Substitute Teachers

When the cat's away the mice will play!

At the beginning of the school year I have the opportunity to meet with the new subs, part of that time is spent discussing "when to send a child to the nurse". Not sure that it actually helps, but I do it anyway. I think what you are going through is one of the perks of the job! :-)

Happens all the time.... yesterday we had a new sub on campus and therefore alot of kids began trickling in with a variety of complaints. For example, one complained of a stomachache, but when asked what he'd had for lunch, he replied "four tacos and two chocolate milks". After a temp check, he was sent back and told his food would digest just fine while doing his work:)). Luckily, we have a "core" group of subs so they know the "frequent flyers" and "complainers".

I have a "When to Send a Student to the Nurse" outline which I give to the teachers to put in their sub folder. Not really sure if it helps, but it's a good try!

Have a great one

Would you be willing to post something here? An example of what's on your list? Thanks

Something I would recommend- have them put information in their sub folder about the chronic needs kids. That way if they have a sub, and a kid has an asthma attack, hypoglycemia episode, whatever, the sub isn't totally in the dark about what to do. I'm sure you seasoned nurses know that, but I'm still new and learning, and common sense stuff like that was never explained to me during orientation. LOL

Thanks for posting this. I am a realatively new school nurse and am always looking for newer, better ideas and policies for my clinic. I loved the post where someone mentioned the list for sub packets. Great idea!