Shared Space

[nursegoldy]

I would love to find out more about the DEFINITION of privacy and confidentiality. I work at a school that has a storage space in the back of my office. When we moved in the building administration determined the storage space could not be used as an office because it would violate privacy of students seen by the nurse. This year, under a new principal, it was determined that the storage space would serve as either speech therapy, special education, or social worker who all see their own students multiple times a day. I understand that this is a conflict in terms of privacy, but the argument from administration is that a privacy screen is sufficient enough to provide privacy. I can agree that it will provide some privacy, but will not stop students from hearing what is being said and all are entering and exiting from the same door. Does anyone have any knowledge of what is legally considered privacy under FERPA?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

I do not have the definition you seek, but that situation raises my hackles a little. Having said that - there is very little privacy in a school clinic, but there's a reasonable expectation that we don't announce to the world why Johnny is in the clinic.

If it were me, I would say exactly what you're thinking: The shared room has the potential to violate a student's privacy, and I want to know what steps will be taken to protect the privacy of both the students being pulled into the closet and the students in your clinic. There is liability to the district and we just want to make sure every base is covered....

[OldDude]

Ruby gives good advice. The only think I would add is to communicate your concerns and objections via email so there will be a record. That way, if you are overruled and the space is used by others, you can't be held liable for privacy violations associated with that arrangement.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

Why would your administration want to expose healthy kids to sick kids...privacy aside, that makes no sense. a privacy screen only provides visual privacy.

[OldDude]

Why would your administration want to expose healthy kids to sick kids...privacy aside, that makes no sense. a privacy screen only provides visual privacy.

You aren't trying to apply logic, reason, or objectivity to school administration are you?

[nursegoldy]

Thanks everyone for their reply. We have found a better solution but the bottom line was I had to be #1 advocate and persistent that I will not be put in a position to violate my license. Glad I can move on from this. Thanks for the support!

[Farawyn]

I share the office with my social worker. He has the more private of our space.

It's very hard to find privacy in a school.