Sorry everyone, I am just so frustrated right now:mad:SpecED highschool student with CP, doesn't talk, totally dependant on Aides, was sick maybe 2 weeks ago with respiratory Illness. We know it takes those kids longer to heal. I've been called everyday 2x a day, to assess his "COUGH". I heard through the grapevine, Spec ed teacher wants him out. He's too much to handle. So I am caught in the middle of this, assess his cough everyday so we can document how much "work" he is. I am caught between telling the teacher NO, but I cannot really do that... Or trying to go above and maybe see if someone -Principal or Spec ED director will step in and say enough! Am I looking at this wrong or what do I do?
RatherBHiking, BSN, RN 1 Article; 575 Posts Specializes in Med-Surg, Oncology, OB, School Nurse. Has 31 years experience. Oct 8, 2016 I don't understand how your assessing him twice a day shows he's "too much work" for the teacher. Is she wanting him out permanently or until his cough subsides? I'm confused.
GdBSN, RN 650 Posts Specializes in School Nurse. Has 10 years experience. Oct 8, 2016 Please dont take this with any judgment or criticisim. This student needs you to be an advocate for him. If his cough is non-contagious, make sure your documentation reflects that. Inform the teacher there is no need for you to assess him twice a day unless the syptoms have changed. Discuss your medical policy and procedures with the teacher, if she doesnt like what you have to say, take it up the chain of command. This student needs you to speak up for him.
RatherBHiking, BSN, RN 1 Article; 575 Posts Specializes in Med-Surg, Oncology, OB, School Nurse. Has 31 years experience. Oct 8, 2016 Yes what pp said. Sounds like the teacher is trying to wear you down by having you check him twice a day and bug you to death over it. You need to put your foot down and do what's best for the student, not her. I have a teacher that wants every kid with a cough out of her room. Well too bad. You do not have to assess him twice a day just because she asks. She's not your boss. When she asks the second time say you've already assessed him and the past few times you've went back a second time he's still been the same so there's no need. If you're worried just walk by the room occasionally. You can tell from how he's acting if he seems any different or remains ok. He has every right to be there as long as he's not contagious and feels ok. Coughs can last weeks!
Flare, ASN, BSN 5 Articles; 4,431 Posts Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma. Oct 10, 2016 There are times that I feel like I'm playing tennis with these poor kids. And the bottom line it that the teachers / aides whomever just want them out. Even if they are good kids. One less is one less. So after the child comes down for the sniffle or cough once, twice, thrice (or in you're case you may be getting called there) i call up the teacher to assess whether the child's claim that the teacher is really sending them - is true - it almost always is. You get met with the exasperated "NO ONE can concentrate with him coughing every two seconds! This child NEEDS to go home!!!" to which i'll gently say - his lungs are clear. He's got no fever. I can't send a child home for clear post nasal drip. Please allow him frequent trips to the fountain.The visits from that student will remarkably cease and the symptoms will magically stop. Granted, it may not be so simple with the OPs student or every child, but this works so often, it infuriates me. For the love of GOD i can't understand why these kids can't have waterbottles. I've been fighting this fight for years. I've even given them a solution for concerns for bringing other than water in those bottles.
grammy1 420 Posts Oct 10, 2016 For the love of GOD i can't understand why these kids can't have waterbottles. I've been fighting this fight for years.I am so with you on this! I frequently write passes for students to be permitted to carry a waterbottle for 2-3 days for just that reason. Luckily, our new principal thinks that's a good idea.
lvnforschool 185 Posts Specializes in School Nursing. Oct 10, 2016 He is severely handicapped, in wheelchair, has pureed diet. He was hospitalized about 3 weeks back for respiratory issues. I was gone the last 2 Monday's and guess who called 911 for him coughing/gagging! He's much better now, and every time I have been called down his lungs are clear. My RN (School Nurse) has a typed action plan in place for what to do if he starts cough/gagging but they seem to want me to assess him no matter what the action plan states. Cross your fingers this week goes by and hopefully they will learn when to really call me for an emergency, not just to document that he is coughing and lungs are clear!
100kids, BSN, RN 878 Posts Oct 11, 2016 Our kids are allowed (and encouraged) to keep a water bottle on their desk all day for frequent drinks. Some try to get away with ice tea, etc. but it is a water only rule.
JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN 3,034 Posts Specializes in School nursing. Oct 12, 2016 Our kids are allowed (and encouraged) to keep a water bottle on their desk all day for frequent drinks. Some try to get away with ice tea, etc. but it is a water only rule.We have the same rule - water only, reusable container encouraged (we got a grant a couple of years ago to get free school water bottles, kids loved it).In the HS, if you have GPA perks as junior or a senior you get to carry something other than water (soda excluded, most kids opt for iced coffee because, well, New England).
