I have a little one that is a frequent flyer when it comes to these little pests. I believe I could check everyday and they would be there. Our policy is to only send home if we find live critters. Little one is being sent home again today, which makes the second time in a week and a half. I rechecked the student when they returned to school... I found nits only, and treatment had been carried out, according to the student. We went over the importance of treating and nit-picking and while the drill is familiar, there is absolutely no help at home. We all know this isn't a one-man job.
My question is, what can I do? I have spoken with the parents on NUMEROUS occasions, and child services has been phoned many times (for other issues, but at one time, this one as well).I have even provided treating shampoos. I feel so bad for the child. Short of treating the child myself (which I'm not going to do), I'm at a loss. What are my options at this point? What would you do?
I wish we could get to that point, OldDude! I just (within the last year and a half) got them to agree to get rid of the no-nit policy! It will be a while before I can stop the exclusion totally!
we just broke out a new policy. While I still have to send home for live active lice, there is a shining line in the policy that states that I can use my discretion to allow the student to remain. By supe and I agreed that I would call and notify and look to have the student sent home for treatment but if it wasn't going to happen that day it was what it was and that the student was to be treated as soon as they got home. Nits are allowed and no more mass head checks unless there is an outbreak. it's not prefect but it's better.
I've had a few chronic lice students. I can ask our school SW and District RN to pay a home visit. Lots of times, the parent isn't treating correctly or not following up. The RN can help identify problems and suggest solutions. The SW oftentimes will either buy some vegetable oil and shower caps, and can also give gift cards to the local Walmart for parent to purchase OTC lice treatment. In one extreme case, we arranged for the child to see their doctor and get a prescription, and paid for that. The student also comes to me each morning and checks her own hair with my lice comb, and I'll check it too. We've actually gotten to become friends :) So far, it's been worth it and I've not had any further problems. Hurrah!!
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
I have a little one that is a frequent flyer when it comes to these little pests. I believe I could check everyday and they would be there. Our policy is to only send home if we find live critters. Little one is being sent home again today, which makes the second time in a week and a half. I rechecked the student when they returned to school... I found nits only, and treatment had been carried out, according to the student. We went over the importance of treating and nit-picking and while the drill is familiar, there is absolutely no help at home. We all know this isn't a one-man job.
My question is, what can I do? I have spoken with the parents on NUMEROUS occasions, and child services has been phoned many times (for other issues, but at one time, this one as well).I have even provided treating shampoos. I feel so bad for the child. Short of treating the child myself (which I'm not going to do), I'm at a loss. What are my options at this point? What would you do?
I think I would treat her at school and have her come to the nurses office every am to be combed out with repeat treatments weekly times three weeks. Still the problem is likely to reoccur since she is going back into the same infestation. The house and bedclothes are probably crawling with the critters. I work adolescent psych and we have a couple of frequent flyers that come in every time with lice. We treat and comb them out with olive oil and they leave lice free.
It doesn't seem that CPS does much - they have bigger fish to fry.
When I was younger we found that the prescription head lice treatment as well as the OTC did not work. My mom covered my head in vegetable oil for at least 24 hours....not even kidding. Then she would comb out the nits and they would just disintegrate. I know it is a pain to do that but it was worth it because we had head lice for months previous to that treatment.
Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
I had some cases in the beginning of the year but just proved to be false. One was true and after harassing- uh I mean calling the parent multiple times, she got the picture. I haven't had the little girl back since then. Knock on wood that I don't get any at all.
tining, BSN, RN
1,071 Posts
Maybe you can appeal to them by saying the other kids may make fun of her - little peer pressure could get them out of their own heads.