Talkback Responses: Zeeland school aide fired

I don't think school personnel should be treating children who need insulin or other injections. For the most part, they just don't have the knowledge that goes with that situation. Districts should hire a nurse full-time or a physicians assistant. When I attended high school in Belding, we had a nurse on staff, and I believe she went into the elementary schools as well. I think districts should find a place in their budgets for healthcare personnel. It would be well worth it for the entire school community. - NAME: Jean A Malone - CITY: Grand Rapids

I have read all the reviews and I can't believe some of what I am reading. To those trained professionals who pointed out the liabillities....HAT'S OFF TO YOU!!TO THOSE PARENTS WITH CHILDREN NEEDING EXTRA CARE THAT RECOGNIZED THE NEED FOR A TRAINED PROFESSIONAL TO ASSUME THESE RESPONSIBILITIES, YOU ARE GOOD PARENTS!! There has been many testimonials in this from "TRAINED PROFESSIONALS", including myself who have expressed to all those who agree with Jordan's firing, the training we had to receive to perform these types of tasks, as well as the liabilities that come with it. Most times, this procedure REQUIRES licensure from MDPH (Michigan Department of Public Health), except of course in the school system apparently. For example, You can "KILL" a child by giving the wrong dose....WHAT ABOUT THIS DON'T YOU GET??? What happens when something goes wrong and it was "the wrong thing to do"?? Does the school carry Liability insurance for overdosing someone or underdosing? Are you going to sue when your child dies or lies in a coma? Of Course!!! Now, for the Parents incinuating that the staff has "limited capabilities" because a 5 year old can do what a staff member won't. How about, "Boy am I glad my children do not go to a school where they can not find an adult to do what my 7 year old son can.".....OH PLEASE!!! THEN WHY DOESN'T YOUR KID GIVE HIMSELF HIS INJECTION?? Did you miss the point that she's afraid of needles? Would you feel better if she passed out while giving a shot she was afraid of, fell back and hit her head in front of your child, would that make you all feel better? Of course, your child still wouldn't have his injection. If the answer is yes, stop having children, because you're part of the problem!!! Or how about "I didn't like it, but I had to learn to" (It's also for your family), she is a staff member. How about CPR with no mask on, to just anyone. I question whether any of you would take the chance in contracting AIDS to save the life of someone (other than family)??? HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD PUT THEIR LIPS TO ANOTHER HUMAN BEING WITHOUT PROTECTION IN THE NAME OF SAVING LIVES?? And of course, my favorite, "WHO CARES, MOVE ON". Do you care about anyone except yourself?? How about if you're not comfortable with it, ask for more training, SHE DOESN'T FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH NEEDLES.....PERIOD!!! Do you honestly think more training will fix this?? WOULD MULTIPLE TIMES BUNGIJUMPING MAKE YOU MORE COMFORTABLE WITH THE IDEA?? And, it is difficult for us to leave our children even for only a few hours.....BUT APPARENTLY YOU HAVE NO PROBLEM TRUSTING THE CARE OF THEM TO ANYONE WITH ALITTLE OVER A HALF HOUR TRAINING....What a great parental choice, good job.....NOT!! I personally would push for a trained professional, but that's just me. Fight for this Laurie Jordan, this is total BS. Jordan sounds to me like a great person, who is well respected and great with kids, pushed out by a jealous principal who can't compete with such Greatness. - NAME: - CITY: GR

This within a state that made it illegal for shop supervisors to give an ADULT employee an aspirin? Oh yeah, they have ALL been warned NOT to give any type of medicine, over-the-counter or otherwise because they are not a pharmacy. Yet this idiotic school system can fire an employee for such an insane reason? Call the Labor Board, they'll probably settle for thousands! P.S. They better be happy she didn't agree, then unwittingly mess up - NAME: J - CITY: Muskegon

