Student/Nurse Confidentiality at High School

[RNschoolnurse]

I am a nurse in a high school. Sometimes the kids come in tearful and frustrated and just need to vent/talk it out. Do I have to share any information with counselors about a student conversation?

I have been told that it is not my job to listen to their problems and that they need to go to the counselor only for any issues they have. I tell the kids if they tell me anything that is harmful to themselves or anyone else I must tell someone. But ordinary frustrations with school, home, life, do I have an obligation to share with their counselor? Does that violate HIPPA if I do?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

It's highly unlikely that anything you do in your role as a school nurse would violate HIPAA mainly because HIPAA doesn't apply to schools:

513-Does the HIPAA Privacy Rule apply to an elementary or secondary school | HHS.gov

[Avill, BSN, RN]

I don't have to tell the counselors anything unless I have a student who I feel is a danger to themselves or others. Sometimes student's need to vent, and I listen. I've even had some telling me I was more helpful than their counselor. :)

[Farawyn]

And another thing...

ooh I get so riled up, my frustration level goes thru the roof when I am expected to share and they keep everything close to the vest for "confidentiality" reasons...

THIS. So much this.

[caliotter3]

I might not go out of my way to convey information about each and every conversation, but would follow the guidelines given previously, otherwise, you may find yourself spending too much time acting as a go-between.

[Raicho, BSN, MSN, RN]

"Lesson learned: no more giving her a head's up. It was not owed to her, nor was it required. This counselor is unprofessional and intimidated by your relationship with the students."

It doesn't matter how she reacted; you must put the student first. And if that means her coming in to yell at you when you give her another heads up, then that is something to deal with. The student comes first.