Not feeling worthy!

Would like to help but not sure what you are asking....... please be more specific... :)

I am hoping to get ideas on how to prove I do have worthy nursing skills so that I may move on. Sorry for the sob story, I didn't mean to do that. Thanks!

I once worked at a school like that-that didn't respect my degree or skills. It was tough. Is there any possibility you can switch to a different school? In the mean time I would suggest sending out a "getting to know you" type memo. State something like you want to give the staff the opportunity to get to know you better and would like to get to know them better as well. Then list your background (how long you've been a nurse, all the different places you've worked, the skills you've aquired, etc), any personal info you feel comfortable sharing (marriage, kids, hobbies, etc) and then let them know the types of things you are responsible for at that school (list them), and finally put you're welcome to any suggestions on any ways to improve the health/wellness at that school and your main priority is to keep kids healthy enough to remain in school to get an education and that you look foward to getting to know them as well. Also add anything you would like to change or ask for help with, like please don't send kids during my lunch break at this time except an emergency, etc and if your policy is no kids sent home unless they have a fever, vomiting, etc let them know those types of things that will make your job easier if they know. This way they can get to know you better and will feel less like attacking you, they will realize you do more than they probably think you do, and they will learn you are willing to work with them to make the school better. Also, be nice all the time to everyone even when you don't feel like it. Those teachers/aides stick together and you don't want them to determine you aren't one of them. I hope that helps!

Thank you for the suggestions, it was very helpful. I work each day staying focused on the kids and smiling as much as possible. It helps very much knowing the insights of others!

In my clinic we keep a daily log of each student and what is done for them. This is the way we were instructed by the health dept to record our activities. For example, Johnny comes in complaining of a headache and fever. I log as 1) an assessment - how long have you had the headache? Where is it? Have you eaten breakfast, have you been wearing your glasses, etc. 2) take temp (an action) 3) apply a cool compress (action) 4) have student lie down and rest for 10 minutes. 5) reassess, then 6) contact parent if necessary for further instructions (a contact). You have done 6 activities for this student. Jane then comes to the clinic complaining of an itchy head. You assess (1 activity) and find nits. You then call home (another activity) and tell Mom she needs to pick child up. When Mom comes in, you do some educating on lice, treatments and the school policy (another activity). You then have 3 actions/activities that you performed for this child. Thus, at the end of the day you have 25 kids, took 20 temps, did 25 assessments, applied 10 cool compresses, had 10 children rest, did 1 health ed/counseling, called home for 10 students (10 calls). They even told us that each call to a parent (if you get a busy signal, need to call another emergency contact, or try Mom 4x before you finally get her - counts as a individual contact.

Then, take the daily summary, create a weekly and monthly summary, then e-mail the data to the principal and the District RN. That should give them an idea of what it is you really, really do. For the others (health aides or whatever), nicely explain to them that you, as the NURSE, are held to a higher standard than they are, and your nursing judgement is why you in that position, and they are not!

Hope this helps!!!

mc3:nurse:

I agree with switching schools. A friend commented that if you can deal with the politics of a school, you can deal with national politics. My last position was similar; The teacher aides with high school diplomas were judging me!!! I was the 3rd nurse in 5 years mr congeniality had gone through. When I left I did tell the school board of my concerns. Good luck!!!

OMG, I so get what you are saying about the politics. I was the 4th nurse this school had, in a 4 year span of time, and have lasted the longest. I have contacted a union steward but feel I am not being allowed a voice. I know I must move on and am working to change things around for the New Year. Please keep a good thought for me. Much thanks for the comments! :heartbeat

Pack up your worthy self and go. It is unfair to the student to

lose a good nurse like yourself, however this is a toxic situation.

I was a sub years ago for 2 school systems. One system the principal and

staff had a wonderful working relationship and it focused on students

and their needs..

The other system, so toxic that the school nurse teacher (RN/MSN), left.

It was a constant battle every day for her with the students caught in the middle.

The students lost a wonderful caring and competent nurse due to

many selfish personalities. Very sad...

Hold your head up high and best wishes in a new position where your

skills and personality can work in peace...

Please keep us posted...

PS a Pediatric office setting would adore you!