The phrase I am already sick of...

[jnemartin, BSN, RN]

It's day 4 of school and I've already had several students tell me "we're not doing anything in class."

This is usually said after they tell me the unnecessary reason for their visit (requesting advice about stretching during swim class, asking for a protective face mask that they can use at home while dusting, requesting a bandaid for a heel blister which they could have gotten from the classroom first aid kit, etc)... all during class time. I realize that the first week of school is mostly boring syllabus and general info stuff, but this "I've come to visit you for this random reason because class is kind of boring right now, so it seemed like a good time to leave" happens all year long. I've never thought of a good response. Except, when it's an egregious case (like the girl last year who left a final to request lotion for her legs...twice!!!!!!!! - and told me 'there's nothing going on right now' in her class) I let the teachers know.

Anyone have a good response. I know it's kind of a funny post, but in all honesty I want the students to trust me and come to me for their needs, but I also want to support healthy kids STAYING in class and not using the RN office as an excuse for a walkabout.

[MamaWifeNurse]

"Where is your pass?" Usually, at least at my school, the kids that are coming to see me for silly reasons have no pass. When they ask the teacher for one, they won't give them one.

If the teachers are sending for these reasons, have a talk with them about this. If it continues happening, talk to your principal.

[jnemartin, BSN, RN]

they all have passes. they lie to the teachers or don't tell them why they are coming.

[MamaWifeNurse]

You could try notifying the teachers of this behavior and start a rule of if it's not an emergency, they can come on non-educational time such as lunch or recess. When they don't tell the teachers why they are coming the teachers still send them?

[jnemartin, BSN, RN]

that rule is already in place. the teachers don't ask or the students lie. they are middle and HS, so the teachers are not filling out a form like with younger kids. I notify the teachers when it happens, they are aware.

[guest464345]

I say, "I would not be supporting your education and your success if I took away from your instructional time for (the non-urgent complaint). I'd be happy to see you during a meal break, rec time, or passing period."

If they say, "We're not doing anything in class anyway" I say, "Hmmm, well, that's between you and the instructor. Our policy is for students to be in the classroom unless there's an emergency".....and out they go!

When they come at an appropriate time and ask respectfully, I praise them lavishly, invite them in, and listen enthusiastically about whatever they want to discuss, for as much time as I can ? I get a chance to visit with them during their lunch hour, especially - today a kid showed me a speaker that he figured out how to build and wire by himself. Many days I would love to use their lunch hour to get my charting done, but I find that giving them focused attention and respect really cuts down on the nonsense/work avoidance visits during class time.