watsonRN

What states are you in? Is this your first year? Mine too. My head was spinning as well at first. Do you have a lead or head nurse in the district that could give you a hand on immunizations? Maybe it could be a "team" effort. If not, I would NOT come in on my christmas break. I would tackle one grade at a time. Get that grade up to compliance and then move on to the next. Tell the AP that she can get on the horn about these students who are noncompliant and help you if she thinks you are doing a poor job. Also EXCLUDE, EXCLUDE, EXCLUDE and if the AP has such a strong opinion about getting everything in order then he/she should back you on this. It is the law, you don't make them you just follow them and unless their is a medical/religious exeption then there is no excuse. Trust me when the parents start getting the truancy letters those shot records will magically appear. I ahd a huge mess to clean up as well when I started and began working on in early August. Ok the peeing thing. Ask your local churches for donations. Also does your district have a Helping Hands fund of anything of the sorts. Petition the PTA about getting some help. AND STOP SPENDING YOUR OWN MONEY. I have a couple frequent pee'ers and I have stopped changing them. I call the parents and they sit until someone can come and change them. I say "Unfortunaley I am unable to change your student, I am out of clothing, because no one returns the items I lent out" If this one you never see the clothes back from they will get it. ALSO if they frequently pee have the teacher send a note home for an extra change of clothes to keep on hand. OK next about the traffic....I have 620 students in my school. I see on average 30-40 students a day. BUUUTT that is a lot less than the beginning of the year. DON'T let them stay. Trust your judgement. If they are not sick. Turn them right back around......Word gets out fast if you let them hang for a while. And your goal is to maximize instructional time not babysit. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. I have a great support staff of nurses and this is my forst year I know how you feel. Hope this helps! Jessica

What about those Halls Vitamin C drops. They contain no menthol and have daily nutritional value. Have thought about these. At the present time I use peppermints that dissolve.

Yep! Already heard the "it must be you not doing your job" statement from a few parents. Oh well, it was really getting me down a couple of weeks ago. Now I'm over it. This is my first year and BOY have I had an awakening. Sent 4 students home one day out of the same class.

Tips for tummy aches or nausea. We are a no medication without MD orders campus. Third day of school and this is mostly what I have seen.

Hey there also just got a job as a school nurse in Texas would love to get in touch with you to have a contact base. Also we can but heads together when we are feeling lost and overwhelmed! I will email you if that is ok! WatsonRN (Houston area)

Hello everyone, I have accepted a position as an elementary school nurse (K-4) for the 10-11 school year in Texas. Where does everyone looks for adivce and helpful tips for school nursing? Also do any of you have any specific books you would suggest? What is the ONE thing in your cinics you can't live without? Thanks for all the advice! WatsonRN