RNCourt

Luckily my school does not condone celebrations in the classroom. They are grades 6-12. However, a teacher may want to somehow include food into their lessons. This year I created a Food Form which must be filled out by the teacher and they must attach a roster of the students participating. Once they get the approval through admin I go through the roster and pick out anyone who may not be able to participate due to allergies or other special diets. If I come across something, I'll speak with the teacher and we are usually able to come up with an equal alternative for the student with special dietary needs. It's a hassel and a lot of work but it seemed to work out pretty well this year.

Boy do I know the feeling. I get aggrevated too coming on to a shift and trying to get caught up with everything that could have been done throughout the day. As time went on with my case I came to realize the time that my patient spends with their family is just as important as the maintenance issues. I am thankful that the parents of my teenage patient are able to care for their son in a safe manner until a nurse can come to relieve them. Yes, it may take me an hour to get caught up with everything but it keeps me busy. If it doesn't impede on the safety of the patient, I think parents should be just that, parents.

This is my third year as a school nurse in MA. I'm at $44,500 for the year. I work at a charter school M-F 8-5. I do not work summers or holiday breaks. I also qualify for teacher's retirement.

Somehow when I signed onto this job I inherited the infamous Lost and Found closet. Once a quarter when the thing is literally busting at the seams, I will clean it out and set aside clothing that could be lent out. Unfortunately I lug it all home to wash it first but it seems to keep a steady supply in my office. I also have a sign out sheet when a student borrows clothing and I send a letter home in the mail after a week of not seeing it returned. It's been a pretty good system thus far for me.

In the state of MA we have to apply for field trip delegation. Once I have the certification I go over meds with one teacher/staff member who will be attending the trip. I would also be sure that the student's permission slip states that there will be no nurse on the trip and that any prescription medications will be administered by a delegated staff member when necessary.

I had a couple of good ones this week. One middle school student had her sweater stuck in her braces. Another one, I was called down for an emergency with no name or description of the incident (of course). I run into the class room and I find a girl with her hand pinched in her chair. Needless to say we had to call the maintenance worker for that one . I love this job you just never know what will walk in next.

I am 25 this is my 3rd year as a school nurse for grades 6-12. I came into school nursing straight from college. I also do pediatric homecare part time MWFSat after school. It gets easier every year!

The student who has been prescribed this has the most mild case of asthma in the school I would say. I've been getting the same cold and allergy cases, and one solitary case of pink eye. Crossing my fingers!

There are no confirmed cases in my state yet (Mass) however there are in states surrounding me. I do have one student in the school whose doctor has already prescribed him to take his inhaler every 4 hours even though he does not exhibit any symptoms. Has anyone else been prescribed to give inhalers prophylactically? I don't really understand how it will help.

Whoa uthscsa2011 are you my twin? I'm 25...went into school nursing fresh out of college. I'm also doing Pedi home health part-time. I get out of the school at 4:45 and I'm exhausted. I pack a bag to go the gym everyday after work but I never end up going. Although I'm convinced it's my thyroid as my sister was just diagnosed with an underactive thyroid, my numbers are normal (slightly on the high side). I definately agree with Oldude. I'm going to try to find a hobby and hope that helps. I think with school nursing we are constantly changing our focus as new things come flying at us. One minute we are sitting quietly working on paperwork and the next you could be running down the hall for a passed out student. The fact that we constantly have to be alert in the back of our heads is draining in itself. I know this isn't much help, just know that you're not alone!

I'm in the same boat as you Massmagic. I'm from Massachusetts and have heard the same story and recommendation which is why I don't make any medical concern lists. I would also like to hear some suggestions. Each time a teacher wants to throw a classroom party I go through their list of students and inform the teacher of what can and cannot be given out. This takes up a lot of my time and I need to figure out a different solution that keeps children safe while keeping their information private.

I guess my concern now is I thought it was a HIPPA violation to make lists of students and their allergies and give them to their teachers. With the diabetics who self test in classrooms, do they carry a sharps container of some sort with them?

My school hands out snack to all the students who undergo a standardized test. Testing usually goes from 8:30am-11:30am for the whole school (grades 6-12). I think it's a good idea that they have something to sustain themselves but can I just say, it is a huge pain in the behind for school nurses to go through and figure out all the allergies and make appropriate substitutions. Not to mention, my school chose poptarts and fruit juice as the snack. Not exactly the best brain food if you ask me. Just wondering if any of your schools do the same. If so, how do you handle food allergies, diabetics, etc during testing?

Today a teacher asked me to speak to an 8th grade girl who repeatedly picks her nose and continues to....consume what she finds up there. During her next period I called her into my office and stated the importance of not picking and I gave her my whole spiel on germ spreading and hand washing, etc. She didn't seem offended and it appeared she understood what I was saying and agreed it was unhealthy. I handed her some tissues to keep in her pocket and off she went. The next period, her teacher stated she was back at it. Now she stated she overheard some other students talking about it. Do you think this situation warrants a call home to get parents involved in helping her stop her habit? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated!

