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Ouch! Kids say the darndest things, don't they? I have a student that keeps telling me his mom used to be a nurse, I'm pretty sure she was housekeeping at a SNF.

It seems to me that allowing unlicensed personnel to administer insulin would create a big risk of liability on the school's part. Ok, so blood sugar checks and sliding scales and insulin administration might be simple enough, but will non-nursing school staff know how to handle other aspects of diabetes medical management? Will they recognize signs of highs and lows? Know how to handle a dosage error? Know how to intervene in an emergency? There's a lot more to managing a pediatric diabetic than insulin administration. Even my students who self-administer their insulin require RN supervision to so - per MD orders! And in a hospital setting insulin administration requires a second RN to witness proper dosing! They may try to make it look like they are putting our children first, but to me it seems like they would rather not pay an RN to do the job. Okay, there's my rant, please don't judge me too harshly for it. I am all for advocating autonomy for my patients, and my ultimate goal is to smoothly and slowly transition my pediatric patients into managing their own care. I provide them with increasing responsibility that is appropriate for their developmental level. I have a sixth grader that is (finally) pretty much completely independent in self-care. The little one's require more help, of course. Will unlicensed staff be patient educators? And lastly, I often feel as though this law is (sadly) my job security. I, like many other school personnel, fear lay-offs or having my hours cut. But as long as there are students with diabetes at my school then I have a job and all my students have regualr access to a healthcare professional and patient advocate.

This article is over a year old, but it is interesting and informative none-the-less. As I dole out meds to healthy children on a daily basis I can't help but long for an approach more like that of the French. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd

My thoughts exactly. Most of us sacrafice a great deal of income to work as a school nurse. I could double my hourly rate and my hours if I worked in a hospital. I could also have better benefits and increased job security.

Yes, I will definately be using my doula! Also, I am blessed to have Kaiser insurance, and our local woman and children's center is a brand spankin' new facility. They have an OB and CNM on at all times, and I have made it clear that I want to deliver with a midwife if possible. I will be preparing a simple and flexible birth plan. Both my sisters had their children at this same hospital, and I my OB rotation in nursing school was at this facility as well. I was fortunate enough to witness a beautifully smooth natural delivery with a midwife while in school. All of these experiences make me feel very comfortable and confident with having my baby there!

I had a student sent to me last week with a note saying "I believe ****** smells awful, but I am congested and can't tell." WHAT? If you are congested and can't tell then what is the problem?? The student (a 2nd grader) had the typical mom or dad is a smoker smell, something that is pretty common in this backwoods community I serve. It didn't strike me as overwhelming, and I'm pregnant so my sense of smell equals that of a bloodhound. I discussed with the principal, then had her wash up her hands and face and sent her on her way. Just yesterday the same student came to me with a note reading "I believe ****** needs to wash." Oh brother. No odor this time. None at all. She appeared to have some dried milk from breakfast around her mouth. I guess the RN after my name makes me more qualified to wipe a child's face with a wet paper towel, right??

I will tell you the mistake I made in my first year so that you can hopefully avoid doing the same. My pre-reqs were fairly easy for me, and I never really formed excellent study habits. I got really good at passing (A's and B's) while putting forth minimal effort. When nursing school started my approach was the same, and it worked in my first year. I had B's my first two semesters and I really didn't spend all that much time reading and studying. Well, come year 2 this bit me in the butt! While skating through the first year I managed to miss quite a bit of foundational learning that was absolutely necessary in the last 2 semesters. I found myself frantically playing catch up in what was already the hardest part of nursing school. I almost failed and spent much of that time on the brink of a nervous breakdown. Congratulations and good luck!

First, CONGRATULATIONS on your acceptance to nursing school! If I were you I would be thankful that your summer is going by so slowly. Enjoy it!!! It could be a very long time before you can enjoy a summer as care free as this one. If you really are anxious to get started then I recommend downloading your syllabus as soon as it's available and ordering your textbooks ASAP. It can never hurt to get a jump on the assigned reading and study material.

I have watched "The Business of Being Born" quite some time ago and would love to watch it again (although I no longer have Netflix). Also, one of my close friends is a doula and has offered her services. She delivered both her girls entirely naturally and has been a great resource and inspiration to me. I will check out the book "Labor of Love". Thank you for your input!

I am looking to my fellow RNs for a little guidance. I am a first time expectant mother who is very excited and naturally a little nervous as well! I have already dug up my maternal-newborn textbook from nursing school and begun refreshing. I am very very interested in natural childbirth and would love it if anyone could recommend some books on the subject.

As an RN and an expectant mother I would take one if it were offered to me upon admission for two reasons. First, anything to progress labor! Second, anything to avoid pooping while pushing! Sounds like a swell idea to me. As I recall from my OB rotation, which is at the same hospital I will be delivering at, they did not routinely do enemas on laboring mothers.

I'm in Northern California, working as an RN for the elementary school in our district. My direct supervisor is the district school nurse. I make a little over $20/hr, which is about half the wage a new grad would earn in our local hospital. I have free vision and dental (I pay 30% copay on dental, and copay goes down over time) for me and my family, but have to pay to for medical coverage. I have an 11 month contract. I LOVE this job. I never knew how much I enjoy working with kids! The schedule is wonderful. I'm part-time, school hours and days only. However, I can list two pitfalls to school nursing. 1) I received no on the job training or orientation or preparation of any sort. Thrown to the wolves! I was a terrified new grad with no guidance. 2) No job security. The district is cutting positions left and right and I am constantly wondering "will I be next?" Most schools use health aides and not RNs, so when will my district decide to replace me with someone cheaper??

Thanks for your reply! School nursing is both challenging and rewarding, but it sounds like a gig you would enjoy! I thought for sure I hated it and was horrible at it at first. Nursing school did little to prepare me to work in the school setting. Couple that with a huge lack of on-the-job orientation and I was absolutely terrified! I have learned so much in just one school year. More than anything I have learned that I love working with kids (who knew!) and that I am truly an educator at heart. I would be thrilled to return for another year (or more), but if I don't this job has done multitudes to help me understand my passions and to point me in the right direction for future education and career goals.

I think you absolutely did the right thing! I think it would be wise to tell your CN directly that while you appreciate her trying to protect you from the consequences of accepting this patient (which is what she wants you to think, even though it's abundantly clear she's trying to cover her own butt), you are not comfortable with lying. You should tell her you felt it necessary to give your NM the honest story, and that you ommitted the part where she tried to coach you to lie.

My first year in school nursing has been full of ups and downs. We all have days when our confidence is low, or we feel underappreciated or misunderstood. I've also had days when I know I am making a difference in my community and feel like a rockstar. Yesterday I received recognition in various forms for the hard work I do, and it felt fantastic! I arrived to school to find a potted plant and two thank you cards on my desk (one from a student, one from a teacher). I received a call from a parent expressing her appreciation for all I do, and telling me how at peace she feels knowing her daughter is in my care. Later in the day, the district school nurse told me that the principal of my school has written me a glowing review, and that many of my coworkers are rallying to have me back next school year. Hallelujah! I reflected on my day as I drove home, and got a little teary eyed as I felt my heart bursting with gratitude! I would love for my fellow school nurses to share their own stories of GOOD days! Let's hear it- when have you felt the love???

22 counting today!

Hello fellow school nurses. This is my first year as a school nurse, and I am now approaching my first summer vacation - hooray! I am looking forward to the time off, but have some financial concerns as well. My salary is evenly distributed over 11 months of pay, so I am really only worried about that 1 month (July) that I won't be getting a check. A smarter, more responsible version of myself might have begun saving in a rainy day fund when I first started the job. Anyway, my question is this: With school nursing as my only means of income, with an approx. 3 month recess approaching and (currently) no contract or indication of employment for next school year, am I eligible for unemployment benefits in California? I have little experience with this. I like to joke that this is my first "grown-up" job. I have never held a salaried position, have no experience with the school system or with governement employment, and have never before considered filing for state benefits. Any information would be appreciated.

I have noticed this with some of our aides and office staff as well, but it hasn't gotten to me to the point it seems it has gotten to some of you. It has caused me to reflect on my own interactions with students and to be more aware of my own actions. I believe in treating all living things with respect. Children model the behaviors of adults in their lives, therefore they should never be treated as anything less than a human being. In moments of impatient irritation I have been a little snappy or short with a kid or two, and then instantly felt awful about it! I was a sensitive child, and there are moments from my childhood I will never forget that involved being yelled at or belittled by an adult. I would hate to leave such an emotional mark on a child! We need to teach and reinforce manners, and not let the kids run the place. We can do this by modeling appropriate and respectful interactions and reinforcing positive behavior. We should not respond to a child's poor behavior with more poor behavior. It is possible to have a compassionate discussion that is tailored to their developmental level about their actions and what they could have done differently. Shame a child? Shame on you!

I have always been open about that fact that I am a nurse when seeking care for myself, mostly because I can't stand being explained things in laymen's terms. I want detailed and accurate descriptions, not to be spoken to as though I'm 10 years old. If I don't understand something I will ask for clarification. Also, big congrats and best wishes for healthy baby and happy mommy :)

I have a student with a diagnosis of epilepsy, who has not had a seizure in 2 years. His care plan indicates that Diastat is to be administered (rectally) for any seizure lasting >5min. After Diastat administration, the parent has 30 min to come get their child, after which point EMS will be called. However, this parent has not provided Diastat to the school so I would call 911 for a seizure >5min. It may be wise to collaborate with your public health nurse to insure this child is receiving appropriate care, and together you may determine whether this is potentially a case of medical neglect and whether or not it warrants CPS involvement. Remember the student's safety is #1. And always cover your bum! Don't let this mother's lack of cooperation jeopardize your career.

