Pregnancy Test????

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All school year long I have been asked to give girls that think they are pregnant, a pregnancy test. I have said from the get go, "absolutely NOT"! I always tell the girl to talk to her mother. I am not sure if this is right, but I refuse to test them. Doesn't seem legal...(this is my first year as a school nurse.) Then I have a teacher in middle school that said she was going to buy the test for an 8th grader!!!! :eek: PS...I was not at work the day this went down. UGH! So, could someone please shed some light on the rules of giving pregnancy tests to student!!!??? :confused:

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I would not do so. I am not a licensed diagnostician. I would attempt to facilitate a conversation between a girl and her parents, or make an appropriate referral to a physician or clinic, and follow up with the student.

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Specializes in Telemetry, Gastroenterology, School Nrs.

I am not allowed to provide students with pregnancy tests. Thankfully, this situation does not present itself very often.

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Specializes in school nursing.

Unless your district provides the tests AND there is a written policy - JUST SAY NO! I am in elementary school now, but when I was a middle school nurse this came up a lot. Teachers would want to buy it BUT wanted me to administer. No way Jose!

There was exactly this kind of case on the local news about a school nurse in a neighboring district about a year or so ago. Mom was livid that the nurse had given her daughter a test. Nurse in hot water because, you guessed it "she had broken district policy."

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Specializes in Women's Health.

I have only been a school nurse for 4 yrs but an RN BSN for 39 yrs. I have noticed that teachers often think they know more about health care than us. Stand your ground and if they have an issue , they can deal with it.

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Specializes in school nursing, home health,rehab, long-.

Hello blackscrubs,

I agree with everyone. You might have your Principal go over the policy with the staff so they don't approach you with this ludacris request. We can't even apply anti-itching medication but pregnancy tests come on down. The cafeteria lady bought new sporks today. Appendectomy anyone? You have done just right by refusing. Let them end up on the news not you.

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I knew you all would back me! It is really a shock when they even ask me to do such a thing. I even had a teacher ask me to explain the abortion process to an 8th grader that was going for one on that Saturday. :eek: Ummmmmm>>>NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I was FURIOUS that such a thing was thought about! :mad: I get so aggrivated with teachers sometimes, but I have learned that my answer that I give them STANDS. If they want to take it further...have at it! LOL I won't be the one on Good Morning America!!!! Document, Document, Document...that is my moto!!! :D

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Specializes in school nursing.
I knew you all would back me! It is really a shock when they even ask me to do such a thing. I even had a teacher ask me to explain the abortion process to an 8th grader that was going for one on that Saturday. :eek: Ummmmmm>>>NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! I was FURIOUS that such a thing was thought about! :mad: I get so aggrivated with teachers sometimes, but I have learned that my answer that I give them STANDS. If they want to take it further...have at it! LOL I won't be the one on Good Morning America!!!! Document, Document, Document...that is my moto!!! :D

I know that we are advocates for our students and should be available to give medical information.......However, there is a VERY FINE LINE. We are not these kids parents! Parents have a right to choose what delicate info is presented to their children. We must handle things in a very professional manner. Outside of suspected child abuse issues......I always err to the side of caution and communicate with parents. For example, a mom may want to be the one to explain the menstrual cycle to their daughter and I respect her right to do just that!

I think staff thinks we have some sort of authority just to override parenting and everything else. I think some education to your staff is definately warranted.

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I COMPLETELY AGREE! I have 3 kids of my own. I try to put myself in the shoes of the parent as well as my shoes. If I even think for a second that this may come back and bite me in the rear, I refuse. I treat all of these kids like they are mine. I am their advocate and want them to be safe, but talking sex and babies with an 8th grader...well needs to be handled very delicately. I am torn on what to do. This student has not come to me and told me that she is pregnant. When she was aproached by the teacher, she said I think so. So, do I call the student in, talk to the teacher...what do I do??? :confused:

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