Who to prioritize? October 23, 2007

October 21, 2007. It was a lovely Sunday for a part time school nurse at Assumption College of Davao. Started the day with God’s words and hurridly went to work.  Periodical examination was over so, the school nurse is in action again. While having the annual physical check-up of 4th year highschool students, a 2nd year highschool student walked in guarding her abdomen with grimace face. So, without a doubt I attended to her needs setting aside the on-going physical check-up. I immediately checked her vital signs and  assessed the pain she felt and do history taking only to find out that she has a history of UTI (Urinary Tract Infection). She honestly told me that she, together with her friends had soda/softdrinks during their lunch. She was forced to drink since she will be labeled as “kill joy” if she won’t. Thus, as a consequence, she experienced flank pain which is a manifestation of UTI. After the initial assessment, she was checked by the school doctor and medication was prescribed. As part of my responsibility, I administer the drug and closely monitor her. After a few minutes after taking the drug and rest, she was relieved. I never thought of leaving the student for she is in pain and at that time she really need someone to talk to.She extended her gratitude of helping and listening to her. In return, I offer myself and the clinic is case she needs help and someone to talk to.   Her problem is not only the pain she is experiencing but most especially the pressure brought by her friends which lead her to the incident. Being a nurse is not that easy after all. We are dealing with people not papers, thus, one should know who to priorotize.