Suicide and other need to knows

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**Admins, please don't put on facebook**

I am a bit upset at the moment because I just met with one of my counselors about a student and she made a comment about "well you know what happened on Instagram already" and my face must have shown that I had NO idea what she was talking about. She apologized and then filled me in that one of my daily med kids threatened suicide on Instagram and there was not one but TWO meetings in the school about it and there is a plan in place. She is only here part time so her other half is the one who sees the student and keeps her files, but NO ONE THOUGHT TO TELL ME!

And then I saw a little kinder walking around in a boot, and I have no documentation on that. I talked to the parent who said they gave it to the teacher. The teacher "didn't know I needed it" since he was ok walking.

I get every papercut, itchy head, and upset parent forwarded my way, but when one of threatens self harm no one thinks that the nurse, who sees the student every single day, should know?

Maybe it's because I have life kicking me in the shins in general lately, but this reallly really hurts.

Specializes in School nursing.
Update: I spoke with the principal and he said that he was told I knew and couldn't attend the meetings. Which is wrong. He promised to always talk to me himself if he notices I am not present and he would be following up with all of the counselors today to remind them that I am always a part of conversations like this. Which makes me feel better but I still plan on making time to talk with the counselor about lying about talking to me. She is new and only part time and new to the school system, so she probably doesn't see me as a member of the team but she shouldn't be lying about talking to me.

Good for you! And I'm glad your principal listened to you and appears to understand your value. When a principal in on your team, it helps so very much. I am very lucky to work with two very supportive principals and it makes my job a heck of lot easier.

Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

Yup, I hate that we are not recognized until something bad happens or someone complains, then it is all the nurses fault, otherwise, we dont exist in our schools.

Another example: I moved schools 3 weeks ago, and the new principal sends out a monthly newsletter to all staff via email (which I am actually on the list!), and she sent it yesterday with a big heading WELCOME NEW STAFF...she listed every new staff person, fillins and subs that wont start until the end of the month, but NO MENTION of the new nurse! :madface:

Hang in there!

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