This vent is pretty common but I am wondering if anyone else has had this experience with the teachers or other staff at their school.
I am a new school nurse this year and I am also relatively young-- in my late 20's. I'm not married and I don't have any children. I noticed pretty quickly that a lot of the teachers who ARE parents tend to undermine my judgment when it comes to the calls I make and the care I provide. A few examples:
1) A third grade student came to my office c/o nausea. No fever, ate breakfast. I let her rest for a few minutes and she said she was feeling better. Off she went, through the main office to the cafeteria because it was faster that way. Well, one of the secretaries comes in and says "you can't just let sick kids parade through the office. I don't want to get sick." or something to that effect. I explained to her that the student wasn't sick, afebrile, etc and her response was "I'm a mom. I can tell when a kid is sick and that kid had no business walking around the office."
I had NO idea having a child automatically made you an RN! I could have saved a lot of money by skipping college and just getting pregnant!
2) A second grader with a previously sustained broken arm was c/o pain. I administered Tylenol as per our standing medicine orders and gave her an ice pack. I also called mom and she was satisfied with my treatment. About an hour later, her teacher came bursting into my office like the Kool-Aid man demanding to know "what else could be done" about the pain the student was complaining about because "whatever I did earlier wasn't helping." I explained to the teacher that I gave the student a PRN dose of Tylenol and an ice pack. I called mom and other than that, there really wasn't much else to be done. The teacher then asked if she could have a second dose of Tylenol and I said no. She said "Well, if it was my child I would just give her another dose. The first one didn't work."
I fear for her child's liver.
I don't get it! I understand that having a child is great experience with all the illness and booboos that come with childhood. What I don't understand is why these teachers are acting like their parenting skills somehow overpower my 4 years of college, bachelor's degree, national licensure and almost 4 years of experience. Maybe it's because I am a little younger than the previous nurse at my school (like 35 years younger...) or maybe they just assume I am inexperienced with ALL nursing because I am new to the school. Whatever. All I do know is if I busted into their classroom (OH YEAH) and started telling them how to teach multiplication or run the front office, I would be escorted off the premises faster than you can say "Acute hepatic failure r/t acetaminophen overdose"
I'm done now. The school day is over and I have my childless house to get to...
tranquillight- While she was at the doctor, I hope she got that impetigo vaccine. You know... since she was going there requesting things that don't exist. What a doofus.
OMG! Do you want her to get the autism????? Do your research!!!!
amoLucia- My well- reheorificed response to the noseynellie teachers that ask me things that they absolutely know that I know the answer to is this: (I speak their educational language, and I make sure to look them right in the eye) -- "That is not need to know information." After while, they quit asking me about things they know I won't tell them.
Gotta love em...I really do, just some take longer to train than others
I feel your pain. I get many teachers who are not satisfied with my assessment and we don't have any stock medication like Tylenol, so we are even more limited. The fear of vomit gets people going the most, but unfortunately, vague nausea is the hardest one to call. With anything, it's a win some/lose some kind of game and teachers need to understand that just because someone is not one hundred percent, it doesn't mean they don't belong in school.
With that being said, I'm also dying laughing at your description of the teacher bursting into your office like the "Kool-Aid Man." Seriously laughing out loud in my office.
Unfortunately, my clinic is considered a clothing store for students who violate the dress code. Today a teacher actually came to me to request tights because she got busted by administration for violating "dress code"! Actually, the school does not really have a staff dress code because we should all be professionals who know better. The teacher was not only miffed that she was asked to cover up, but baffled that I did not have anything fashionable to provide. After all, what school nurse does not have a wide selection of tights in all sizes and colors?
Unfortunately, my clinic is considered a clothing store for students who violate the dress code. Today a teacher actually came to me to request tights because she got busted by administration for violating "dress code"! Actually, the school does not really have a staff dress code because we should all be professionals who know better. The teacher was not only miffed that she was asked to cover up, but baffled that I did not have anything fashionable to provide. After all, what school nurse does not have a wide selection of tights in all sizes and colors?
Geee... and I thought a fashion-for-all-ages-and-stages class
I always agree with the staff as to what their opinion is..."Well, I think you should....." my response - "Yes you do." or "I disagree with you about....." my response "Yes you do." or "I have a problem with that..." my response "Yes you do." And then I tell them how it is going to be. I really seldom have any issues now.....
Unfortunately, my clinic is considered a clothing store for students who violate the dress code. Today a teacher actually came to me to request tights because she got busted by administration for violating "dress code"! Actually, the school does not really have a staff dress code because we should all be professionals who know better. The teacher was not only miffed that she was asked to cover up, but baffled that I did not have anything fashionable to provide. After all, what school nurse does not have a wide selection of tights in all sizes and colors?
Shame on you for not running a Mini Macy's out of your office!! Next you'll tell me you can't make me a decent frappuccino! You're supposed to be full service!
Shame on you for not running a Mini Macy's out of your office!! Next you'll tell me you can't make me a decent frappuccino! You're supposed to be full service!
I first read this as DECAF frappuccino and was starting to question your ability to function uncaffeinated.
Specializes in med-surg, IMC, school nursing, NICU.
They are trying to do this new thing where they send a student down to my office to get them some Advil.
Are you kidding me?
SHUT UP. Is that a joke?! Walk your lazy buns down here yourself and get the Advil! If kids aren't allowed to carry their own meds to school why on Earth would they be allowed to act like little mules for a teacher?!
LicensedSchoolRN- That's absurd. What adult professional doesn't know how to dress for their career?!
I like when the teachers are SHOCKED at how "small" my clothing selection is. Small is in quotes because I have at least 30 t-shirts and 20 pairs of pants each for boys and girls. Not to mention all sizes of undies, socks and sweatshirts. But I still get the occasional call: "Don't you have any boy's shoes size 6? Stevie is wearing Crocs but really wants to play in recess!"
Sorry, ma'am I was too busy folding our lovely selection of silk scarves and mink lined gloves to get over to Payless.
I always agree with the staff as to what their opinion is..."Well, I think you should....." my response - "Yes you do." or "I disagree with you about....." my response "Yes you do." or "I have a problem with that..." my response "Yes you do." And then I tell them how it is going to be. I really seldom have any issues now.....
I really seldom have any issues now.....
kidzcare
3,393 Posts
OMG! Do you want her to get the autism????? Do your research!!!!