Woo hoo! Got myself some peace at the end of the day!

[100kids, BSN, RN]

I am so happy. We just came back for our 1st day (kids start next week) and I sat down with my new Principal this morning and told her that I would like to close the Nurse's Office each day for the last 1/2 hr of the school day except for Emergencies. I laid out my reasons: I am in charge of dismissal changes, time needed for phone calls home to parents, time for paperwork, time to finish up communication that needs to go home, etc. She used to be a teacher so I compared it to a Teacher's prep period except at the end of the day to make sure things don't get left until the next day and I'm ready to handle dismissal when school ends. Well she said she thought it sounded like a good idea and completely fair so it is a yes. She even told the rest of the staff at the back to school Staff Mtg today! I really love it when I am heard. Here's hoping for a great year with no more headache complaints or itchy big bites 5 min before the bus.

[Farawyn]

I'm actually hoping to extend my day to an 8 hour day. I want to speak to them about it at our next union meeting.

I'm sick of working for free.

[coughdrop.2.go, BSN, RN]

Good for you that your admin is backing you up! We all need that extra time. One of the reasons I loved minimum days. Got so much done when the kids were gone.

I'm really excited that at my new job this year I'll be still working 8-5 so every day I will have time without students to finish charting, follow-up with parents, whatever my little nursing heart can smush in to that time slot. I'm going to miss being able to go home earlier in the day, but not getting backed up.

[CalNevaMimi, LPN, LVN]

At my middle school, I have 'em coming in up until the last 1/2 hour of the day, usually for dumb things like ice for non-urgent issues. I've been grunting and pointing to the freezer.

[NanaPoo]

Please.

I have kids meet me in the hallway as I'm walking out with bags on my arms, keys in hand asking, "can I have a Band-Aid for my finger?"

Are you KIDDING me?

[Farawyn]

Please.

I have kids meet me in the hallway as I'm walking out with bags on my arms, keys in hand asking, "can I have a Band-Aid for my finger?"

Are you KIDDING me?

I say that. I love the high school kids.

[SassyTachyRN]

I am so happy. We just came back for our 1st day (kids start next week) and I sat down with my new Principal this morning and told her that I would like to close the Nurse's Office each day for the last 1/2 hr of the school day except for Emergencies. I laid out my reasons: I am in charge of dismissal changes, time needed for phone calls home to parents, time for paperwork, time to finish up communication that needs to go home, etc. She used to be a teacher so I compared it to a Teacher's prep period except at the end of the day to make sure things don't get left until the next day and I'm ready to handle dismissal when school ends. Well she said she thought it sounded like a good idea and completely fair so it is a yes. She even told the rest of the staff at the back to school Staff Mtg today! I really love it when I am heard. Here's hoping for a great year with no more headache complaints or itchy big bites 5 min before the bus.

That's awesome. Plan time is written into my contract just like the teachers get, and 9 times out of 10 you better bet I take it!

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

I am so happy. We just came back for our 1st day (kids start next week) and I sat down with my new Principal this morning and told her that I would like to close the Nurse's Office each day for the last 1/2 hr of the school day except for Emergencies. I laid out my reasons: I am in charge of dismissal changes, time needed for phone calls home to parents, time for paperwork, time to finish up communication that needs to go home, etc. She used to be a teacher so I compared it to a Teacher's prep period except at the end of the day to make sure things don't get left until the next day and I'm ready to handle dismissal when school ends. Well she said she thought it sounded like a good idea and completely fair so it is a yes. She even told the rest of the staff at the back to school Staff Mtg today! I really love it when I am heard. Here's hoping for a great year with no more headache complaints or itchy big bites 5 min before the bus.

Why are you in charge of dismissals????? And what happens when there is an emergency? That is a complete waste of your time and professional skills.

[NanaPoo]

I say that. I love the high school kids.

Do they say "are you KIDDING me?" in this nasally tone? Where is that from? Why do they say it like that? And why do I say it like that now?

I think they told me it's from a YouTube video but I have no idea which one.

[100kids, BSN, RN]

Why are you in charge of dismissals????? And what happens when there is an emergency? That is a complete waste of your time and professional skills.

Realistically it's because I work in a school with 100 kids in it and everybody has to wear many hats. One of mine is dismissal. If there's an emergency that takes priority and someone else will coordinate dismissal. I also teach 5 Health Classes a week (and will get called out of class in an emergency), coordinate graduation and lots more. I'm always busy but that's what life is like in my little school and I wouldn't have it any other way. Because we are small I get the freedom to do things that other School Nurses may not have time for (or the ability to leave their office). I know each and every student in my building, their families and what's going on in their lives. I can often see problems coming beforehand because I work so closely with all of the students and staff. Dismissal is how I see each kid before they leave my building everyday. It's amazing what you can learn about these kids when you see them in their daily interactions. I personally don't think any of it is a waste of my time or skills even though it may not seem directly related to Nursing.