I have been a diabetic since I was 13 months old and I have to agree with the school board because it is critical that the child receive the medication and to "NOT LIKE NEEDLES" is not appropriate to deprive a child of medication in an emergency. If this particular child had too much insulin, would Ms. Jordan also refuse to administer juice to pull the child out of the reaction or worst case scenario, inject the child with solution when child could convulse from sugar going too low? I am truly greatful that the teaching staff at all the schools I attended or substitute taught in were more than willing to go the extra mile. Thank You to all who were squeamish and never let it show! - NAME: Terry - CITY: Holland

Short but not so Sweet, If it is in her job description, she must comply. If it a newly assigned role, she also must comply. The reason for this is every job description I have ever seen says ?other duties as assigned or required.? Many of our jobs and the role we play in our positions change. If a person no longer feels comfortable with their job, they need to look elsewhere. - NAME: Scott - CITY: Muskegon

I am seriously concerned about ZPS because of their choice! How do you fire someone over something like that?! Would you want someone that was nervous giving you a shot that could kill you if done wrong?! Yeah, me neither! So WHY would oyu fire someone like Laurie Jordan over something like giving a shot?! Why didn't the other teachers closer or any one else that was closer train to get the shots?! I hope that the administration/ employees know what they have done! Laurie loved her job and I hope she gets it back! - NAME: A family friend - CITY: Holland

I think it's so unfair for her to lose her job. Because she does not feel comfortable giving an injection? I don't believe for a minute that she would be the only person around to be able to administer an injection. Now they are discussing having nurses brought in to do this. What does that tell you? Maybe they should have done that in the 1st place. It is 100% wrong for her to lose her job over that. Does anyone know if when she accepted her position at the school, was it stated as one of her requirements for the position to be able to administer an injection? At this point I feel it's the school/district that doesn't want to give her her job back and admit there was another way around this. Learn to swallow your pride and give her her job back. - NAME: Jennifer - CITY: Grand Rapids

Hearing the report this morning on the news, I was somewhat dismayed that the school board supported the administration's decision to terminate Ms. Jordan. However, they refused talking about their reasons "why?". I believe the newscaster said, "they don't discuss personnel matters". Why not? Everyone else is. And if they support this decision, the public should know why? I would not want someone giving medication to my child, especially a shot, that is not professionally trained. And 40 minutes doesn't qualify someone. Shame on Zeeland Schools. They are going to end up with a lawsuit, if they are not careful. To me it sounds like this may be a little personal. - NAME: susan - CITY: Holland

My brother was a juvenille diabetic and I too had to learn how to give shots, but I didn't like it and never had to do it. Now to get fired over this is ridiculous! It did not warrent that. - NAME: Lissa Shepardson - CITY: Grandville

Don't agree with the school district's decision to fire Laurie Jordon for refusing to give the insulin shots. There's no way I'd be able to do it...it's just too scary for me. I don't like needles, never have. I'd be in the same boat. It seems there would be other employees who don't have an aversion to giving shots that could do it instead of requiring someone who just feels they can't...so much so that they give up their job. A good 10 year employee fired for this is terrible. - NAME: Sue - CITY: Grand Rapids

The school board has not idea what they have just done. Roosevelt will never be the same again. The positive energy and kindness that poured out of that office is gone forever. I as a parent feel it, and you can bet the children feel it too! What a HUGE LOSS - NAME: a concerned parent at Roosevelt - CITY: Zeeland

WHAT A HUGE LOSS - NAME: A concerned parent at Roosevelt - CITY: Zeeland

Having a daughter that has been diabetic for 10+ years, I understand giving injections. But, I wonder just how much training these ladies need! If a 5 year old can be taught the skill in 30 minutes (or less), I question if these ladies have the capability of a 5 year old. I truly believe our schools are better off with ladies (or gentlemen) of such extremely limited capabilities. Our children do not need "role models" of people like this. What if their daughters or sons needed an inhaler for asthma? And I refused, because I did not feel "qualified" to hand over an inhaler or administer the medication to their child having an acute attack? Would they think differently? Or would they understand, as their child died, that I didn't feel comfortable? I am incredibly thankful for ALL the staff (medical and other)in our Rockford School District for taking care of my daughter! They get the job done, whatever it takes. - NAME: David K - CITY: Rockford

