Possible pregnant student

[Foxfour]

I'm a middle school nurse. Today one of the counselors came to me and told me that one of the girls at the school might be pregnant, and she wanted to now if there is anything I can do to see if this is true. I told her maybe I could weigh and measure her on a biweekly basis (and tell her it's a screening for something else), but after some thought, I know I can't do that. The girl hasn't approach anybody with this concern. She looks like she's gaining weight, and she always has something in front of her (books or a jacket tied around her waist). Also one more aspect I have to throw in and that is her dad left the family when she was a baby. Her mom is a nurse's aide. Most of the time, her mom can't pick her up until around 5 or 6.

I have only been a school nurse for 2 mons, and our district doesn't have a head nurse, so my lack of experience calls out for help. HELP!:rotfl:

[bergren]

First, find a place that will test her. Find out now if she is pregnant or not. You need to look up what the laws are for minors in your state getting pregnancy counseling. That will let you know if you must inform the parents. You or the counselor should offer to be with her if she chooses to tell her mom. Suggest that she tell her mom. Call the nurse at the high school and ask who she refers girls that think they are pregnant to and get the referral numbers. If she or he does not know, call several high schools. If this child is pregnant, she need prenatal care STAT. Don't wait and measure her abdomen. If she is not pregnant, you need to refer her (check state laws) or provide couseling on sex ed, abstinence, and /or contraception.

Join your state school nurse organization. http://www.nasn.org/community/affiliates.htm Some states provide mentors for new school nurses and sign up for the school nurse oritentation next summer.

I'm a middle school nurse. Today one of the counselors came to me and told me that one of the girls at the school might be pregnant, and she wanted to now if there is anything I can do to see if this is true. I told her maybe I could weigh and measure her on a biweekly basis (and tell her it's a screening for something else), but after some thought, I know I can't do that. The girl hasn't approach anybody with this concern. She looks like she's gaining weight, and she always has something in front of her (books or a jacket tied around her waist). Also one more aspect I have to throw in and that is her dad left the family when she was a baby. Her mom is a nurse's aide. Most of the time, her mom can't pick her up until around 5 or 6.

I have only been a school nurse for 2 mons, and our district doesn't have a head nurse, so my lack of experience calls out for help. HELP!:rotfl:

[Jeanine]

So far, pregnancy has only been a rumor in my middle school. Each time it comes up, I invite the student to my office. I take her somewhere private or close my door (referring other students to the main office or guidance for emergencies only) and I let her know that a rumor has been going around that she is pregnant. The student usually laughs and we go on from there. I use the opportunity to delve into what she know about sex, pregnancy, STD's, etc... I would think that the student would welcome the opportunity to get it "off her chest" if she is pregnant. Best of Luck!!