Kittery

Hi, my first post on AN in years. So glad it's still here and wow, looks very different! I've been staying home with the kids for almost 6 years. Prior to that, I worked as a school nurse for 5 years (hi to school nurses if anyone sees this!), and inpatient 2.5 years. I'm in TX and have kept my license active by renewing and completing CEs but haven't actually practiced, so technically, I'm not required to do an RN refresher course but I personally feel I need it. My current plan is to go back to work full time for a couple of years before pursuing an FNP program. Would love insight on 2 things: 1. What RN practice setting would be most beneficial for someone wanting to become an FNP? I'm thinking of returning to inpatient med/surg but not sure. 2. If you did a refresher course after ~5 years away, did you find it very helpful to prepare for working again? We have 3 kids 8 and under. I'm a little anxious about all this so any encouragement from other parents with young kids would be appreciated as well. I never stopped being a nurse at heart. ? Thanks!

I am taking a break from work to do the SAHM gig. I emailed the BON asking if I could keep my license active as long as I complete my continuing ED and pay the fee every renewal period. (I may try to work PRN or not work at all, not sure right now.) They responded and just told me how to place my license on inactive status but I'm still not clear if I HAVE to inactivate it if I'm not working. The renewal requirements don't seem to include proof of active employment. Anyone with experience know? TIA!

Hi SN friends, I don't post or comment much but I am on almost everyday reading your thoughtful, informative, and hilarious discussions. Today's our last day of school and I am "temporarily retiring" to pursue my dream job---staying at home with my babies. I had #2 this past spring and I'm excited (but nervous---will I enjoy it as much as I think I will? Because the whole toddler trying to adjust to new baby thing is kicking. my. butt!) I just wanted to thank you all for your wisdom and humor these last 5 years of school nursing. And OldDude, a special thank you for always reminding us how our children are only on loan to us for a short time. I can't tell you how many times your words have crossed my mind. I am sad to leave my school but excited to make the very most of the time I get with my little ones. I plan to return to school nursing when I'm done having babies and the youngest is in school and hoping all of you will still be around here to help me ease back in! Have a fantastic, well-deserved summer!

I personally do not (just because there isn't a need to), but in TX we can and many of the other nurses in our district do. Many of our teachers do the tube feedings themselves daily, with proper training and occasional check-ins/reviews by the nurse.

You can verify certification on the website, I checked that everyday and found out I passed 3-4 weeks after taking the exam, much better than 6-8 weeks for the letter!

A HS student in my district was arrested the day after the Parkland shooting for bringing a gun to school, same thing happened in 2 other districts in the area. Ridiculous.

I've replaced a nurse at all 3 schools I've been at. 2 of them overall did not like the nurse prior to me so I was received well. 1 of them, the nurse had not been there too long but was very beloved and I was not received so well and heard all the time "well our old nurse did it this way..." Of course, when I was about to leave that school, I started to hear complaints about the nurse I replaced. I don't pay any mind to whatever is said about the previous nurse because I know teachers don't really understand our role anyway!

Way far ahead but 2021 will be in Austin!

I have worked for a district that stocks OTCs and for one that does not stock anything besides epi, and I definitely prefer not stocking meds. The students came in asking for ibuprofen/Tylenol for any little bump/scrape/tickle in their throat, which drove me nuts. I get that sometimes you need something for a headache to get through the day, but the kids knowing I had an "instant fix" in my clinic made them unable to tolerate any kind of discomfort. I can't count the number of times I told a student, "You know, ibuprofen is not generally recommended for stomachaches and in fact can make it worse." Every time the response was "well my mom gives me 3 of them at home when I get a stomachache and it really helps." (and no, they were not "female stomachaches") Hearing all the improper doses the kids got at home, with or without the parents, also drove me crazy.

I'm just here to say WAY TO GO! So glad you were this student's school nurse!

Our school policy is vomit goes home and stays home until 24 hours without vomiting. That said, it's understood that I can use my discretion. But if I don't have a clearly not-illness-related reason for the student vomiting, I will send home. I would see if getting the doctor's permission to remain in school after one episode and no other s/s in writing would suffice. I have taken notes like that before, but it'll probably depend on your school's administrators or even school board.

Question: I was doing Diastat training today, and I always tell the teacher to look at the safety cap and make sure that little plastic prong is still there, otherwise it probably broke off in the syringe. But if it did ... what would happen? I'm thinking it would just get pushed out with the medicine and there are worse things that could get stuck in a kid's butt (pardon me for whatever image pops into your head here. ) But I suppose it could also injure the skin! I usually only have one syringe per kiddo so wouldn't be able to try a 2nd one. Thoughts?

I've missed a broken foot, too, and like you, felt awful about it. But we do not have x-ray vision and can only go on our assessment. I would've done the same as you did, but this is my 5th year in school nursing and I've had swollen, black and blue fingers come back "just bruised" and fingers and toes that appear totally normal come back broken. So now my line is "this is what I'm seeing but fingers and toes (and feet) can be tricky so if your child continues to complain, get it checked out." Don't beat yourself up over this!

Thanks, all! The student will start school in a few weeks, I'm going to work with mom to develop specific accommodations r/t to his triggers. I think I'll bring up a 504 as well like Jen said. Welcome back from Thanksgiving break!

Anybody have experience with this in the school? It sounds like triggers can vary from person to person and even day to day ... just looking for a starting point for an IHP. Thank you! And happy Thanksgiving!