The Otoscope

Aneroo, LPN · Feb 18, 2009

My otoscope is at home. I know how to use it, but have no idea what any findings I have would mean, and if it was a screaming infection, I couldn't do anything about it anyways. I just tell them I don't have one.

luvschoolnursing, LPN · Feb 22, 2009

I do not keep an otoscope. I figure if you have persistant ear pain, even if I look in it and think everyting looks OK, you should have it evaluated. And like Aneroo said, if I saw a nasty infection, there is nothing I could do but refer to a physician, so either way, my recommendation is "see your physician."

I get asked to look in ears, determine if a throat infection is strep, do physicals for drivers permits or work permits, etc. I spend a lot of time expaining the difference between a NURSE, a nurse practitioner and a physician.

SchoolNurseBSN · Feb 27, 2009

I had a teachers aid ask me to check her temp and her throat the other day. She did this standing over me while I was eating my lunch at almost 2:00PM. Then, persisted to get mad when I asked her to come back after I was done eating.

I feel that we are here for staff in case of emergency only. Otherwise, these adults just need to take care of themselves. I have actually been running down the hallway on my way to see about a student with an asthma attack and a teacher got mad at me because I would not stop and look at her 3 week old rash. PLLLEEEAAAAASSEEEEE!!!

If you don't need CPR - leave me alone!!

bergren · Mar 7, 2009

Ear conditions can change drastically in an hour. A clear ear with just minor discomfort in the morning, can be a full blown otitis media after lunch.

Otoscope skills are part of a basic assessment and are taught in entry level nursing education, and have been since the 80's. Using one appropriately in a school health office is no different than using a stethescope or a thermomenter.

A school nurses' skill in using the otoscope reinforces the value of the school nurse to the students and staff. If we can prevent a staff or student absence by looking in a ear, that is an expectation of our job. It also avoids unnecessary use of community ambulatory health resources and saves unnecessary expense for the staff and students. Right now, school nurses are working hard to sell their worth to both the health and educational system. School nurse jobs are being cut all over the country due to the decrease in state revenues. Please do not shy away from providing the school health services that ONLY an RN can provide.

Keepstanding, ASN, RN · Mar 9, 2009

ear conditions can change drastically in an hour. a clear ear with just minor discomfort in the morning, can be a full blown otitis media after lunch.
otoscope skills are part of a basic assessment and are taught in entry level nursing education, and have been since the 80's. using one appropriately in a school health office is no different than using a stethescope or a thermomenter.
a school nurses' skill in using the otoscope reinforces the value of the school nurse to the students and staff. if we can prevent a staff or student absence by looking in a ear, that is an expectation of our job. it also avoids unnecessary use of community ambulatory health resources and saves unnecessary expense for the staff and students. right now, school nurses are working hard to sell their worth to both the health and educational system. school nurse jobs are being cut all over the country due to the decrease in state revenues. please do not shy away from providing the school health services that only an rn can provide.

the original post was about people coming in the clinic, off of the street wanting me to look in their ears !!