I have been working per diem as a school nurse (elementary, middle and high school). My duties are caring for students who walk in as well as some paper work.
I recently got a part time job in an elementary school. My contract says my duties are walk ins and paperwork. Paperwork in a different level now since I am part-time.
When I walked in today, I was surprised by the secretary telling me she cares for all walk ins, that it is HER job. She has no medical training besides CPR. She told me my job is paper work only.
As students came in, most because of head injuries, she did not assess them (neuro check) at all. Instead touched their head, if they did not have a bump or cut, she gave them ice pack and let them sit for 5 minutes, then sent them back to class.
I felt VERY uncomfortable because I know better that a head injury not always presents with a bump or cut. I said to her my license was in line, I was concerned.
She said in a very defensive way she has been doing that for 9 years, she knows how to do her job and continued jumping in front of me to take the students in.
I have no problems with her doing that, but I have problems if I am on duty, and she cares for a student who happens to have a bigger problem and gets to be sent back to class without further examination.
My questions is, if I change my contract to state I am on duty to do paperwork only, not walk ins, would I still be held liable for any problems or mistakes the secretary might do?
The secretaries always think they are nurses, until you go to lunch and someone comes in high and seizing.
Yup, all the information about illness and surgery etc gets trapped at the front desk. BUT she "CANNOT TRIAGE" so my lunch or any meeting gets interupted for headaches, tampons, cough drops etc....
Specializes in School Nurse, Pediatrics, Surgical.
Not quite understanding the language of your contract and the normal for your school, I will say this is similar to my situation and it is normal (not the not very nice secretary part). I have assistants who will see all the kids and will alert me to students that need more than what they are able to provide. My normal day is not checking kids in (although I see students daily). However, the health room is delegated to my assistants yearly with education and they know to call the nurse with all questions. I would definitely sit down with admin and have the conversation about delegation and making sure you are all on the same board.
I would address with my principal and my school nurse coordinator if you have one in your district. If they didn't resolve the problem, I would personally leave.
sirI, MSN, APRN, NP
17 Articles; 45,878 Posts
Thread moved to School Nurses forum.