7B Cindy Rocco response to Jodi Guarnieri

I picked your paper to read because, I believe, you are the only other nurse in this class pursuing nurse licensure like myself.  This topic is very interesting to me since I have also worked with students with Spina Bifida.  I found your paper very informative.  Your paper could be very useful to those working with students with Spina Bifida in the school setting.  I have found that teachers can often be very intimidated when they get a student with these types of medical needs in their classrooms.  By sharing what Spina Bifida is and how early intervention is key; teachers can see the bigger picture of the child’s life and medical concerns. 

For instance, I have had several students with Neurogenic Bladders.  It can be difficult for teachers and aides to understand what this is and what needs to be done for the student.  While at school, the nurse works with the family and teachers to set guidelines of how to deal with a neurogenic bladder.  This can include when and where bathroom breaks occur.  I have found with Kindergarten aged groups a neurogenic bladder can often be confusing to lay people.  They wonder if the child is simply not toilet trained.  We require doctor’s orders for specific requirements and then I also do teaching with the classroom teachers to discuss what a neurogenic bladder is. 

I also liked the portion of your paper that discussed orthotics.  Orthotics can be intimidating to people who have never seen them before.  Giving the teacher the purpose and background on orthotics can help demystify orthotics.  As a nurse within the school setting, I help to set up a plan of who and when orthotics are taken on an off.  Often times the school clinic employee takes this responsibility.  I like to remind teachers that then parents are not medical personnel and take an active part in taking on and off orthotics.  A goal is for the teacher to understand the need for the orthotic, how they work and how to put them on and take them off. 

The district I work in does not have a preschool program. I was wondering if your school district does.  I also wondered if your school employed a physical therapist.  We do have a physical therapist that plays an integral role in students with Spina Bifida.  I would make sure an incoming kindergartener has a meeting with their entire team prior to the school starting that incorporates the physical therapist in our district. 

I have worked with several students with Spina Bifida.  I find it very rewarding.  They want to attend school just like everyone else.  If you look on YouTube, there is a teenage girl with Spina Bifida that periodically posts information about her life.  It is very interesting.  It’s found under #Spinabifida.

Thank you for your informative paper.