DFLPN

In my state, this is simply not true. If this were the case, no PDNS agency would ever hire LPN's. I used to work with kiddos with 'complex medical issues' and, many times, determined that they needed a PRN medication/treatment based on my assessment. Regarding this lawsuit-I want to know why this kiddo went 30 minutes with no oxygen. Lakeville is not exactly a rural area, and EMT's should have been there under that time. CPR? So few facts published.

Not the School Nurse, but I am a nurse in the health office (SN's assistant) and I handle the kiddos that come in. I usually don't have to alert the teachers because they already know and they do try to keep them in class. However, there are those times where the FF are not under the supervision of their teachers- recess/lunch/gym/music/art/ and (the worst scenario) SUB'S in which the FF can work their way here. I do call home after 10 times with the same symptom under the premise that I am 'concerned' and perhaps a physician should 'check that out'. One time I did call home when a student was coming in with varying symptoms almost every day. I was completely unaware that the student was having issues in school (socially) until mom told me. I am very glad I made that call-I have a much better understanding and empathy for the student.

I would find out as much about the pt (personality, likes/dislikes, baseline, medical background) from the parents if you can. My experience is that they appreciate this. I didn't read that the mom was insulting other nurses-perhaps she was letting you know what she expects which is a lot of interaction as opposed to doing ADL's, tx and med's and then leaving pt. alone. What type of lifting device does the patient have? PDN absolutely can be for new nurses or those not experienced with medically fragile kiddos-it all depends on the agency, training and support.

Per teacher (and same one), "please clean marker off their face", "needs a nap...seriously", "eye hurts, and please send me some cough drops back with student" Cough drops were for the teacher, student's eye was benign in appearance, and no way am I sending cough drops with a 5 year old, or any of the kiddos for that matter!

Depends on the kiddo (some want one for a hangnail or to use as a frisbee), how many left in our freezer/fridge (can fit 10-tops!) and how icy it is outside (head injury day). We use our pillow paper to make homemade ice packs-no ice maker here.

Your agency needs to do the right thing, as I would think they would be as liable as you. My former employer when I was a PDN would flip out if mom left me alone with a sibling-even for a ride in the elevator. They were clear with the families that the nurse is there for the pt. and the pt. only-we could include the sibling in play time or perhaps showing tx or cares (never allowing them to participate, of course) but never where our attention was diverted away from their client/my pt. Oh yeah, they also made it clear to the families that we worked too hard to our license to to do laundry, cleaning and such.

I apologize if I ever seemed like I was attacking OP with nasty comments...no way my intent. I have great respect that she cares about her job the way she does. My contention is with any school that would put her in this position, or the kids in her care. I watch my boss (RN, LSN) having to deal with care plans, IEP, 504 along with all else she has to contend with and I help her in any way I am allowed within my scope. I am lucky that I can deal with hands on care without the minutia of said responsibilities. I do not like that OP's district benefiting from misrepresentation and gaining a financial benefit to OP's detriment. Sounds like she is taking a heck of a lot of responsibilities. It upsets me. I am sorry, OP, if I offended. I do have a lot of respect. A school nurse job, as my boss described, takes a lot of criticism on a daily basis. You have a full plate, and I appreciate all you do.

I am not seeing where anyone's profession is being attacked. What I do not like is any organization or person misrepresenting their title or who they are staffing (OP does NOT seem to be doing this). My child's pediatric clinic calls their MA's nurses-that I don't find ethical. Everyone should be proud of their profession, but just be honest about who is treating our children and what kind of training they have. Some kids call me a doctor and I correct them. Because I am the person that the kids/parents have the most contact with they mistakenly call me the school nurse. I am quick to correct that although I am a nurse in the school, I am not the school nurse. If OP's school is calling her the school nurse, then they are not being honest with the parents. That is a big deal.

I believe OP is careful, but is the school careful to not misrepresent who is staffed? We have a small school but have over 55 asthmatic students...not to mention those with diabetes/severe allergies/seizures. OP, do you have an RN staffed within the district?

It amazes me how this differs state to state. As a parent, I would be very upset to learn that there wasn't a nurse staffed at their schools. I work as a health assistant, but I am also an LPN (our PHN/program director is phasing out staffing our health office with anyone who is not a licensed nurse). My boss goes between two schools, however she is never more than 10 minutes away. If a school is misrepresenting who is actually staffed in the HO, aren't they setting themselves up to litigation?