Nose Pickers

[RNCourt]

Today a teacher asked me to speak to an 8th grade girl who repeatedly picks her nose and continues to....consume what she finds up there. During her next period I called her into my office and stated the importance of not picking and I gave her my whole spiel on germ spreading and hand washing, etc. She didn't seem offended and it appeared she understood what I was saying and agreed it was unhealthy. I handed her some tissues to keep in her pocket and off she went. The next period, her teacher stated she was back at it. Now she stated she overheard some other students talking about it. Do you think this situation warrants a call home to get parents involved in helping her stop her habit? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

[Cackalacky]

In my opinion, I don't believe there needs to be a call home unless she's causing herself to have frequent nose bleeds. It sounds like it disturbs the teacher more than it does the student, but some students have gross habits and there isn't much that can be done about it. I had a student sent to me because he sniffs his nose too much and the teacher didn't like it... I did call the parents and they have seen a doctor about it and there is nothing that can be done.

If bullying is involved because of the habit I would bring in administration to handle that part.

That's definitely just an opinion though.

[SnowyJ, RN]

I have a child in my school who sniffs constantly and it turned out to be a tic! They are looking at a possible Tourettes diagnosis.

The nose picker-it could be such a compulsive habit she may not even realize she is doing it. Maybe the teacher should give her a signal.

[AussiePupOwner]

Since it's not really a "medical" issue, I would tell the teacher since she is so bothered by it, she should call the parent. Kids will be kids. This would not be on my list of priorities at all. I have to make enough call about body odor. Just my two cents.