I think Ms. Jordan showed extreme care for the students safety by laying her job on the line to keep from injuring someone unintentionally. Maybe someone out there is looking for a loyal employee with that kind of concern for others. Go Laurie! - NAME: Pam - CITY: Greenville

I find it sad that this has happened. While there always two sides to every story, from my stand point, she has expressed that she is afraid of needles and I think that it is wrong for them to insist that she performs this duty. Maybe it was something that she was told that she had to do from the start which would be a different story but to have someone who is so caring to the students be let go because of this sounds more like they didn't like her and this was a perfect opportunity on their part to release her from her duties. Shame on Zeeland School District. - NAME: Sherry - CITY: Jenison

Why does anyone care about this. If this is a job requirement, and you don't want to do it, then leave or be fired...if you refuse to do this, but your job is now required to do this and you don't want to...again, leave or be fired...I'm sure there are alot of people who would love to have her job!! By the way...who cares...move on!!! - NAME: Alicia H. - CITY: Grand Rapids

I totally agree with Lauries decision to NOT GIVE INJECTIONS to a student ESPICALLY A DIABETIC student. As a GRCC Nursing student, we have learned how to give injections and medicines to our patients, and the #1 most intimidating medicine, to me, to give is insulin. You need to follow diabetic protocol and insure that the correct, exact amount of insulin is given, or yes you can put someone into a potentially fatal situation. As a nursing student, working in the hospitals during clinicals, I am not allowed to administer injections with out the supervision of an instructor, right by my side! I must check to insure that I have the proper vial of insulin, the instructor must also check the vial. I must "draw-up" the proper amount of insulin, either indicated by the physician or according to the hospitals diabetic protocal, which is based on what the glucose level of the patient is at that time. Mu instructor then must "Double check" to insure that I have place the correct amount into the syringe. If it is correct, I must ask the patient their name, (every time--even if I have given them medicines before or worked with them for the day, at that point I can then give the injection. INSULIN is the one drug I hope that I would NEVER make a mistake at giving, just mearly because of the implications that can go with it. LAURIE SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN FIRED, ZEELAND SCHOOL OFFICIALS NEED TO WAKE-UP. LET'S SEE HOW MANY OF THEM WOULD BE WILLING TO COMPROMISE THEIR JOBS BY NOT WANTING TO GIVE INJECTIONS. Let's also see how much LIABILITY INSURANCE they are willing to carry on their employees who are responsible for giving medications to their students. One mistake could potentially cost a life and a school district . - NAME: A nursing student - CITY: Along the lakeshore

I have a daughter who is diabetic and I have run into problems like this when she was in a different school than she is now. Children have to go to school, and parents entrust the care of their children to the school employees. Diabetic children are "special needs children", and have health issues that require a school employee to administer to. In this situation training was given, even though it was only 40 minutes, it was still training. If one is not comfortable with it, then ask for more training. I have done training sessions for the staff at my daughter's schools and some employees are ok with giving insulin injections and glucagon injections and some are not. The bottom line for these children and their parents is, that the children need their medications when they need them and there is no room for staff saying that they won't administer these medications. Explain to the staff about practice time, have them practice giving injections to an orange. Granted it is not the same as a child. It is practice though. The children that are diabetic and that are in your care need you to be there for them, no matter what. If you can't be, then you shouldn't have the job. For some parents it is difficult enough to entrust their diabetic child's care to someone else, even though it is only for the hours that are in a school day. - NAME: Carrie - CITY: Whitehall

theres absoultely no need to fire someone for that reason. I think parents should be aware that teachers get blamed for alot of things and that should not be a reason. They could also say that the teacher was trying to hit the child if the child didn't want to take the shot. It's the parents responsibilty to give the child the shot or have someone from there family go give them the shot. The teacher should not be responsible for not giving the shot i think that that may be alittle to complicated for her responsibilty - NAME: CITY: Please Type Your City Here

