jess1215

There are definetly worse things in life than taking care of the bathroom business. It needs to be done, and it gets done. But that is the nurse in me and VERY little turns my stomach. Yes, coming from a more traditional setting, the term "diaper" was disturbing to me....but when I said "attends" or "brief" I got blank stares. So I for the sake of not confusing everyone I go with the crowd.

We have a hoyer lift in the classroom...but some don't and they just lift the kids. Even with the hoyer, it is a very physical job and I definetly feel it at the end of the day. Many nurses have quit with back problems. Every school and set of students is different though.

Sorry, I am guilty of not reading all the replies.... I am a classroom nurse (I am there because there is a very medically compromised student and therefore am the nurse for the classroom). In our school, we are all interchangeable. I think "offically" it is the job of the special ed department to change diapers.....but on a day to day basis there isn't a designated person who does the job. If the class assistant is tied up in the bathroom, and the teacher has to run and catch a phone call, I will even jump in and go on with the classroom routine. Of course there is a line that can't be crossed, the teachers can't give meds....and I can't write thier IEP's.....but we all just work together to get the job done.

I just started in the same type of position about a month ago. I work with similar students at the high school level. My main focus is one student who requires the most care (tube feedings, changing, meds, monitoring seizures) but I am also the nurse for the rest of the classroom. I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it, coming from a more traditional acute care setting, but I really like it. As for paperwork, most of our charting is done in the computer. I do daily notes if there is an issue, and document the meds that are given. All communication to the parents goes through the teacher unless it is something specifically medical. It is a very physical job, always on the move, but so rewarding and the hours are great!