Parents that are nurses

schooldistrictnurse · Mar 20, 2014

I usually start my parent contacts when it's not a "come pick up your child" call with "do you have a minute to speak with me regarding your child's inhaler?" 99% of the time they say yes. If they start to go off on you with a story about long work hours, etc, you can always say, "what would be a better time for me to contact you?" Of course you run the risk of not connecting later, but then you can just send the med sheet and a note explaining it in the mail. Sometimes I chicken out on a phone call when I know there is a severe language barrier and opt for an email, thinking they can take their time to read and understand it. Sometimes people are just rude. Sometimes you just have to say "I'm bound by California law."

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2014

I usually start my parent contacts when it's not a "come pick up your child" call with "do you have a minute to speak with me regarding your child's inhaler?" 99% of the time they say yes. If they start to go off on you with a story about long work hours, etc, you can always say, "what would be a better time for me to contact you?" Of course you run the risk of not connecting later, but then you can just send the med sheet and a note explaining it in the mail. Sometimes I chicken out on a phone call when I know there is a severe language barrier and opt for an email, thinking they can take their time to read and understand it. Sometimes people are just rude. Sometimes you just have to say "I'm bound by California law."

Thank you so much but when I tried to ask for a better time to reach her she wasn't having it and kept going. I like your suggestion and maybe I'll email her the form with a brief tidbit about the law instead of mailing it. Email would be a better way to document our future communication, aside from Emergencies or urgent matters.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Mar 20, 2014

I love email You can put those cutsie faces in there :yes: !

I would pop off a quick email, apologize for waking her, attached the required docuentation and necessary info. I'm sure she is aware she had her cranky pants on and probably feels bad as it is. Leave the door open for further communication. This way you have dealt with it and moved on and will hopefully get the required paperwork. I would also cc administration so there is no question re the conversation and the expectations of the school district.

Good Luck!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2014

Kenderella89, ::hugs::. I agree with NutmeggeRN's advice above.

I have had a few parents that are nurses and a mix of good and bad interactions with them. Some of them are wonderful and understand my position, they are ones with all their paperwork in on time, everything crossed, dotted, etc. Love 'em. But a few...well...those days I consume a lot of ice cream after work. And some wine.

stephaniehowe · Mar 21, 2014

Daily occurance for me! But it the end you are doing your job and need to protect your license! Time for them to take off the scrubs and put on their mom jeans! Sometimes when making a difficult call I pep talk myself with what I need to say and my responses if whatever is said. Being nervous is something people always seem to pick up on and will cross lines to make them feel more superior. Always CYA!

Career2_BSN, BSN · Mar 21, 2014

She may have a complete about-face after some much needed sleep and this whole thing will be a non-issue. If not....side with her.

She knows, just as well as anyone, that the lawyers get in the way on a regular basis. This release form is one of these times. You understand she knows what is best for her child and you agree with her that the inhaler is necessary and that the release seems like a bit of overkill. You aren't trying to take anything away from her child, but you need one little piece of paper in the child's file to keep the lawyers happy. This isn't a nurse vs nurse situation but rather, a lawyer vs sue-happy-society issue.

I agree with the email (or sending a copy home with the child). Parent can sign at home and send back with the child. Easy.

systoly · Mar 21, 2014

I've been a nurse for over 20 years, but have 0 experience or

training as a school nurse so telling you that you don't know what you're doing

seems absurd to me.

Being tired can make you grumpy, but if it leads to inappropriate behavior one

shouldn't sign up for doubles.

I worked night shift for several years and am no stranger to the phone ringing

in the middle of "my" night, however, that is not the caller's fault, but rather part

of that lifestyle.

my approach to this kind of situation is matter of fact

don't dwell on the past contact, it's hx

just explain that you need xyz form

those are the rules

rather than copying the rules, i'd say, "the regulations are available at ....com"

if the parent harps on being inconvenienced again, explain that you will certainly

observe any preferred contact hours as soon as they are provided in writing

if the parent is rude again, say so

there is nothing wrong with saying, "you are inappropriate and that is not good

use of your or my time"

alternatively, have more ice cream and another great date (yeah, just let her be rude

and take the date :) )

coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Thanks everyone! I love this website and the advice and support all the nurses give. You guys pretty much made my week

iluvgusgus · Mar 21, 2014

Im sorry that she made you feel that way, as another nurse and another human, no matter if shes tired, stressed or not, she shouldnt disrespect you and belittle you in that way. Don't take it personally she most likely treats most people that way.

nurseinsa · Mar 21, 2014

Great advice from above nurses. Don't take it personally.

I wonder if you would have felt "belittled" in that way if the yelling parent was of a different profession? Or was it worse because you doubt you own 'nurseyness'?

Well doubt no more, because you are a real nurse :)

See, you're just like the rest of us - getting yelled at by our clients, but having to complete our tasks anyway

Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

I love email You can put those cutsie faces in there !

Personaly if you sent me an email with those cutsie faces in it, I would delete it without even reading it. Most people get annoyed with those things and really want just the info needed.