I have had to deal with this issue a couple of times this year. Both were a female and male student from the same family. The female is 6th grade and the male is 10th. On the first complaint the teacher sends them to my office. I usually ask them what they know about hygiene, what they do at home, if they have supplies available to them. Then i follow up with Mom or Dad to make sure there are no medical reasons for the odor (found out one stinky student dribbles urine...you never know until you ask sometimes). If a casual discussion about hygiene doesn't seem to do the trick I refer to the Dean of Students. The last time, our DOS called home and requested their child be picked up because due to our policy which states the child must be well groomed they could not return to school until they had bathed. It may sound harsh but sometimes students AND parents don't take it seriously until they see how serious we are about it.

Those are both awesome ideas. I'm going to speak with Mom today and start a drive to have things on hand. Thank you guys. :)

I have an 8th grade student whose family fell on some hard times earlier this year. Once the school was aware, the staff was asked for donations to give to the family. The family was very happy and appreciative of the gifts. Unfortunately that student came to me this morning requesting to brush her teeth before her first period. (I keep toothbrushes, floss, etc. in my office). She asked if she could tell me something that she didn't want anyone else to know. I said as long as there is no harm involved I would try my best. She stated she has no toothpaste at home and listed some various other health and beauty items she is lacking. Her mother has been unable to work recently due to an illness. As much as I would like to call upon my staff and ask for their help, I want to maintain the trust that student has in me. I have no problem picking up the items myself and giving them to her. My question is, is it appropriate? Also, what if her mother is offended or gets upset with her daughter for confiding in me? I'd appreciate any thoughts or opinions.

When my Diabetic/ADHD student is low and needs to stay with me until he has a FSB of atleast 70, we play a reverse musical chairs. He can choose any (school appropriate) song to be played. The second he gets up or tries to walk around, the music shuts off. It's been working pretty well!

I agree, it is very difficult. The worst feeling is when the bell rings at the end of the day and you see them getting on the bus knowing they are going back home when they probably would much rather stay at school. You did such an important thing. Whether it feels like it or not, you have made such an impact on that child's life with just a phone call.

For hearing I use an Ambco audiometer and oto-screen. It's model 1000. It is VERY user friendly. I get it calibrated annually. Hasn't failed me yet! As for vision I just use a Snellen Chart. I have grades 6-12 so I don't have to do anything too fancy. I would love to get a vision screener but it just simply isn't in the budget.

What I learned today is to ALWAYS, no matter what, give a student a bucket if you have them lay down for what may seem like a simple tummy ache. My 10th grade student was under the impression that his explosive vomit would fit into the tiny 4oz cup I gave him for water. Needless to say, it was a "roll your pant legs up" kind of day. Thank goodness it's Friday!

Same frustration here. Even today, a student comes in with a bruised and swollen finger from a basketball game yesterday. We iced it then I buddy taped it for her with athletic tape. The next period the student returns asking for more tape. When I asked where the other tape was she said the gym teacher told her it wasn't necessary and told her to take it off. Mind you she didn't even have gym, she was simply walking in the hallway. I do things for a reason! Break can't come soon enough.

I feel pretty well respected here around Christmas time. I get to jump in with the staff on the celebrations. We do a Secret Santa among everyone which is pretty fun. We also have a catered lunch on our half day tomorrow. Not to mention our generous bonus...gets bigger and bigger every year! This year I had a student intern with me, she was gracious enough to give me a candle. Happy Holidays everyone!

I am a school nurse in Western Mass. I'm an RN at a Charter School. I work M-F 8-4:45. My first year I made 39,000/year. This is my second year and I am making 43,000/year. I have the option to get paid 10 months or 12 months. I chose 12. I can tutor on Saturdays which would be $30/hour. Also on Massachusetts Teachers Retirement. Can't complain. :)

Hello all, This is my second year as a school nurse and I'm still not able to figure out what to do in this particular situation. I have grades 6-12 and I work in a Charter School. My problem is, once a student hits their head I always go through and do a concussion checklist. Most of the times the student will state that only their head hurts, no other s+s and I'll give them an ice pack send them on their way and ask that the check in with me next period. However, sometimes I'll have students start agreeing to every symptom on the list (nausea, dizziness, etc.) Knowing I can't measure for these things and having some serious doubt in my mind as they are almost smiling while answering these questions and all vital signs are stable, how should I handle these cases? If my gut is telling me there isn't anything wrong and they are fibbing, should I still send a student out? The same goes for allergic reactions. After explaining to the student s+s of severe allergic reaction the student comes back stating she is feeling nausea, dizzy, etc. All vital signs stable, no hx allergic reaction. Call parents to inform. Parents agree student has been stung before without allergic reaction. So my question is, do you educate students on these things because you want them to be aware?