School Uniform Advice

Published

Hello!

First time school Health Technician (EMT) here looking for some advice.

As part of my very many duties, one of them is being in charge of used and loaned out uniforms. I didn't think that'd be a big deal... However, I'm finding that students are coming in during the toughest of times. I'll have 5-6 students in the office and one more that needs a uniform either for accidents or a plethora of mud.

Because of this, and the increasing demand of students in the office the uniform room has gotten quite messy. Originally the uniforms were folded, but not necessarily in order of size, only by gender and GENERAL size. I go through 3 to 4 uniforms to find one that is an approximate fit, without time to re fold and organize them where they need to go because of the number of students in the office.

I'm also getting clothes in bags, not marked as previously used and needs to be washed, or donations dropped off to the uniform closet. These bags sit there. I'm also responsible for washing and drying the uniforms (in a washer and dryer that's in the cafeteria away from health office.)

Needless to say, the parent liaison is not happy with the organization of the uniform closet. However, this issue doesn't really reach my "priority" list over student health, immunizations, hearing and vision screening and giving out medication.

Any suggestions?

HELP!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Other than this responsibility being assigned to someone else.....No. Do you also have to mow and edge the school grounds and change oil in the buses?

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I wouldn't be surprised, really. I feel that this position gets taken advantage of. I've been asked to be on duty on the playground during the time I give out medications. Had to turn that one down...

I love the kids, love helping out, but hate being assigned other duties and expecting to have it perfect with everything else that needs to get done.

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$12 an hour is suddenly not becoming worth it... I'm here for the experience and the kiddos.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
$12 an hour is suddenly not becoming worth it... I'm here for the experience and the kiddos.

Very much not worth it. No wonder they hired EMTs instead of nurses at that rate. Why can't the parent liaison be in charge of uniforms.

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Very much not worth it. No wonder they hired EMTs instead of nurses at that rate. Why can't the parent liaison be in charge of uniforms.

She's in charge of "new" uniforms... and also doubles as a kindergarten aid... I haven't seen her in a week. She's the one complaining about the uniform closet.

Oh well.

I couldn't even imagine having to jump from school to school and manage thousands of kids... so much props to those of you that do.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Why can't they get a parent volunteer for uniforms?

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Specializes in Community Health/School Nursing.

Total misuse of your time and skills. This job needs to be delegated to another department. Period.

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Yup, parent volunteer is your answer…. hopefully!

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Why can't they get a parent volunteer for uniforms?

I've asked for parent volunteers to help about 5 times now. Every time I ask it's "oh yah, definitely."

I've visited the liaison's office to find the parent volunteers all sitting around, chatting. I asked when I could have help to which they replied "when we can find the time to come down."

On a side note, the parent liaison used to have their office here. The D.O. decided that the nurses office should be the nurses office, not the parent liaison, who is actively a "parent liaison" for only a few hours a day. When she moved from the office she took everything with her. Computer, desk, office chair, cabinets, filing cabinets, and even the telephone (I don't need two phones anyways.) I had to put in a work order for everything and only ended up with a tiny table as a desk.

Hard not to feel like I'm getting taken advantage of because I'm the "new" health tech.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

How many students do you have? Sounds like the uniform situation is a job in and of itself, and the parent liaison should be in there organizing it. You're there for your medical stills, not for your ability to wash and fold clothing.

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How many students do you have? Sounds like the uniform situation is a job in and of itself, and the parent liaison should be in there organizing it. You're there for your medical stills, not for your ability to wash and fold clothing.

800 students. I'm not sure if that's large or not in comparison to other schools.

K-6

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