peaceful2100

Thanks!! I definitely get making sure to fully assess and rule other things out first!! Do anyone ever let the student just rest after ruling everything else physical, emotional, social out? I work in the inner city so a lot of these kids may be up all night because of environmental issues like police sirens, gun shots, or some have to work and work late. I don't want them to take advantage though and I want to start out being consistent. I am the new nurse to the school and some know this already, and testing the waters already.

High School Nurses how do you deal with the I am tired shenanigans. Do you ever allow them rest or do you say sorry I don't let tired students rest and send back to class? I know I need to be firm when it comes to high school kids especially.

Update: It was just an ankle sprain apparently.

I started out at High School, now I am Elementary/Middle School. I want the High School back more than anything. Give me High School any day!! Never in a million years thought I would say that, but to me it was better! Everyone has a grade level they are better suited for without doubt!

I would have definitely called if any of those was the case. I second guess myself too much for no reason other than nerves I suppose when I end up experiencing something for the first time.

Suspected lower leg by Ankle/or even possibly ankle. Kid flat out refused for me to touch leg. Place ice pack on leg right by ankle where they pointed, did not want it on leg/ankle. Assessed for pulse, and warmth. Kid was in pain, but not to the point of yelling or screaming.

A kid may have possibly broken his leg at school yesterday. I called the parents immediately to tell them my concerns and he needs to be taken to the ER for further evaluation. The grandma came to get him as she was closer and parents was going to meet her at the ER. This never happened to me before..of course it was during the absolute worse time of day...recess and my office is absolutely chaotic during that time, and plus dealing with all the sick kiddos right now... I questioned myself and wondered if I should have had an ambulance come and transport him instead??? Do you call an ambulance for possible broken legs??

Either your school has kids that hardly ever need a nurse or you are not a school nurse. School nurses is far more than ice packs and I never give out lollipops. Heck, I refuse to give out peppermints. I have been a RN for 14 years. This is my 4th year as a school nurse. I have worked adult med-surg, clinic, case management and for me school nursing has been one of the hardest jobs i ever had between having to do Heimlich on a choking kid, kids with Asthma attack, kids with anxiety, depression, cutting themselves, anorexics/bulmics, heart issues, sickle cell crisis at school, kids having anaphylactic reactions. Totally crazy parents who do not understand school nurses must have DR orders for many things. We can't do just anything. All the hotlines that have to be done because of child abuse/neglect. That is just the beginning. There is typically only one school nurse in a school that have them and we can find ourselves having to make a quick decision without ANY support until an ambulance arrives. Please do not under estimate the job of a school nurse. We are nurses too and we have to use our assessment skills and be on top of it too. Yes we are under paid, but considering the trade off of the hours, no holidays, no summers unless I want it's a sacrifice well worth it while my child is still young. I'm a divorced parent and do not get any financial help from my EX. I am making it on a school nurse salary by living within my means and not keeping up with the joneses. I'm a minimalist, and bargain shop. Everyone has a different standard of living with different needs though, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Sorry, This last comment is in response to Caliotter3

Interesting I have read the opposite. However, I am pretty sure I have decided I am not going to go the nurse practitioner route.

I have owned 3 homes already! Unfortunately due to a divorce I currently do not own. I am currently working on that once again now though! Eventually I would like to retire!! I'm almost 38 years old. I think I am going to pass on pursuing my Masters and work on other things like starting my own business and writing.

Who here has at least $30,000 in student loans from undergrad and still decided to go for your nurse practitioner anyway?? I have been an RN since 2003. I currently have $30,000 in student loans. I have been putting off going for my Master'a because that would only mean more debt. I am sure at least $30,000 more. Should I go ahead and go for it or would that be a stupid move?

Last week was my first week as an elementary school nurse. I have done high school before. I have a couple questions. 1)Do you call parents over every single Recess injury sent in your office? Obviously, Recess time is a very busy part of the day. Obviously I know big stuff like anything involving the head, and possible concerns with fractures/sprains is a call home but, what about the rest? I feel like I am walking on egg shells and don't want to overly call. 2) If the kids at your school wear uniform and they are out of compliance is that your issue to deal with? Fridays is dress down day if the kid pays $1. 10 minutes into the start of the school day I had 6 kids (3 from the same class at the same time) in my office because they was not in uniform and they did not have a $1. I already had a couple kids with legit medical issues in my office at that time. The nurse closet barely has clothes for kids who have accidents on themselves during the school day which I know that is definitely my issue.

I'm glad we have rules in place where we do not have standing orders for OTC medication. Although, I do wish we could have a standing order for Neosporin/hydrocortisone cream and that's it. I work in a high school and without a shadow of doubt these kids will take advantage if they knew we had stock Tylenol/Advil, or even cough drops. OTC medication parents can bring in and fill out a health history form but, I tell the parents unless your child has a chronic condition we would strongly prefer they do not send any OTC medication. In a school of 1100 students there simply is not enough space if a lot of parents was to do that. I tell them unless your child's DR specifically say to take during school hours just keep it at home.

*Note* to self keep construction paper in my office if I start working in an elementary school. Right now I work high school. Trying to get moved to a elementary school.