50 kids a day, have 12-15 teachers coming in needing something, paperwork, etc. There is no downtime in the day to hound parents to return needed paperwork. Heck, I even scarf lunch at my desk most days.

And no - students cannot participate in field trips, athletics without the proper documentation. The problem is coaches / teachers bring me info about 5 minutes before leaving or 10 minutes before the first game of the season.

That is what is so disheartening.......the services are readily available and free.

A word of mention. I am at a school where it is not at all uncommon to see kids with ankle monitors or to see the police hauling kids out the door for possession. These kids have way bigger problems than just needing glasses.

I really like school nursing and feel I am really needed here. I just feel like I could do so much more if I had a little help from parents and staff.