UGH TEACHERS

Specialties School

Published

science teacher sends a student in because she thinks he has bilateral ear infection and a "raging" fever cause his cheeks are bright red. Okay sarcastic nurse coming out.."Hi Miss science teacher I have your student in front of me...his face is bright red from running around outside, and he said his ears don't even hurt . so now Im wondering why do YOU think I need to check his ears instead of him being in science class being taught by you?"

Oh you heard his mother is home sick (mom is a teacher and is playing hooky) and there for HE has a bilateral ear infection? oh, okay, I am not checking his ears. If yYOU think he should have his ears checked, please call his mother explain WHO YOU ARE and why you want his ears checked.

ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH

Sometimes I have teachers that do that. The office staff lets the teacher know that the check out is not excused. It is only excused I send them home.

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Specializes in Peds, Oncology.

I had a few last week.. An upset kiddo, upset over a spelling test grade and the teacher requested rest in the nurses clinic... I sent her to the counselor instead after I had a reassuring talk with her. And another teacher sent a kid with a note that said, "puffy eyes, what can you do?" I am apparently a miracle worker.

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It is difficult for teachers to understand that meds for ADHD and the like are optional. they are not life saving drugs. I have teachers come to me all the time asking me to persuade a parent to give meds. IMO the teacher should be the one reporting what is happening in the classroom. And if necessary, call an IEP or 504 meeting to discuss the issues with the parent. They have to make a case for it. Even then, if a parent is opposed to meds or if a Dr. takes them off of it, not much we can do.

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It is difficult for teachers to understand that meds for ADHD and the like are optional. they are not life saving drugs. I have teachers come to me all the time asking me to persuade a parent to give meds. IMO the teacher should be the one reporting what is happening in the classroom. And if necessary, call an IEP or 504 meeting to discuss the issues with the parent. They have to make a case for it. Even then, if a parent is opposed to meds or if a Dr. takes them off of it, not much we can do.

This 100%.

Half the time when they are on the meds, they don't tell us anyway, at least at the HS level.

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It is difficult for teachers to understand that meds for ADHD and the like are optional. they are not life saving drugs. I have teachers come to me all the time asking me to persuade a parent to give meds. IMO the teacher should be the one reporting what is happening in the classroom. And if necessary, call an IEP or 504 meeting to discuss the issues with the parent. They have to make a case for it. Even then, if a parent is opposed to meds or if a Dr. takes them off of it, not much we can do.

At my school we have a lot of issues with this. We get the children who are taking their medication and then parents stop giving it to them all of a sudden. Then we start seeing the same children acting out with their behavior and getting suspended. I am a firm believer that medication doesn't have to be an option but if your child is not able to function without it then it is an issue.

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I am a firm believer that medication doesn't have to be an option but if your child is not able to function without it then it is an issue.

I agree. That is when it is up to the teacher to "make their case" and outline exactly what is happening.

A lot of times parents try a drug holiday without saying anything to see if anyone will notice the difference. 99.99% of the time, it is clearly evident that the meds are being played with.

I think often there is a strong element of denial within.

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Love your edit, Snowy.

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Specializes in School nursing.
I agree. That is when it is up to the teacher to "make their case" and outline exactly what is happening.

A lot of times parents try a drug holiday without saying anything to see if anyone will notice the difference. 99.99% of the time, it is clearly evident that the meds are being played with.

I think often there is a strong element of denial within.

Or there is trouble with the refill, and no heads up that because of it, the student is without his/her meds.

I have seen kids that meds really do make a huge difference. Those kids are off even when they miss 2 doses in a row.

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Or there is trouble with the refill, and no heads up that because of it, the student is without his/her meds.

I have seen kids that meds really do make a huge difference. Those kids are off even when they miss 2 doses in a row.

Mom took her son off of meds because she didn't like the side effects. She did it without telling the doctor and has been vague about when the doctor's appointment. Poor kid is getting in trouble almost everyday and got suspended today for fighting.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
Mom took her son off of meds because she didn't like the side effects. She did it without telling the doctor and has been vague about when the doctor's appointment. Poor kid is getting in trouble almost everyday and got suspended today for fighting.

My wife and I have a pseudo-foster kid who has been medicated since age 4. Being good nurses, we hate pills and questioned whether or not this was appropriate, then he missed a dose. We don't miss doses now, although we have taken away the follow up visits from mom because she likes him over medicated to the point he has no personality. I used to be an anti-med ADD/ ADHD advocate, no longer, it is neglect to let your child struggle like that.

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Wait.. what??

My bad attitude was showing that day Flare!!!

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
My wife and I have a pseudo-foster kid who has been medicated since age 4. Being good nurses, we hate pills and questioned whether or not this was appropriate, then he missed a dose. We don't miss doses now, although we have taken away the follow up visits from mom because she likes him over medicated to the point he has no personality. I used to be an anti-med ADD/ ADHD advocate, no longer, it is neglect to let your child struggle like that.

When I first got into school nursing I thought ADD - ADHD were just catch alls for bad parenting. I soon saw the light!! One can really appreciate the miracle of chemistry and see the difference it makes in facilitating success and happiness in these kids.

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