SchoolNursey

So....this was the end of last year, but a 4th grade teacher sent me a kid with her school bag because the bag was full of roaches. This year I have had so many "facepalm" moments. I do have 2 that stick out. The kid that couldn't sneeze (6th grader). When I asked her to elaborate, she informed me that she was worried because she hasn't sneezed in weeks and all the other kids have been sneezing at school. The other one was a kid with blurry vision (8th grader) came with a note that said "blurry vision" and an escort. When I asked her to elaborate, she informed me that she forgot her glasses at home and was trying to ask the teacher to let her sit closer to the board.

Just wanted to update this thread. My middle school student was cleared by cardiology to resume ADHD meds. According to the mom, cardiologist was confused as to why stimulant meds had been held for that blood pressure. So, I am assuming the cardiologist was not impressed. LoL

We have to do an IHP for any student with a medical diagnosis that takes medication (even medication at home). It is a lot. I struggle to keep up.

Thanks everyone for your input!

I questioned this NP in the past and it did not turn out well. I think I will attempt to speak with the psychiatrist! Thanks! I too believe there is ego involved. There have been multiple instances that her patients needed the care of a specialist and she wouldn't refer them.

I too am skeptical!It's a NP that is doing this, but this NP does not manage the ADHD medications. My middle school student is adult size! He's bigger than me!

The students are all on Ritalin, Adderall or Vyvanse that are having meds held for high BP.

Thank you!!!

I have not been asked to monitor these BPs, these kids are daily meds at school, which have been placed on hold by the MD due to BP. It is one particular PCP that is doing this, but it's concerning to me as many of my students go there. With state testing approaching, it concerns me that these kids are not medicated. I am always trying to understand and learn new things. As a nurse with a cardiac background, some the BPs did not seem high to me, but I am not a doctor.... Thanks everyone!

Question, does anyone have protocols for what is considered high/low BP in the elementary and middle school child? I recently have had numerous students taken off ADHD meds by PCP due to elevated BP, but when parents tell me the BP reading, it surprises me. Example, middle school boy with BP of 122/78. Just looking for guidelines for better understanding.

What app?

If a student wanted to pray, then absolutely I would. I never hesitate to pray with my patients in the hospital setting. I firmly believe that my office is a safe space and tell my students the same thing. I would ask them to lead the prayer or we could pray together, in silence. I have often prayed with my patients and many have had very different faiths. It doesn't matter what GOD they are praying to, I know my God knows where my faith is and would be ok with me giving this comfort to others.

I have been several times and it's a great experience. Unfortunately, I will not be attending this year as my dear friend is getting married during that week.

I have NSO, is there a policy specific to school nursing? I have just continued my policy from when I was full time in the hospital. I still work PRN at the hospital also.

Well, because I have a School Based Health Center, I am required to refer every student that has a consent form to be seen. BUT I am supposed to assess them first, which is frustrating because if a kid wants to go there, I can't deny them. So why do i assess them? My SBHC serves 2 schools and is owned by a separate company, not the school district. I have not sent home any kids from either school this week. With that said, I used to triage before sending to SBHC. I would only send kids that i would otherwise send home or advise to be seen by MD. But the owner of the SBHC went to my boss and threatened to close down the center if I didn't start sending more kids...... I always make the kids sit for at least a minute while I finish what I am doing, usually charting on the last student. This gives me time to assess them without them knowing I am assessing them. Tells me A LOT when I just watch body language.

I am a little late, but glad to hear you are ok. I have family in Orange, everything was under water. I'm outside of NOLA, so Katrina is still a fresh memory.

I am currently dealing with this same problem, except I am in a middle school, 6th-8th with almost 900 students. I am only here 3 days a week, but see about 60+ daily. I have 14 daily meds also. My visits start as soon as I walk in the building. I have a school based health center in my campus and since they opened, my visits have tripled. I have no words of wisdom but hopefully someone else does!

We use a computer charting system, but I document EVERYTHING! Every parent call, student encounter, etc. It has saved my behind more than once.

Mr. Nursex2 I like your perspective, I haven't thought about it that way.

UGHHHH...pet peeve of mine is ice on burns!!!! I want to send out a PSA next year that I do not give ice packs for burns!!!!! I have so many that come up for absolutely nothing. The "injuries" that happened Friday evening that I see on Monday, but parents weren't told! Is is really hurting???

You took the words right out of my mouth. I feel the exact same way. Especially the CYA and parents not parenting.

I sent you a PM with my email address. :)

I am a member and love it. The online forum is invaluable.

You need to get access to LINKS. If you are in my area, I can put you in touch with my contact. I am always looking to reach out to other Louisiana nurses. You just missed our state conference, it was last weel.

I am a Louisiana School Nurse also! Message me your email and I can walk you through the process of immunizations! I can also inform you of the state mandated screenings. We do not have a State School Nurse consultant.