... and now for the consequences

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

I was all for anonymity when this lice thing came out. I tell parents at the back to school night to invest in a $10 lice comb and check monthly. I tell them it is not a school issue, though it can spread anywhere. My administration decided to send a school wide email and now, after the whole school check, which I opposed, there is a child who has missed 2 days of school. Yesterday because she was sent somewhere to be rechecked, because we can't be trusted, and today because some "doctor" stated that she should not come back until the infection is gone. This mother did not keep her snowflake home when we had a 15% Flu rate, and that can be deadly. People are just plain stupid.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

So....the "doctor" - actually an MD?

And is this because the child has lice? Or the parent is worried about "the infection" in other kids and trying to keep her kid from getting lice?

I'm sorry this is your reality but it is fun to watch!

[Farawyn]

What infection?

[SaltineQueen]

Infection?

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

The child was lice free. This is as stupid as keeping her away because there is a pond across the street and she may get a mosquito bite. Actually, the mosquito bite can carry disease, that is more acceptable. Freaking nightmare!

[tamarae1]

The lice ignorance really irritates me. I feel your pain.

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

I'd tell admin/attendance to get an absence excuse from the MD in writing in order to excuse it.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

I'd tell admin/attendance to get an absence excuse from the MD in writing in order to excuse it.

I called the pediatrician's office and they did not see her and were a little offended that I thought a pediatrician would do that. I assured them I felt mom was lying and we made the absence unexcused and I couldn't imagine any medical professional saying that.

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

I called the pediatrician's office and they did not see her and were a little offended that I thought a pediatrician would do that. I assured them I felt mom was lying and we made the absence unexcused and I couldn't imagine any medical professional saying that.

I never understand why parents think they can pull things out of their butt and not get caught.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Dr. Pepper is a "doctor" too. Dr. Pepper may be a more credible source in this case... just saying...

So....the "doctor" - actually an MD?

And is this because the child has lice? Or the parent is worried about "the infection" in other kids and trying to keep her kid from getting lice?

I'm sorry this is your reality but it is fun to watch!

And honestly, the doctors are not the lice experts because they don't see it as often as we do. I have had kids come to school with a doctor's note stating they are lice-free (not a school requirement but parents will do this to rub it in my face) when I can SEE with my naked eyes bugs crawling around on the kid's scalp!! And the opposite where it is very clearly dry skin and a doctor has claimed they have nits and shouldn't come to school (another excuse to stay home because we do NOT exclude for nits or live lice).

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

I'm glad you called the doctor's office and get the truth. But, that being said, I have seen a few doctors write so many ridiculous things it may have not surprised me if this were one of them. (Luckily most pediatricians in my area are awesome).