This afternoon I received a call giving me a heads up that a teacher called the Sr. High principal for a student suspected of being high. The student is then brought down to my office clearly high as a kite (red eyes, marijuana odor, eating a granola bar like it was his last meal). I did my LOC assessment BP slightly elevated but, nothing I would call the parent for (132/72 p104), and PERRLA. I tell the asst. principal my findings and he then turns and say call the parents to come pick him up and they will talk to them when they arrive with the school.
My issue with this situation was since I have no bloodwork/urine drug test this is an accusation. The student did confess that he was in a car at lunch with his friend who was smoking. Once I open the conversation with "your child was brought to my office because he was suspected to be under the influence" it leads to more questions and concerns, rightfully so. I was really uncomfortable with making that call and felt like it should have been the administrator's call once I did my assessment. The situation ended up spiraling downhill the parents were confused and upset and the student refused to give names. My office was filled with administrators and security because he left my office without saying anything. In the midst of all of this I get called to a classroom for a student needing a wheelchair (what way to start thanksgiving).
What are your schools protocols regarding substance abuse and notifying the parent?
I feel the same exact way when the situation is a student fight. I am happy to assess. However, if those kids have no injuries - the call should come from an administrator first. Then, I am more than happy to discuss ONLY my objective nursing assessment with the parent.
Yep! No one would be expecting the nurse to call home regarding the consequences for fighting, same with drug use.
You are all right about that, who makes the call. The Admins wouldn't call for us if a kid was sick. I called because I knew the mom, and I probably should not have. I have some stuff to learn about boundary setting here, since it's my kids' school.
Thank you all for your response. I think the mistake I made was tell the asst. principal the bp was slightly elevated (132/72). Next time I will choose my words wisely! I forget that I am working among non-healthcare professionals. It was definitely drama that I did not want to be a part of and kept wishing they would all get out of my office and take the issue elsewhere (which they eventually did). The principal commended me that day but, I was like OMG! lol.
I attended a workshop where a DRE Drug Recognition Expert spoke. He said that one great test/assessment to use for pot is to have the student stand straight up, tilt their head back and close their eyes. If they have used a substance containing THC, their eyelids will flutter. It is an involuntary response and they cannot control it.
As far as notification, unless there is a need for medical intervention, it the responsibility of administration to make the notification to the parent. In the event they need EMS I would do that, then call the parent and advise, based solely on my assessment.
(what way to start thanksgiving).
kidzcare
3,393 Posts
Yep! No one would be expecting the nurse to call home regarding the consequences for fighting, same with drug use.