Ridiculous things. This is a new one one me.

Cattz, ADN · Feb 18, 2016

Those are all very good questions. No hate here. School Nurses are all here to learn from each other, support each other, and give each other a supportive, but understanding kick in the butt if we need it.

The events that lead up to this post didn't happen over night. I have spent more time, over many years, than I can count not only being the mom's/student's school nurse, but, also being a "big sister" to the mom. Being the only medical person that I usually see all week in my buildings, sharing this with the other school nurses, was a release for me.

Part of being the school nurse, is not only looking out for the best interest of the child, but also, to support parent involvement. And, yes, parent responsibility. Hopefully, this is passed down to the child (eventually).

As far as side effects- They are very, small. Other than that, I have not seen or been told of any. However, with the recent increase, weekly weights were already in order.

Windchaser22 · Feb 18, 2016

But here ya go, Boston.
[ATTACH]21032[/ATTACH]

Love it!

OldDude · Feb 18, 2016

I am going to be the Debbie Downer here, forewarning. If you are going to hate me then you can always stop reading...right....about...now...

Ok, Boston Debbie Downer. I think the real issue here is how this came about; parent driven ***** mess. Had all the I's been dotted and T's been crossed it wouldn't have been an issue. But The REAL issue with your post is that it has been tagged by the SN forum ellipse Police, Farawyn, as a violation of the ellipse code of conduct...group of three...not four...not two...not seven...group of three...

Sorry. I will pray for mercy on your ellipse rule violating soul.

Farawyn · Feb 18, 2016

Ok, Boston Debbie Downer. I think the real issue here is how this came about; parent driven ***** mess. Had all the I's been dotted and T's been crossed it wouldn't have been an issue. But The REAL issue with your post is that it has been tagged by the SN forum ellipse Police, Farawyn, as a violation of the ellipse code of conduct...group of three...not four...not two...not seven...group of three...
Sorry. I will pray for mercy on your ellipse rule violating soul.

:inlove:

allnurses Guide · Feb 18, 2016

Appreciate your perspective. You'd be surprised just how much parents are willing to dump on school nurses that fall into grey areas. Don't forget at a minimum we have hundreds and sometimes thousands of students (and their parents) to care for and deal with. Many we get to know over the course of years (blessing and a curse).
We don't have 9 hour school days here so 3 doses during a school day means we would be working outside the scheduled day (could be a liability and contract issue) or we are giving the med in less than 3 hr increments at some point. If am doses are a problem for the family then accommodations might be made only if there is an appropriate MD/NP order.

I have an extended family member that is a long-time school nurse and I can't beleize the amount of kids she has to take care of, and how well she knows each one over the child's tenure at the school. I don't know if she is even on here...maybe she IS one of you....or one of us IS her... (used 3 that time)?

Giving methylphenidate every 2.5 hours isn't all that unreasonable assuming the average duration of action is 3 hours, actually it may let the prescriber use a slight smaller dose by over lapping the tail of the curve.

I am sure you all have to deal with crazy parents (I do too and I only work with adults, go figure) and I am not saying the mom's motivation is right, I am just not sure we can assume it's wrong either. Kids have homework/chores/dinnertime right? How do they get it done off the meds?

allnurses Guide · Feb 18, 2016

I was going to change my avatar to this but it was too much work. womp womp.

Farawyn · Feb 18, 2016

Hmmmm. I still see 4.

:bag:

My mom was a school nurse as well after her tenure in the ED. No one was medicated back in her day. And if they were, they took it at home.

On the HS level I only know what "they" tell me, which isn't always the whole story.

If a kid is medicating in school I can only hope it's Ritalin and not Xanax.

Farawyn · Feb 18, 2016

I was going to change my avatar to this but it was too much work. womp womp.

I like the Bruins. (Not as much as the Islanders!)

TamGina · Feb 20, 2016

I work with a dr. who prescribes this way, it is because insurance won't pay for the long acting. The child needs the medication to stay active so it is given before the medication wears off, so there is less than 4 hours in between. The midday dose should be earlier.

JessicaJohns · Feb 20, 2016

Honestly, if the RX has these instructions on it, then do your job. It sounds like you are less concerned about the kid and just irritated that you have to deal with it 3 times a day. ( hope I am wrong)good luck

Just be happy.

OldDude · Feb 20, 2016

Honestly, if the RX has these instructions on it, then do your job. It sounds like you are less concerned about the kid and just irritated that you have to deal with it 3 times a day. ( hope I am wrong)good luck
Just be happy.

Your hope is fulfilled. Be 100% assured - you are wrong.

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2016

Honestly, if the RX has these instructions on it, then do your job. It sounds like you are less concerned about the kid and just irritated that you have to deal with it 3 times a day. ( hope I am wrong)good luck
Just be happy.

Not really a wise idea to criticize nurses' actions before you are even in a nursing program, much less an actual, practicing nurse.

P.S. Also not a good idea, even when (if) you become a nurse, to spout off about happenings in a specialty of which you know not. I'm not a school nurse, but I love this forum. It's funny, informative and remarkably snark free, for the most part.