At least once a day, I hear these words, “May I please go to the nurse?” Teachers are required to send a student to the nurse if they ask.  Students take advantage of this and consistently use going to the nurse as an excuse to get out of class.  Now we are all guilty of doing this but think about it.  Is it really fair to go to the nurse for your fake illness just to skip a block of class?

If you really have a health issue then I think it’s perfectly fine to leave class to go to the nurse.  In fact, as a student, you have to have access to a health clinic and a registered nurse or specialist at your school.  However, it isn’t appropriate to lie to you teacher about how “my head hurts,” or “I have a stomachache,” or the worst one, “I think I’m going to throw up.”

We all know that students will do just about anything to avoid class, but consider what you’re actually doing.  You are creating extra work for the school nurse, Mrs. Mangus.  She has to help you with your false complaint while another student, who might actually need her, has to wait for you to be taken care of.

“In accordance with Virginia School Health Guidelines, Student Health Services provides care to ill and injured students, administers medication …” the LCPS website says.  This means that even if you are not really sick, LCPS requires its employees to take care of you.

I have heard students talking about going to the nurse whenever they feel the need to get out of class.  Whether it’s forgetting your homework, not being prepared for a test or quiz, or just because you’re in P.E., the nurse excuse has become the perfect way to avoid any unfortunate situation.  Since teachers cannot deny your right to see the nurse, they have to let you go even if they know you’re blatantly lying to them.

You cannot endanger someone else’s health or right to medical care just so you can get out of class.  Students should have a valid excuse or a visible health emergency in order to visit the nurse’s office.

Being dishonest to your teachers and skipping class may be beneficial for a short time but think of the long term impact.  Many students at Dominion use the nurse excuse, there might come a day when you are facing a serious medical emergency and the nurse is busy helping someone who isn’t even sick.

Before you use the nurse as an excuse to leave class again, think about if you really do need medical help.  If not, reconsider your decision and make a smarter choice.  I think the nurse excuse has gone so far as to be an actual issue that LCPS needs to address.