I did something wrong. Help!

[Amethya]

Please do not post on Facebook.

Everything was fine today but I got a letter about a student that is coming back from recovering from mumps. My AP asked me to ask our supervisor on what we should do, as for protocol. I didn't remember at the time but I remember I got a first letter of this student a few weeks back but didn't think on it because it just said he was tested positive and he was going to be out for two weeks. I remember thinking he was out since Harvey, so it was fine. But now I'm panicking because my supervisor is requesting the forms they sent. What should I do? I forgot and I didn't know what you're supposed to do when you get a note like this. What should I do or say to them?

[OldDude]

What should I write? Basically it says it was negligence in my part for not reporting it. How can I respond to this?

That you were never provided the training in this area for you to be able to recognize some action was required arising from your receipt of such a communication.

[3peas]

Receiving "google docs" is not training. She needs to have documentation of your training. Your rebuttal should say you were not the medical professional who diagnosed and you never received training on district protocol. Your supervisor is getting heat from above you and passing it down to you.

[WineRN]

Receiving "google docs" is not training. She needs to have documentation of your training. Your rebuttal should say you were not the medical professional who diagnosed and you never received training on district protocol. Your supervisor is getting heat from above you and passing it down to you.

^^ This^^

I'm sorry you were written up, but I completely agree that it is your supervisor passing down the blame.

[Amethya]

How are you meant to report if you are not the one testing the student? Not reporting to whom? Do you have access to the teachers' union?

I don't think we have one, and I don't know how to join one.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

it sounds like the diagnosing doctor is the one that dropped the ball here. And I agree that the admins sound like they are blaming you. In your job title, would you even be able to make a report to the DOH?

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Amethya, so sorry you are dealing with this. A very friendly reminder that we were all concerned that this may happen without direct oversight. You would be wise to find a better situation next year with direct supervision. Don't double guess yourself on this, you are not trained to know communicable diseases and it sounds like your district set you up to fail in this by doing self training. Self training only works when there is a point of reference, and you, as an MA do not have that point of reference. Your employer failed you and the students and your letter should address that and be confident in your ignorance of the protocol. It would be like asking a chef to know the way to fix his oven.

[Amethya]

Amethya, so sorry you are dealing with this. A very friendly reminder that we were all concerned that this may happen without direct oversight. You would be wise to find a better situation next year with direct supervision. Don't double guess yourself on this, you are not trained to know communicable diseases and it sounds like your district set you up to fail in this by doing self training. Self training only works when there is a point of reference, and you, as an MA do not have that point of reference. Your employer failed you and the students and your letter should address that and be confident in your ignorance of the protocol. It would be like asking a chef to know the way to fix his oven.

But won't they get mad for this rebuttal? They are already kinda mad at me now, so I'm not sure how I can present this at a good time.

[OldDude]

But won't they get mad for this rebuttal? They are already kinda mad at me now, so I'm not sure how I can present this at a good time.

So what if they do...no rebuttal is your implied acceptance you agree with their decision and action and that's the way it stands until the end of time. So include your rebuttal in the file and if it ever goes into some type of arbitration both sides of the story will be included.

[Amethya]

Update:

So we haven't had any issues, but today I had 22 students come in, 6 had to go home for vomiting and/or headaches. A lot of the complaints were mostly stomach aches and headaches.

I was worried, so I asked the Department of Health in Texas, to the lab person I spoke with before, they told me because it's been almost a month, it should be okay, but to keep an eye on the students for anything suspicious. I did tell my AP and sent an email to my school health manager about this, so they can know and not say I didn't report it to them.

I think it's just a stomach virus, and that's what he told me too.

[WineRN]

Update:

So we haven't had any issues, but today I had 22 students come in, 6 had to go home for vomiting and/or headaches. A lot of the complaints were mostly stomach aches and headaches.

I was worried, so I asked the Department of Health in Texas, to the lab person I spoke with before, they told me because it's been almost a month, it should be okay, but to keep an eye on the students for anything suspicious. I did tell my AP and sent an email to my school health manager about this, so they can know and not say I didn't report it to them.

I think it's just a stomach virus, and that's what he told me too.

Even though it puts extra work on you, I would continue to do exactly this when similar situations happen. This way you are covered and you are staying in your scope of practice. :)

[Amethya]

Even though it puts extra work on you, I would continue to do exactly this when similar situations happen. This way you are covered and you are staying in your scope of practice. :)

Thank you. I shall keep doing this.

[ArryOtter]

This is just so odd to me. You didn't diagnose and shouldn't have to report. I'd include a rebuttal as well.