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Discussion

staff illnes

There is a teacher at my school who suffers from POTS. It cause her to loose conciousness. It alway happens in the morning. I get stuck dealing with her. Long story short I guess there is not much my principal can do. This can be prevented if she would just stay home when she is not feeling well. It is hard on everyone. I am here for the students, not for the staff. I feel this needs to stop, but I am not sure what to do. Everyone has suggested to her disabilty or leave of absence. Any suggestions. I am over it. Does anyone else have to deal with taking care of a staff member?

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    • Experts

    Call EMS every time she passes out.

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    if she loses consciousness she needs to leave the school - either VIA ems or via a friend. Since it's a known problem, I am sure she will be unwilling to go to the hospital via ems (but if she is passing out and symptomatic, it is possible that she needs to get a fluid bolus) , but i am also sure that she will also be unfit for the classroom. Does she set up camp in your office because she doesn't want to lose sick time?

    If it were my situation, i'd let her know that if she loses consciousness, that i'd be calling EMS and sending her out. If she chooses to sign AMA, but then can not return back to her duties in the classroom, she needs to leave the school. Either by having someone drive her or pick her up until she is fit for duty. Having her stay is not worth the liability

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    • Experts

    Ditto!! And, don't let the POTS history confuse the situation; It's not relevant since, as a nurse, you can't diagnose the reason she loses consciousness. Your job is to keep her alive until EMS can transport for further evaluation, diagnosis by a physician, and treatment if necessary. I would suggest you recommend to your administrator that a physician's release to return to work be obtained subsequent to each and every episode of loss of consciousness at work.

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    • Author

    Thanks guys. I have called EMS 2-3 times. She does get sent home each time, but it always takes awhile for someone to come get her. Maybe if I call EMS each time she will think twice before coming to work. Thanks again.

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    I have POTS too. My symptoms are extremely controlled with medication and I'm able to work full time. I've only stayed home once this school year because of my POTS and it was because it was exacerbated by an acute illness. Mornings are always the hardest times for POTS patients. Encourage the staff member to teach from a seated position. My rolling chair is my greatest resource in my clinic. ;) Some people faint without warning, but most know that it's coming on. That's when I usually just drop down to the ground and sit or lie down. It sounds like your staff member needs some education. I am lucky and I live in the Midwest and see the worlds leading researcher and specialist on POTS and I also go to the Cleveland Clinic. I hope your staff person is seeing someone good.

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    • Author

    I do feel awful for her. It is not controlled she has tried several Dr's and nothing seems to help. Many people have encouraged her to stay home when she does not feel well. We (her co-workers) can tell when she is not doing well and we beg her to stay seated, she will get up and fall down to the ground.

    O well she has been out since last week and may not come back this year. If you have any suggestions or resources I can give her please let me know.

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