The return sore throat

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Specializes in ED, School Nurse.

Just typed this into a nurse's note for a student came to me last week with "sore throat- no other complaint". This is a high school student- not a 1st grader- I would obviously handle a 1st grader in a different way. I love that this student found it within himself to come to the school nurse not once but TWICE with the same benign symptoms, yet never told his parents over the weekend that he has a sore throat.

"Student reported last week with the same symptoms. Asked student what he has been doing to care for his sore throat. Student states nothing. Asked student if parents are aware of sore throat. Student states they have noticed his cough. Educated student on being and advocate for himself and his health. Student states that the nurse at school should be able to tell him what is going on. Educated student on role of school nurse."

I can only do so much.

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Educated student on role of school nurse.

This is the best!

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When they come to me because their arm has been hurting over the weekend and I go through the whole thing about did you tell your parents. I gently remind them that the health office is not an urgent care center. I cannot see past your skin and cannot diagnose you. My students are high schoolers as well. One kid told me his mother told him to go to the nurses office at school that I may know whats wrong smh. The district I work in is a higher economic status.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Home Health, Hospice, School.

Happened to me today. True story. I can't make this stuff up.

7th grader: (Comes be bopping into health office.) Hi, Miss!

Me: Hi. What's wrong?

7th grader: Can you pop this black-head for me? (as he is pointing to it on his arm)

Me: Uh, NO. Go back to class!

Seriously?! And to think the teacher knew what he was coming here for. UH!

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Mine is a higher socioeconomic status also. They will drive up in their $60,000 car and $1,000 purse and then argue with me about leaving a $4 bottle of advil (they always want to give me 3-4 in a baggie so they do not have to buy more for their house.)

So, anything to save a co-pay....

I always tell my students that "what happens at home should stay at home, the school nurse is for those things that pop up during the school day."

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