Our school nurse doesn't even work the full week. She's there two days a week. A secretary usually fills in. The only things they are allowed to do is give off-brand tylenol and ice packs. And, of course, you better not get injured or sick after 2:30PM because they won't help you unless you're seriously really injured.
It's pathetic. I carry around my own pills (if need be) and I carry around my own first aid bag inside my gym bag. Gauze and athletic tape will do better than the stupid smiley face band-aid they can give me. If I get a big gash or bloody injury (hasn't happened at school thus far) I know to go straight to the athletic equipment room because smiley face isn't enough.
At least they'll send you home if you do anything more than sniffle...because the best way to deal with a sick kid is to not deal with a sick kid. Nurse even drove me home once since both parents were out working.
Makes you wonder why it takes schooling to become a nurse in the first place if you're just gonna waste all those skills on something like this... (Nothing against nurses, my mom is a nurse...) but school nurses IMHO are absolutely useless. Teach kids who are old enough how to deal with things. First Aid, CPR, how to use an EpiPen, how to read labels on the back of a tylenol.... By the time you're in 7th-8th grade you don't need somebody holding your hand and wiping your bottom.
As far as young kids go, sure. I can see why you could make an argument...but maybe teachers should take more of an active role in that. A teacher in Kindergarten is like a third parent. Why not train and authorize the teachers to do the job of the school "nurse"?
It's all a big insurance thing...but why is it helpful to have a skill-disabled nurse on staff just to call parents.
__________________
|