Well it's too late now...

Published

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

For the fourth school in a row the one person that has offered consistent support and has been a safe haven for my autistic son with challenges has been his school nurse. These past two years she has more than exceeded expectations. From calling me with subtle changes she's seen in his daily visit (she knows all medications & treatments whether or not given at school whereas teaching staff is only told what they need to know such as where the boy is to have his albuterol MDI's he self carries) to alerting the supervisor and me that the now former para was the instigator in issues that she witnessed (very bad fit and obsessed with forced verbal communication. To the point she demanded that the nurse make my son talk to her instead of the nurse (who he has a 2 year strong relationship and positive rapport))

So in one of my sleepless overnight shifts I kind of nominated her on my son's behalf for the local radio partnered with state teacher union unsung school hero award.... Well she won.

I chose to let her know what we did rather than ambush her, so she could be ready.

My son and I are supposed to be there for the presentation and interview. They give her a gift basket including coffee gift card. (Personally I think wine gift card would be just as appropriate since I've witnessed first hand what she deals with as we brainstorm how to keep my son safe and healthy in school).

What do you think would be an appropriate gift from my son? Last year he decorated a flower out and put an aloe plant (healing for the person who makes things better) in it.

I was thinking of having my son customize a frame. Taking their photo and sending it in the next day. For the presentation have my son, a struggling but improving writer, write her how she's made these past two years just that more better.

I figure the administration might not appreciate me bringing in a wine basket during school hours...

Any other ideas.

So yes all you do is very much noticed. I had tears when I was told from the multiple end of year submissions mine stood out even if the impact was "only" a single student, clearly there are more.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I think anything you have your son make for her she will appreciate. Or give her a wine basket after work. [emoji13]

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Could your son put his feelings in a card? She would treasure that.

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JustBeachy, that is beautiful. You are an awesome mom.

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Wow, JBN. It sounds like you have an awesome SN, and I'm sure she's glad to know you appreciate all her efforts. In my experience, homemade gifts mean the most... Because, of course, you (and your son) use your time, energy, and love in making them. I'm sure she will love whatever you give her!

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

I made her cry...now we must collaborate on his care plan for his new rather rare diagnosis before the education team drives me insane.

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Specializes in kids.

Put the wine in a paper bag!!! if not that depending on what you want to spend, maybe GC for a massage or mani/pedi?

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