I have to tell you all I left school last week LIVID. Flu and strep are hitting hard here with most cases happening in one class. I had to send home kids with fever in droves. Some only had fever while others had a variety of symptoms. Two of the mothers, both RNs (one is a school nurse) proceeded to insist my thermometer is broken/inaccurate as they "didn't have fever" at home. They then proceeded to stir the pot on FaceBook with other parents. I did not see what was said because I do not "friend" parents, students, etc. as it crosses professional boundaries. However, the teacher relayed what was said.... And in came the emails from other parents questioning my thermometer, swearing their children were fine. REALLY?!
I gave our principal the heads-up. The principal had no issue with how I am handling everything so I went about my business. I have been an nurse for 10 years and have never been accused of not checking temperatures properly. I base decisions using appropriate tools, assessment skills, and experience.
Since then, most students who were sent home last week ended up flu and/or strep positive. One tested negative initially but the back up culture grew out strep.
I guess I am needing to share this experience so we can all be mindful how we treat other nurses. We may not all agree on decisions made but should still be supportive. There is no need to be rude and cause more stress and drama than already exists. This job is difficult enough. Most school nurses are the only medical professional on site at any given time. I am terribly disappointed that another school nurse could act like that. She knows the job and still chose to not only be insulting over the phone but also on social media.