I think it would be better to risk overdressing than to under-dress for an interview. I am a female RN, and was told once by a nursing recruiter that I should have dressed more professionally for our interview. I had worn dress shoes, khaki slacks, and a dress blouse (untucked). She recommended that if I were called back for another interview that I tuck in my shirt and wear a blazer. I also think that because you are young it is more important to dress professionally. Also, consider the possibillity that someone else could interview for the position and have identical qualifications (very possible)... in this case the interviewer/recruiter is left weighing the overall impression the two candidates left him/her with. With all that said, my recommendation is that you where dress shoes, slacks, and a long sleeve button-down dress shirt at a minimum. If you feel overdressed in a suit style coat/blazer (not sure what they call it when men's clothes) then you simply carry one as though you had been wearing it. Be sure your face is freshly shaved and that you appear to have good hygiene overall (this is a field where cleanliness is very important, so give the impression you are super clean!) Good luck :)

I haven't watched Dr. Oz in years, but I very much appreciate this post and the resulting discussions. Anxiety and depression have impacted my life on and off since my early teenage years. I have always felt conflicted when it came to antidepressants. I agree that they are over-prescribed, and I feel as though they may be too heavily relied upon as a "cure-all". I really didn't figure out how I feel about their place in mental healthcare until I had to evaluate their place in my own life. Depression and anxiety very subtly and sneakily took control of my life. I very effectively hid my personal struggles from my loved ones and kept myself busy and distracted from my monkey mind. And then one day I realized I was within the firm grip of fear and dispair, and was so deep in this hole that I didn't even have the energy or motivation to claw my way out. I was so shocked to find myself here because I had overcome this fear before, and truly thought it would never again overtake me. More shocking still, I wasn't even sure how long I had been here. It suddenly felt as though my whole life had been an eternity of mistakes and suffering. I am both a nurse and a self-proclaimed hippy. I always explore natural solutions before pharmaceutical solutions. I eat healthy, dance, sing, and love to stay physically and mentally fit, but I couldn't even remember how to do these things. For years I have studied, shared, and lived the work of spiritual masters and self-help gurus, and the fact that I now felt so disconnected from my path left me feeling angry. I, of all people, knew better than to succumb to this! And yet there I was, the apitomy of everything I have strived not to be ever again. The hole I was in was deep, but I knew I could make it out if only I could get a little boost. I was terrified of antidepressants, and swore I would never ever ever (again) take them. Making the decision to ask for help in the form of pharmaceuticals went against everything I thought I believed in, but IT SAVED MY LIFE. It has been about 2 months since starting an SSRI, and I can't remember the last time I felt this clear-headed. I am now stable enough to resume the work that was so important to me before I began deteriorating. I feel better able to focus on a healthy lifestyle and on nurturing my spirit than ever before. My goal is to make permanent, natural changes while stabilized on medication, then ween myself off when I feel prepared and capable of maintaining my mental health on my own. I can appreciate that Dr. Oz is advocating that patients take control of their own mental health and not rely entirely on pharmaceuticals to solve all their problems. But if he is completely discounting the necessity or efficacy of antidepressants, or worse yet- the legitimacy of depression and anxiety as mental illnesses, then that is truly shameful. As nurses and patient advocates we can help represent a different point of view and support our patients, friends, and families to make fully informed decisions when it comes to their own health management.

I had an instructor in nursing school that said it like that. She was Canadian, and pronounced a lot of things in ways I had never heard. One of my personal favorites was "Skeleeetal" rather than "skeletal". I couldn't help but giggle either.

I have a Braun ear thermometer, and while I like it for the bigger kids and for adults, it is too big for the little ones. I often get low readings when their ear canal is too small for me to really get in and aim at their ear drum. I have had some kids tell me the last nurse had "a forehead scanner" and that they really liked it!

I went through an ADN program in Northern California. In our last semester we were responsible for full care of 4 patients under the supervision of an RN. We had full pyxis access, but were required to double check medications and verify patient identification with an RN. We were responsible for all charting, although our nurses were usually happy to help. We spent the majority of the semester on the same unit, but had brief rotations (1-2 shifts) to ICU, OR, ED, and Cath lab. We rotated out to OB for 6 shifts. We did not have a preceptorship in my program, and I have been told by other nurses and interviewers that my school "screwed me over" in that regard. They have since reintroduced a preceptorship to my school. In our 1st semester we had to complete a detailed 8 page careplan on our 1 patient load. In our final semester we had to complete a brief one page careplan on only 1 of our 4 patients, until our clinical instructor decided we were competent enough to not have to write it out and turn it in (of course we still had to make a verbal report/care plan if asked).