Was this nurse's behavior appropriate?

Morguein · Nov 17, 2004

No. She was totally rude and unprofessional. She could have said the same thing in a more nurturing caring tone. I am so disgusted by those who are rude, and especially by those who know they're being rude and keep on doing it.

totallytheresa · Nov 17, 2004

Yes, that was a very wrong thing for her to say, not at all nurturing. I remember when I was in 1st grade, in maybe 1976? My teacher grabbed my jaw with both hands, and said, "Talk, talk, talk, that's all you ever do!". I remember being so embarrased and horrified (considering I'm 35 and still remember it clearly!) I don't think that sort of thing goes on nearly as much now... they couldn't get away with it. But, I'm sorry about that she said that to you, it must have really hurt a lot and still does a little? Amazing what we remember from when we were kids, and how that affects our whole lives.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 18, 2004

She placed you in emotional jeopardy.... A big no-no.....

My mom was a school nurse for a number of years when my sibs and I were in high school. The kids thought she was great. My neighbor is a school nurse, as is one of my former classmates. Both are warm, friendly and caring.

I am so sorry that happened to you. I read that and immediately wanted to put my arms around your little 8 year old person. No matter what size anyone is, they still have dignity--no one can take that away. But man, they can sure hurt you trying to ....

(((((((((mileena)))))))))

mileena · Nov 18, 2004

Hi, thanks to everyone for replying and for your support! It has bothered me a little throughout the years, but I have gotten over it. What got me to post here was an article I saw the other day in a newspaper where parents of elementary students complained about a body fat measutirng machine which was in the school and giving readouts to each students saying things like "obese" or "skinny". Times have changed a lot since the 70's!

I am pasting the article here in case anyone is interested:

http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/041115bodyfat.shtml

Monday, November 15, 2004

Machines to measure body fat taken out of elementary school

AUBURN-Equipment to measure body fat, which caused a furor last year when it was used in elementary grades, has been transferred to the city's middle and high schools. Parents had complained that the testing of fourth- through sixth-graders at Webster Intermediate School led to embarrassment that left some children in tears.

The laser equipment, purchased through a $300,000 federal grant for fitness equipment, measured students' body mass index - body fat compared to height and weight.

Such tests were recommended by the Maine Department of Education, but many Webster parents said they knew nothing about them until their kids brought home a printout that designated them obese, average or underweight.

The middle and high school health centers will now use the machines on an individual basis. At the high school, freshmen will be analyzed as part of their required physical education course.

Officials say trained personnel will test students and release scores in private.

Other Maine high schools routinely test students' body fat composition. Mount Ararat High School in Topsham, which won awards for its health program, uses a body fat analyzer as part of its freshman gym class.

There, teenagers are tested privately by trained personnel, who explain the scores and relate them to each student's overall health. They tell students that the scores are personal.

jaimealmostRN · Nov 18, 2004

Its so interesting how we all remember these type of things. I remember my math teacher saying some really nasty things to me. As an adult now, I can't imagine saying something like that to a kid (or grabing them!). What were/are these people thinking?

Scuppernong · Nov 18, 2004

You have not gotten over it or you would not be relating the incident to us. Her response was insensitive. The facts were correct. You were considered obese at that point in time. The question is How did you deal with the problem?

Hi, thanks to everyone for replying and for your support! It has bothered me a little throughout the years, but I have gotten over it. What got me to post here was an article I saw the other day in a newspaper where parents of elementary students complained about a body fat measutirng machine which was in the school and giving readouts to each students saying things like "obese" or "skinny". Times have changed a lot since the 70's!
I am pasting the article here in case anyone is interested:
http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/041115bodyfat.shtml
Monday, November 15, 2004
Machines to measure body fat taken out of elementary school
AUBURN-Equipment to measure body fat, which caused a furor last year when it was used in elementary grades, has been transferred to the city's middle and high schools. Parents had complained that the testing of fourth- through sixth-graders at Webster Intermediate School led to embarrassment that left some children in tears.
The laser equipment, purchased through a $300,000 federal grant for fitness equipment, measured students' body mass index - body fat compared to height and weight.
Such tests were recommended by the Maine Department of Education, but many Webster parents said they knew nothing about them until their kids brought home a printout that designated them obese, average or underweight.
The middle and high school health centers will now use the machines on an individual basis. At the high school, freshmen will be analyzed as part of their required physical education course.
Officials say trained personnel will test students and release scores in private.
Other Maine high schools routinely test students' body fat composition. Mount Ararat High School in Topsham, which won awards for its health program, uses a body fat analyzer as part of its freshman gym class.
There, teenagers are tested privately by trained personnel, who explain the scores and relate them to each student's overall health. They tell students that the scores are personal.

JVanRN · Nov 18, 2004

I remember when I was in 7th grade we were all weighed and I weighed 103lbs (5'!" at the time) and the nurse made a comment about me being "healthy" and suggested exercise. All my friends were like 90 lbs and so on so I guess I was the "fatty" of the group...I mean really 103 lbs...what i wouldn't give to weigh that now...oh back to the question at hand....yes totally inappropriate...funny how that stuff sticks with you.