Having lived with a diabetic for the past 10 years (my husband) I know that 40 minutes of training is no where near enough time to be comfortable with injections. Insulin can save a diabetics life, but it can also kill them if given in the wrong dosage. I wouldn't want someone to give my husband an injection if they weren't comfortable doing it. If my daughter becomes diabetic (theres a good chance) I would only want a qualified person handling her meds. Insulin is a medication by the way!! So that brings me to the liability factor in this. What liability would the school have if an unlicensed person gave a med and something harmful or fatal happened? And where are those parents of that child? They should stand up for the teachers aide - they shouldn't want her to give an injection to their most valuable asset. Or maybe they just don't care!!! - NAME: Julie - CITY: Muskegon

Hey Laurie Jordan - get an attorney!! I know its an at will state, but you'd be surprised what they can do. - NAME: Julie - CITY: Muskegon

I don't think that's very fair for someone to be fired because they refused additional training for something that has nothing to do with her profession. She was there to work at a school, not a hospital. If they need to train people for medical attention, maybe they need to find somehow or someway to open a clinic in the schools for people to be specialized with more experienced training in doing such things. - NAME: Brett Kennedy - CITY: Greenville, MI

I HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TYPE ONE DIABETES AT AGE 8, SHE IS NOW 20 AND IN COLLEGE. I WOULD BE VERY UNEASY HAVING SOMEONE THAT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND THE HEALTH OF MY CHILD TO BE ADMINISTERING HER SHOTS. I FEEL THE SCHOOL IS WRONG BY FIRING HER. AND SHOULD HAVE A TRAINED HEALTH CARE PROFFESIONAL IN THE POSITION. - NAME: JILL KWILLIS - CITY: SPARTA

Firing her was wrong. She is not a nurse nor does 40 minutes of training qualify her to give injections.I wouldn't be comfortable with her giving my child or me for that matter a shot. I'll bet nurses get more than 40 minutes of training.A nurses aide can't give injecions,so why should a school aide be allowed to. Since the board is forcing the issue maybe they should take the training and be at the schools to give the injections.She deserves her job back. - NAME: Rebecca - CITY: Ludington, Mi

A lot of people have posted that only medical professionals should be allowed to give injections. While I agree that a school nurse should be hired, and that Laurie should'nt have lost her job - others in the school need to have the training, giving an injection of insulin or glucagon is basic first aid for a diabetic. What about the child? Has anyone even thought of this poor child? Is the diabetic child not entitled to an education? I feel bad for any child in this area that requires medical attention at school since the staff cannot handle this at all, nor will the district step up and do anything other then threaten, or fire people. - NAME: Jill - CITY: Eagle

I am an adult who requires insulin. The shots are not fun. It would seem that the school has a lack on medical staff, if they are asking a school aid to perform a task that a nurse should perform. - NAME: Tom Stanley - CITY: Zeeland

I'm glad to hear "the District" is "protected" by the "Good Samaritan Law". Families will be comforted should (death, physical disability, dismemberment) result from inadequate treatment by non-medical staff. We will, collectively heave a sigh. Citing "They did everthing they could".... This is just another example of how school systems are failing to serve. - NAME: Bob G. - CITY: Kentwood

Boy am I glad my children do not go to a school where they can not find an adult to do what my 7 year old son can. - NAME: Colleen Rea - CITY: Stamford CT

As I sit and read the many comments on this story, I am amazed at the support for Laurie. While I don't agree with the firing of Laurie, I am shocked at the strong language that is being said of the Zeeland School District. As in any district the board members are put in position to choose what they feel is best for our children. While we as parents may not always agree %1oo, we do need to respect that their decision has been reached.Their main goal is to protect our children. I have children in the ZPS system and have never been disappointed with the teaching staff or the leadership at the elementary school. So while we regret the loss of such a great staff member, please understand that this is not an indication of the quality of education or educators in our school district.It is my hope that through this terrible situation, the board will find a solution to this obvious gap in the Public School System statewide. - NAME: Elizabeth - CITY: Zeeland

