CalamityJane08

Did either of you get the job? I just finished up their pre-assessment and wondering how you guys like the job so far? How are the hours? I have 3 school aged kids so I am wondering if it would provide the flexibility I am looking for.

I don't have any advice but wanted to say congrats!! I've been in school nursing for 3 years and would love to one day switch L&d so I think it's awesome that you are doing so! I'm sure you will be great :) I too worry about gaining back my hospital skills but also believe school nursing exp. is invaluable and has taught me a lot about relying on my own assessment skills and instinct. Good luck to you!

I made the switch last year from middle to elementary. I like it for the most part. I enjoyed my time in middle school but it drove me crazy too. Dealing with dress code constantly, kids getting in fights all of the time, parents who don't bother with their older kids, the kiddos who are manipulative and just want to go home or get out of class... I could go on.. Elementary is fun. I really enjoy how sweet and sincere most of the kids are. The kids get so excited about all of the school activities and parties, it is really fun to be a part of that. The kids never fail to make me laugh, they will definitely tell you some funny stuff. I love the smiles, hugs and cute drawings. The little ones definitely know how to make you feel loved. The down side is, lots of lice, potty accidents, parents that want to be called for everything, and lots of recess injuries. Overall, I believe it is what you make of it. Everyone has to find the age group that works best for them. Best of luck to you!!

Thanks for all of the ideas, I will definitely put some of them to use. 8 more weeks of school..:)

It's been going on all year and yes he is missing a lot of class time. We've had meetings with his mom and are scheduled to have another one. Our nursing coordinator has even reached out to the family to see if she can help. The counselor meets with him regularly and he also has a mentor at school. I believe you are absolutely right about inadvertently reinforcing the behavior too.

Yeah, I think I'll just have to let him keep staying in the clinic. The problem is, he seems to think it's a treat and he enjoys being in the clinic. He usually has accidents almost the same time everyday. He's not embarrassed at all. It just gets frustrating to deal with several times a week. The classrooms have bathrooms as well, I just feel like if parents provided wipes and clothing he could essentially clean up in the classroom bathroom and if it's too messy, mom could be called to help him. He seems to think coming to the clinic everyday is a treat.

I'm sorry, he is 6..in kinder

In our district we are not able to help students change or clean up at all; the parents have been asked numerous times to bring extra clothes, wet wipes ect. He wipes up the best he can and waits for parents to help clean him up. Mom is aware that we are not able to assist students in the bathroom.

What do y'all do at your schools for students with bathroom accidents? I have a student who very frequently soils his pants and his parents usually take a while to get here to change him. He has trouble cleaning up himself so he has to have someone come help him. I have the principal, counselors and my nursing supervisor involved and have encouraged parents to have him seen by a doctor numerous times. The part that I am frustrated with is that he is always sent here to wait in the clinic. Sometimes it can be over an hour before his mom arrives to change him. There have been many days where I have him in here while I am trying to eat lunch. He is a very active kid and its hard to keep an eye on him when I have many other students coming in for actual medical needs. My supervisor has told me that he can go back to class and wait; he doesn't need to be missing class time. She said if it is too messy, he can wait in the office. She said there is no reason for a healthy kid to be waiting in the clinic where we have students with flu, strep and stomach virus symptoms. I have her support but it doesn't go over well with his teacher; she gets upset that I send him back to the classroom. I understand her frustration as well, I just wish the parents would step up. I end up being the one cleaning up after them when they make a mess of my bathroom and I have just had enough. Any advice?

I usually just lurk on this board, I had to re-create my username bc I couldn't remember my password for my old account. This post definitely hits home though! I had been dreading this all year as my daughter is in 5th grade. We had the puberty class last week and it went surprisingly well! My daughter told me " Don't look at me Mom!" I know she was a little embarrassed but it all worked out fine :)