Why ? Just Why ?

[Keepstanding, ASN, RN]

Defend: To Resist attack. Protect. Safeguard. Justify. Vindicate. Explain. Why are school nurses in a constant state of Defending what and why we do something ? We are charged with this position where we are the lone medical “expert” in the building, yet everyone thinks they know all things medical. Administration over rule your nursing judgement, teachers try to dictate what and how you will do something and some parents think you are their own personal nurse and expect you to do whatever they want you to do for their child. Is it just me or what ??

[Feral.Cat.Herder, RN]

Nope not just you. It's everywhere in school nsg! Many times I would like to say "since there are so many medical experts with much more training, experience and knowledge than myself, I feel you do not need a nurse in the building and can handle the clinic alone." Of course I don't say that; that may be my exit speech when I retire/quit! ?

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

It is exhausting when you're not supported.

I have had pleasant conversations with administration or teachers which have ended thusly: Thank you for discussing this with me. I have made you aware that (whaterveritisyoudid) (will violate state law, is not in the best interest of the student, runs contrary to accepted nursing practice). I'm going to document our conversation in an email so that you and I will remember it.

[OyWithThePoodles, RN]

I feel like we may be the same person.

[Feral.Cat.Herder, RN]

This is an interesting article.... it doesn't cover all the "whys" but it does give a bit of insight to teachers' side of the story.

School Teachers vs School Nurses

http://goseethenurse.com/2017/11/12/school-nurses-school-teachers/

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I feel your frustration. If everyone thinks they know better then why am I here?

[jess11RN]

I had a situation where I was following the state law and the parents weren't too please. Admin tried to throw me under the bus. Superintendent backed me up. And that, folks, is another reason that I chose to stay where I'm at.

[MrNurse(x2), ADN]

Our teachers defer to our judgement almost exclusively, including administration. You all make me very appreciative of our circumstances. Sorry you all deal with this.

[OldDude]

The defense mechanism is ALWAYS - ALWAYS - a result of you not doing what someone wants you to do or disagreeing with someone about whatever crusade they have going on or in some way you drop a twig over the trail of ants.

If we always agreed with whatever whim someone whips up we'd be everone's best friend and we could all hold hands and sing Kumbaya.

[RatherBHiking, BSN, RN]

I tell the teachers if you forgive me for sending a student back to class who ends up getting sick, I'll forgive you for the many you send to me who aren't.

They all loved it!

[grammy1]

On 5/2/2019 at 9:28 AM, Feral.Cat.Herder said:

This is an interesting article.... it doesn't cover all the "whys" but it does give a bit of insight to teachers' side of the story.

School Teachers vs School Nurses

http://goseethenurse.com/2017/11/12/school-nurses-school-teachers/

This was a very good article!

[AutumnApple]

On 5/2/2019 at 9:28 AM, BiscuitRN said:

I feel your frustration. If everyone thinks they know better then why am I here?

Because we are surrounded by "Can't have it any way but my way, but when my way doesn't work, it's your fault" types.

Gotta have someone to throw under the bus when that parent/spouse/whoever realizes Pepsi is not good for their diabetic loved one even though they swear they read differently on wikki..............(of course they deny saying this after the fact).