- NAME: Deb - CITY: Kentwood

How is it the teaching staff(4 year degrees and far more likely to have close interactions with students/respond to emergencies) have not been forced to assume these duties??? ..Now I remember, It not in (and never to be introduced) their Contract!!! - NAME: Deb - CITY: Kentwood

When people asked my family before where are you from, we were proud to say Zeeland. On Thursday the 25th myself and two other moms went to talk to Mr. Cammenga about an appeals process for Laurie. He stated you're getting what you want we're looking into getting nurses for the schools. So my question is, why did it take Laurie a kind, caring, loving human being to be sacrificied for the board to do what's right for not only the diabetic children but for all kids in ZPS. - NAME: Sharon Bauder - CITY: Zeeland

I disagree with the schools decision to fire Laurie Jordan. Because she wasn't comfortable giving injections,(needle phobic) should have been taken into consideration. The school district is the loser in this situation. - NAME: Geri - CITY: Grand Haven

I think it is irresponsible of the district to think that 40 minutes of training is enough to certify someone to give insulin injections. They should offer more training or hire a health care professional. Firing someone because they refuse to give an injection when not trained or adequately trained is also irresponsible. The district needs to seriously reconsider their stance on this policy. If someone does administer an injection and they mess up, the district could face serious lawsuits even though the person who gave the injection is protected under Good Samaritan Laws. One would think the district would want to have the most qualified person available to administer medical care to students. This is just another example of how failing budgets and continuing decreases in federal funding for public schools are stretching the abilities and limits of staff. - NAME: Amanda - CITY: Grand Rapids

I feel it is unjust to fire Ms. Jordan. I am a nursing student, and I believe healthcare ought to be carried out by a professional. Giving injections is a precise method/action. I would not feel comfortable with an unlicensed person administering an injection on my children or myself. I respect Ms. Jordan's choice to not participate in the class. I feel that decision should have been at her discretion, not the mandate of the school. - NAME: Holly Farrara - CITY: Douglas

I don't think the principal should have a job.Why should someone who is untrained with shots be held responsible for it? Maybe the principal should have given the shot. - NAME: jason - CITY: sparta

What a disgrace this is! My son was killed by a licensed nurse whom gave my 4 year old the wrong medication. WHat is this teacher gave the child too much or not enough and that child died??? Who would be to blame for that?? The teacher or the school district?? And the guilt that the teacher would have for the rest of her life. This is unfair to the teachers and to the children and thier parents. This medication needs to be given by a LICENSED professional!! This is outrageous! - NAME: Kathy - CITY: Hamilton, Michigan

Perhaps they should bring back school nurses. I don't believe administration or regular teaching staff should have to know how to give injections. Most children who need injections have been shown how to do it themselves. Give the youngsters control to help themselves. The bureauocracy over simple asprin or even midol is ridiculous. - NAME: Nancy Clouse - CITY: Howard City

I do not agree with the Zeeland School District.I commend Laurie Jordan for putting the safety of the children first. Insulin is a very potent hormone that when given in a hopsital setting, the dosage and the amount drawn up has to be verified by two nurses.When hospitals require two highly trained persons to be involved in giving insulin why do the schools think they are above the medical community? The school systems are placing children in danger when they have non licensed persons dispensing medication. Stop putting the children in danger, and have a nurse dispense the medications and let Laurie Jordon do her job that she does well and loves doing. - NAME: Beth Crater - CITY: Caledonia

