Ridiculous things. This is a new one one me.

Published

Have any of you EVER had dr. orders to give Ritalin 3 times a day at school? To be exact--- before breakfast and lunch (7:45 and 11:45) and at 2:30? I am still shaking my head on this one. :no: :sarcastic: Just to explain a little further-- the 2:30 dose is at motherdearests' request so the kids aren't sooooo wild and crazy when they get home!!! pullleeeeez

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.

I like how you automatically assume I am not a nurse Jensmon7, funny and wrong, I am an RN and BSN and looked this up, which is what the NURSE who originally complained about the situation should have done, along with all the ADVICERS who followed.

According to Woo and Robinson (2015) Pharmocotheraputeics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers:

"Ritalin and Methylin: Adults:10–30 mg/d in 2–3 divided doses; maximum 60 mg/d in divided doses.Children >6 yr: 5 mg bid before breakfast and lunch,with increase of 5–10 mg at weekly intervals; maxi-mum 60 mg/d in divided doses. Stop drug if no im-provement in 4 wk."

Another thing to understand is to prevent insomnia the medication should not be given 6 hours before bedtime. So, if the children are attending one of many afterschool events or day care, it is important for them to receive this last daily dose at school, which would allow them to go to bed at a reasonable time of night.

In addition to being a nurse, I am also a mother of two children who have ADHD and Asperger. I have had wonderful nurses to work with who are willing to do their job to the fullest and appreciate this, but to the original comment here....do your job...try and do it well....and remember you can make a positive difference in this family.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most kids don't eat breakfast at school, hence the 3x a day questions.

And your profile says pre nursing student. Better fix that.

What's an ADVICER?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Really...prove me wrong, sometimes old dudes, forget to use their resources! See my other post.

Thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Your point has already been brought up by several other posters.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for pointing that out Farawyn, I have updated my status. I have watched this board for a long time, and seen a lot of complaining, which I understand, as no job is perfect, and we all have challenges in many of our professions. I just am disappointed by the advice from "ADVICER's" sometimes given back without any helpful facts. The original poster admitted that the instructions are listed this way on the RX, she has spoken to the parents and verified it with them. I assume she is a prudent nurse would have called and verified this with the pharmacy or providers office. She could also use her drug book to verify dosage/amount, however understanding that the provider has some flexibility in recommendations. So...therefore...I thought this sounded whiny to me, if you see what I mean. I am sorry if I hurt anyone's feelings, I just believe in researching the available evidence before complaining to a group of strangers who are just going to pat you on the back and say you are right, even if you are not. If there is a medical concern about giving the medication, that is a different issue and should be discussed with the family and MD.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No one was whining. I don't see what you mean, nor do I care.

As the one medical person in the building, we rely on each other on this board for support and criticism. Which we as school nurses provide to each other.

As this is a public board, of course, anyone can voice their opinion.

Breakfast is not usually provided at school. In most cases, the kids take their first dose of meds at home.

Of course, there are always exceptions and nothing is written in stone.

Your input is noted.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
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.

I think you misunderstood me. I'm saying you are wrong about Cattz being irritated by dealing with a 3 times a day med; if that was the case a school nurse wouldn't last the first week.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
Really...prove me wrong, sometimes old dudes, forget to use their resources! See my other post.

Thanks

Really...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice.
I like how you automatically assume I am not a nurse Jensmon7, funny and wrong, I am an RN and BSN and looked this up, which is what the NURSE who originally complained about the situation should have done, along with all the ADVICERS who followed.

According to Woo and Robinson (2015) Pharmocotheraputeics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers:

"Ritalin and Methylin: Adults:10–30 mg/d in 2–3 divided doses; maximum 60 mg/d in divided doses.Children >6 yr: 5 mg bid before breakfast and lunch,with increase of 5–10 mg at weekly intervals; maxi-mum 60 mg/d in divided doses. Stop drug if no im-provement in 4 wk."

Another thing to understand is to prevent insomnia the medication should not be given 6 hours before bedtime. So, if the children are attending one of many afterschool events or day care, it is important for them to receive this last daily dose at school, which would allow them to go to bed at a reasonable time of night.

In addition to being a nurse, I am also a mother of two children who have ADHD and Asperger. I have had wonderful nurses to work with who are willing to do their job to the fullest and appreciate this, but to the original comment here....do your job...try and do it well....and remember you can make a positive difference in this family.

Then update your profile, it says you're a pre nursing student. I assume nothing, but if you don't give accurate information, mistakes will happen.

And, since I'm not a school nurse, I will leave the rebuttal to them. They are well able to defend their actions and rationales.

ETA: I see you did update your profile, after I first responded to you. But, we both know what it originally said.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in critical care.
I personally have a child with ADHD,LD.... He takes Ritalin at 0630,1030(school) and 1430(school). His 1430 dose isn't for my sanity, it's to get him through the rest of the school day and through homework. It's been his regimen for years, and works well. These doses of Ritalin have a life of about 4 hours

Robin, I'm team ADHD mom and am glad you are speaking up. Not all children are well controlled long enough on concerta. I have one that thankfully is. That afternoon dose is a big deal for those who need it. Adequate dosing isn't about giving a parent their sanity back. It's about giving a child their control back. Children don't just struggle with school, and there are many hours left after school when they need to function. I would try to advocate for long-actings for these multi dose kids, but if it's not possible to make the change, I wouldn't bat an eye at the 1500 dose.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Robin, I'm team ADHD mom and am glad you are speaking up. Not all children are well controlled long enough on concerta. I have one that thankfully is. That afternoon dose is a big deal for those who need it. Adequate dosing isn't about giving a parent their sanity back. It's about giving a child their control back. Children don't just struggle with school, and there are many hours left after school when they need to function. I would try to advocate for long-actings for these multi dose kids, but if it's not possible to make the change, I wouldn't bat an eye at the 1500 dose.

I don't think anyone here is not team ADHD.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Then update your profile, it says you're a pre nursing student. I assume nothing, but if you don't give accurate information, mistakes will happen.

And, since I'm not a school nurse, I will leave the rebuttal to them. They are well able to defend their actions and rationales.

ETA: I see you did update your profile, after I first responded to you. But, we both know what it originally said.

To go from pre-nursing to RN-BSN since PP's join date is no small feat indeed.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion