What Kind of SN are You ?

kidzcare · Feb 18, 2016

I am pretty stern. Especially since I just got to this new school. The last nurse was apparently very lenient and allowed students to linger in the office for a long time. Word is spreading and visits to my office are decreasing over the last week.

zombieghoast · Feb 18, 2016

I'm pretty firm. I have to stand my grounds so that the kids don't take advantage. I actually have to be stern with teachers too about certain rules.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Feb 18, 2016

To the littles, I am soft, unless you're a FF. The rest, I read them, but don't let them call the shots. The upper school, grades 5-8, don't come in telling me what you want to do, I will shut you down pretty quick. I joke a lot with the kids, they know amputation is my treatment of choice, and don't tell me you feel like puking or you get a bucket. I had my son (12) and a teacher's daughter (6) both in here with nosebleeds and had them singing with their noses pinched, awesome times.

OldDude · Feb 18, 2016

Firm, concise, consistent...three words that equate to success in all age groups; especially kids. Kids have to know what the limits are and that the limit is the limit. They are happier - they are emotionally healthier. You've seen posts about kids arguing with their parents over the phone, you hear the idle parental threats that are never enforced, you see kids that command their parents; none of it leads to any positive outcome. Set limits, explain the limits, consistently enforce the limits and the kids will love you like a new puppy.

So yes, I would consider myself firm.

Cattz, ADN · Feb 18, 2016

Pretty much everything is black or white in my office. Very little gray area. That must mean I am pretty tough. When parents/students get on my "radar"-- well, let's just say-- I can be their best friend or their worst nightmare. And, they are who determines which way that will go. But, when I need to be soft, I can pull that off with nooo difficulty what so ever.

Farawyn · Feb 18, 2016

I'm both. I can be a real mush. :blink:

Supernrse01, BSN · Feb 18, 2016

Depends on the situation and the student involved. I think I am pretty good at both :)

jhlpn · Feb 18, 2016

I am both. Just depends on the situation and the kid.

Farawyn · Feb 18, 2016

I always set boundaries. I'm talking about my approach which can range from GET out, like when a FF comes down at 2pm with a headache because her pigtails are too tight, to allowing someone some time and talking in a more soothing tone and giving up my breakfast banana for them because they didn't eat.

DEgalRN · Feb 18, 2016

Depends on the day, really. I'm still feeling out what's appropriate and not in terms of how much time does a stomachache really need to rest? And, do you reeeealllly need that ice pack? And, that's your 5th band-aid today, but you're only in for a second to get one, so it's OK.

I have high schoolers and I really didn't think I would need the "magic" cures as much as I would, actual common sense things. But really, they still love their ice packs.

I'm hard pressed to call a parent or guardian right away, but I do call if rest and/or basic meds don't give a little relief. I have a hand full of trouble makers though, and they get 3 minutes and they're out the door unless they're actively vomiting.

Basically, I'm both? At the same time mostly.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Feb 18, 2016

Fairly consistently firm, especially about passess!!!!!!!!! I send them back across the hall if needed to drive a point home. But i also will show them a sympathetic ear when needed, and sometimes kids DO just need to chill. I will go to bat for them with their teachers, when appropriate. I try to have a sense of humor with them, again when appropriate.