Normal....

Published

Specializes in School.

....the usual, average, or typical state or condition.

This is one of the roughest years I have had since I started school nursing. Every year brings it's own challenges and I have come to accept this reality. This year has been exceptionally different. We had to deal with Hurricane Harvey and it's aftermath, starting school 2 wks late. Having a student lose her life, then a family of 6 die in a house fire (5 were students of the district). We got an extra day and a half due to a water main break, which any other time would have been welcomed. Then last week we had 2 students attempt to take their lives on the same day. One which was at school. Then today we had an fire alarm, which was not a drill. Usually there is a point where you can breath and things start getting into a natural rhythm and things just flow. Just about the time I think we are getting close, the BAM! something else happens. On top of these extraordinary conditions, you have the regular stuff going on and the daily battles we fight. Just a little battle weary today and needed. to sound off.

Thank you for being here and understanding.

(I am taking 2 days off at the end of the week and going to see my mom. Hopefully this will help some.)

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Sorry you are going through all this. When tragedies happen, they are hard to deal with but when they happen in clusters, it makes it especially difficult. I hope the time with your Mom and upcoming Thanksgiving break will help you. Remember, SN are always here for you, even when you just need to vent.

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

I'm sorry your school is experiencing such sadness. It's only natural that you are feeling drained. Does your district offer an EAP? It might do you good to get it all out to an impartial 3rd party. Take care of yourself & enjoy your visit with your mom.

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Sounds like a really terrible year for you and your school community :( Hope that the two days away resets you and that this back cloud hanging over your school lifts soon.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Nothing but love for you right now. Hang in there. Our Thanksgiving break is a mere 14 school days out - light at the end of the tunnel?

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Specializes in School nursing.

::hug:: ctate ::hug::

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

My word, it really has been one thing after another. It's wise to take those days for yourself. "Self Care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel." - Eleanor Brown.

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

I am so sorry you are going through this. take time, see your Mom and regroup. Hugs :)

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Specializes in Med-surg, school nursing..

(((HUGS)))

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So sorry to hear all this in such a short period of time. Seems like enough for a career. Lots of Love from your nursing sister.

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Specializes in School Nurse, Pediatrics, Surgical.

So sorry for the things you all are dealing with. That does sound like a rough start to the year. I hope that you all begin to heal soon.

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Specializes in NCSN.

I'm sorry you and your community is going through so much. It makes my heart feel heavy every time I hear about an attempted suicide.

All you can do is push forward one day at a time. We are all here for you.

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