jsundhausen

Not only that, but I have also been informed before that if they are labeled as special ed, parents can qualify to receive social security benefits for that child... I have not looked that up myself, but it would make sense in many cases that I have seen.

I too agree with everyone else that has posted. As a first year school nurse this year, I too had this same issues at the beginning. My rule of thumb for calling is: anything that would leave a significant mark, anything in which I think a parent might question (odd story from a child, etc.), and anything that I think may be brewing (seeing a student for earache, ear slightly red, but not enough for me to insist on appointment). Regarding head injuries: if I don't see anything or feel anything, as well as if the child is fine (not crying, not concerned, neurologically okay, etc.) I don't call.... Sometimes if its a questionable one I will send home a head injury form that gives signs and symptoms of concussion, etc. If it is swelling up at all, then I call immediately, and offer for parents to come get. If it is swollen and child is off, I insist child is taken home and recommend dr. Ice packs are my best friend, and well as band-aids. Ear ease for earaches when there is no redness or anything. Mints for sore throat, also for stomach aches as well. If they rest and don't feel better, I send them to class. 9/10 they are fine the rest of the day, the other 1/10 will then throw up and I send home. I DO NOT send home every child that vomits. I send home the ones that vomit multiple times, throw up in the room everywhere, and the ones obviously sick. I have too many that throw up because they overate, they didn't like their lunch, or they have all that drainage causing them to throw up (and when I look at it, its only mucus and a few food particles). I have found the parents that get mad that I didn't call for something, I tell them that I will make note to call you anytime I see your child... I do that and they quickly tell me, "well if it isn't that big of a deal then send them back to class". We can never win!!!

In the school that I work in, we have a program called "backpack buddies". This is a program offered by an area food bank that delivers food weekly. A selected number of students that have been identified as having the need go down on Fridays and their backpacks are filled with easy to prepare meals for the weekend. While there are many other students that need to be in the program I am sure, this does help some of them that teachers, administrators and myself have identified. When we started, I, as the nurse made a quick phone call to the identified students parents about what we were doing and if they would be okay with their child participating. We really try to keep it discreet but 7 and 8 year olds have a way of letting the world know! :)

Yes, you can! Volunteering at hospitals and other organizations is great for a resume later on and to get your foot in the door. I got very ahead by getting a lot of my basics for nursing school done during highschool. I graduated highschool in May 2010, I took the needed science requirements over the summer, and entered into my ADN program in August 2010. I graduated with my ADN in May 2012, passed NCLEX and started working. I then immediately started my RN-BSN and graduated with that Dec 2013. I am only 21 years old with my RN, BSN with 1.5 years experience behind me. It was VERY tough at times, but it can be done!