Beyond the School Nurse: How to Handle the “Sent Home Sick” Call with Confidence

Dr. Dirk Perritt

Beyond the School Nurse: How to Handle the “Sent Home Sick” Call with Confidence

By Dr. Dirk Perritt

The Dreaded School Nurse Call: A Mom’s Guide to Handling ‘Sent Home Sick’ Days

Alright, moms, let’s talk about that phone call that can send a shiver down your spine – the one from the school nurse. It’s that moment when you know your carefully planned day is about to be turned upside down. Suddenly, you’ve got a sick kiddo at home, a million questions running through your head, and a to-do list that’s about to get a whole lot longer. It’s also so difficult when your trying to balance working and also taking care of your little one.

But here’s the good news: You don’t have to feel overwhelmed or helpless! With a few simple steps, you can manage those “sent home sick” days with confidence. And, of course, Tap Telehealth is here to be your sidekick in those moments!

The first thing is to take a deep breath! I know how it feels to get that call, but try to remain calm. We know how hectic it can be to balance work, life and kids, so when that call comes in it can be daunting and stressful!

Okay, so you’ve got a sick kiddo at home. Now what? Here’s a quick checklist to help you assess the situation:

●Take a Deep Breath: We know that the initial reaction may be a little chaotic, so take a moment to calm yourself before evaluating.

●Listen to Your Child: Ask your child what they are feeling. Try to get them to describe the symptoms to you. This is a great place to start when figuring out what to do next.

●Take Their Temperature: A fever is a common sign that an illness is more than a simple cold. If they have a high fever, it’s probably something that needs more attention.

●Check for Other Symptoms: Look for things like a cough, sore throat, rash, ear pain, nausea, vomiting, or other symptoms. Be sure to make notes so you can describe this to your provider

●Look for Obvious Signs: See if they seem lethargic or in pain.

When to Use Tap Telehealth: Your Convenient Resource

Once you’ve gathered some information, ask yourself this: Do I need professional advice on this? That’s where Tap Telehealth comes in:

●When You’re Unsure: If you’re not sure what’s causing the symptoms or how to manage them, Tap Telehealth can help. Our providers will guide you through next steps.

●For Mild to Moderate Symptoms: If your child has symptoms that are not severe but need some attention, we can help.

●When You Need a Prescription: If your child needs a prescription, we can evaluate and provide that quickly.

●When You Want Peace of Mind: If you just want to be sure that you are managing the symptoms properly, we can help give you peace of mind.

When to Seek In-Person Care: Knowing the Red Flags

While Tap Telehealth can help with many situations, sometimes an in-person visit is necessary. Here’s when to seek in person care with a pediatrician:

●Difficulty Breathing: If your child has shortness of breath, or is having trouble breathing they may need to be seen by a provider.

●Severe Symptoms: If your child is experiencing severe symptoms that you cannot manage at home, you should seek an in person evaluation.

●Symptoms Worsening: If you notice that symptoms are getting worse or they are not improving with our recommendations you should seek in-person care.

Tap Telehealth: Your Partner in Care

At Tap Telehealth we know how difficult it is to be a parent, and we are here to be your health partner to help you through those “sent home sick” calls, and we are here to get your kiddos back on the path to recovery. We are here to give you the support, and guidance to help you make the best decisions for your children, whether that is with us or somewhere else.

So, moms, the next time you get that call, remember that you’ve got this! You’re empowered to manage those sick days with confidence, and you have Tap Telehealth in your back pocket for whenever you need us!

Ready to tackle those ‘sent home sick’ days like a pro? Tap into Tap Telehealth today and discover a better way to care for your family!

Beyond the School Nurse: How to Handle the “Sent Home Sick” Call with Confidence

Dr. Dirk Perritt