Rethinking the "Frequent Flyer"

If you’ve spent any time in a classroom, you know the students I’m talking about. The ones who ask to go to the nurse often. Sometimes every day. Sometimes at the exact same time of day. Sometimes multiple times a day.

I will be honest. Early in my career, those visits sometimes frustrated me. On busy days, it is easy to have less patience and question why a student is back in my office... again. Even now, I still have moments like that, because... I'm human.

But my perspective has shifted over the years. Now, when I see repeat visits, I start looking for patterns.

Is it always during math? Right before a test? After recess? At the same time every day? These details matter.

Frequent visits are rarely just about a headache or a stomachache. They are often a student’s way of communicating something they cannot yet say out loud. It could be anxiety, academic frustration, peer struggles, or something happening at home. Sometimes, it is simply a need for a break or a safe place.

Please know this. I am not just sending students back or dismissing their concerns. I am paying attention and usually doing some deeper digging.

When I notice patterns, that is where teamwork matters. You see things in the classroom that I do not. I see timing and frequency that can be hard to track during a busy day. When we share what we are seeing, we can start to understand what the student is trying to tell us.

If you are concerned about a frequent flyer and your school nurse hasn't struck up a conversation with you yet, please reach out. I would venture to say they would love to share what they are seeing and hear your perspective too. Working together will make solving the frequent flyer puzzle a whole lot easier and support that student best.