Spring is not the best time of the year...

[Amethya]

So much allergies and stuff like this and normally I have 10-15 kids, but this last few weeks I been getting close to 25-30 kids each day for allergies, headaches and stomachaches. I'm trying to take my lunch, but each time I close my door and leave, another kid stops me and wants to see me. And it's like, PLEASE LET ME EAT LUNCH!

How do you guys deal with these allergies? Each time I let the kid call mom, they cry on the phone and they are going home.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i tell them that it's most likely an allergy, that there is nothing I can do for them except suggest more fluids then send them on their way.

[kidzcare]

I've sent out newsletters/announcements about allergies around this time of year. Advise parents that if their child has allergies, they may want to talk to their doctor about using a daily (OTC) allergy medication (always tell them to ask their doctor first even though almost no one will). Also put in there that students are NOT allowed to bring in an allergy pill in their pocket and take it if they need it (they will anyway).

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

i tell them that it's most likely an allergy, that there is nothing I can do for them except suggest more fluids then send them on their way.

Yep. I'll also have 'em wash face and hands to clear allergens and remind them about good hand hygiene. Back back to class you go and nope, not calling home unless it becomes a regular thing.

[BeckyESRN]

Allergies are the #1 reason that spring is awful. The #2 reason is mud- I saw 13 2nd and 3rd graders today whose teachers expected me to provided a change of clothes for the student's poor decision making and the teachers' failure to supervise. And another 12 1st graders for coats because the teachers won't let them play outside with just their hoodie as a jacket-it's 55 degrees, they aren't going to freeze!

[Amethya]

I would tell them they are fine, but then they run to another staff member and tell them I'm denying them service and I get them telling me to check them because they are not feeling well and I'm like, okay I'll call mom then. So I really can't tell them, "it's just allergies."

[NurseBeans, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

If that's the only choice you have, just call home and let them cry to mom. If they pick their kids up enough times, hopefully they will have them checked out for allergies or even just give them a dang claritin every morning. I just have to keep telling myself that these aren't my kids and I don't need to make their health care decisions. If questioned by parents, explain what you think it might be (allergies), but you can't know because after all, you are not an allergist or pediatrician...

[Amethya]

If that's the only choice you have, just call home and let them cry to mom. If they pick their kids up enough times, hopefully they will have them checked out for allergies or even just give them a dang claritin every morning. I just have to keep telling myself that these aren't my kids and I don't need to make their health care decisions. If questioned by parents, explain what you think it might be (allergies), but you can't know because after all, you are not an allergist or pediatrician...

Yeah that's my plan of action today. If I get the same kids today, I'll phone mom and tell them about their previous exchange and if they have done anything about it? I would suggest to go see the doctor, because it might be allergies but it would be better to be checked out to make sure.

[cooties_are_real]

i tell them that it's most likely an allergy, that there is nothing I can do for them except suggest more fluids then send them on their way.

Had a LD come in first thing telling me she had a sore throat and just did not feel well. After I assessed her I told it could be allergies gave her some throat spray and sent her on her way. About 15 min later i get a call from mom. Mom proceeds to tell me that student went to the dr yesterday and was diagnosed with something (not sure now what) and I just told her it was allergies. She was really talking down to me, like I did not know what I was talking about. I quickly told mom that her LD did not tell me she had a dr. appt and the outcome. Mom stated student had a fever before school. Informed mom student did not have fever at the time of her visit. Also informed mom of 24 hour fever policy and she said "No one told me that." My reply, "it's in the handbook" and had to leave it there, because I wanted to remind her she signed a piece paper stating she read the handbook.

[tining, BSN, RN]

I just don't let kids talk to their parent. I first speak with parent telling them my assessment and that it "sounds like allergies," lots of assurance. "I know how miserable they can feel" "It's that time of year" "There are no symptoms that would exclude them from school" If parent does want to speak with student, it is on the speaker phone so I can hear both sides.

[Amethya]

I'm just glad we are having spring break next week (I can get a break from this) and hopefully the pollen count here goes down soon. Literally, my silver Nissan Altima, is covered in yellow dust, like a large amount. And with that I can tell how bad the allergies in school will be that day.

[iggywench, BSN, RN]

Amen about Spring Break next week! My son had a track meet Wednesday, and just from being out there for an hour or so, I am in full-blown allergy mode. Let's hope all the pollen washes away before we have to come back to work.