There is no surprise to the fact: I absolutely "DISAGREE" with the Zeeland School Board and without hesitation, "APPLAUD" Laurie Jordan for standing up for what she believed in. As a Registered Nurse with extensive training in administering Insulin, as well as being a mother to a child with many medical needs, what is our world coming to? My question to the Zeeland School Board is, "Who is going to be liable if a child should have a medical reaction to the Insulin being administered"? As a "Medical Professional", I have had more than (40) minutes of training in administering Insulin and I am fortunate enough to be covered by Malpractice Insurance. Considering the financial difficulties that Public Education has been encoutering throughout Michigan, is the Zeeland Public School System actually prepared financially to take on the thousands of dollars in legal fees? If they are trying to save money by allowing school aides and secretaries to administer any type of medication to their students, GOOD LUCK. I am most certain, with the amount of money that will be spent in legal fees, as well as the thousand(s) to million(s) of dollars in settlements, they could hire many more teachers and maybe even a few medically trained professionals. We are talking about children's lives, there is NO dollar amount that any one person can "ever" put on a child's life. And most importantly, before these (Medical Professional) School Board Members made the decision of firing Ms. Jordan, they may have wanted to take the feelings of the child and/or the children's parent(s) into consideration. A consent form should be signed by each child's parent stating, they are giving the school aide or secretary the permission to administer a medication that can have multiple side effects. The consent should also inform each parent, that these individuals are only given a (40) minute training session on how to administer Insulin to their child. Without precise, detailed, and accurate information: as well as, touching someone without their permission in my profession, it is considered "assault" and grounds to be sued. As a nurse, by law, I am even required to ask my patient's their permission to shake their hand. I believe, each Board Member "MUST" be entitled to attend the (40) minute training session in administering Insulin, and be required to inject at least one student, understanding all the consequences that administering medication entails. I would hope that upon hiring Ms. Jordan, it was explained to her the specific responsibilities pertaining to her position. Ms.Jordan, you not only made a smart but brave decision, you also took the value of a child's life into consideration, God Bless You!!!! I see everyday what effects Insulin can have on the human body. I am also appropriately prepared to react and respond accordingly . I would hope in the (40) minute training session, individuals are taught the signs and symptoms, as well as, how to properly respond to a hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic reaction. Dosing should be left up to the patient's physicians, that is why they spend at least if not more than a decade in Medical school. As a nurse, I do not even make that decision, I must obtain a physician's order. I would hope that you have already seeked legal action the day that you were fired. My suggestion to you would be: go retrieve the thousands of dollars that the Zeeland School Board, will eventually be paying to some unfortunately distressed child and parent(s). Thank you for protecting our children by taking a stand, it's not about "needles", it's about humanity. In Michigan, the state that I live in, it is required by law in any State or licensed facility, Insulin may only be administered by a licensed "not" certified professional. My last question to any of the Zeeland School Board members, if it is the responsibility of school aides and secretaries to administered medication and Insulin, should it not be everyone's responsibility? How much longer before teachers, custodians, librarians, Prinicipals, and bus drivers, will be required to enact on such a significant responsibility? - NAME: Amy Keiser-Magner - CITY: Muskegon

She should of not been fired - for the record ask someone else who would be willing to do it, perhaps a retired nurse or a mother who has a child and gives the shots. Also doesn't anyone remember back in the sixties we all had visiting nurses who made the rounds at the schools with schedules of who gets what when and who could respond to an emergency if necessary. They were employed by the school systems. But it seems now that there is no money for a nurse for the schools what with cutting other things that are nonsense and not allowing money for a nurse which would probably make many parents very happy to pay a part of the taxes towards something that is LIFE NECESSARY for many students. - NAME: Lynn - CITY: holland

I have an idea, how about the principal learns how to administer injections? - NAME: Roger - CITY: Grand Rapids

My personnal opinion is that Laurie was a top-notch Zeeland school employee. She greeted everyone that walked in the office with a smiling face and a friendly "Hi, how are you?" She would high five the kids as they got on and off the buses, addressing them all by name. My kids loved this lady! Unfortunately, the one thing Laurie lacked was being backed by a union. No union employees were required to complete this task. Why? Are the schools afraid of the union? I believe they are. My family misses Laurie Jordan! - NAME: Jill - CITY: Zeeland

....Whether this was in her job description to begin with or not if given proper training I believe she should give injections. The day may come when you have to do the same for a loved one..just do it!!! - NAME: mb - CITY: gr,mi

The gesture was absolutely absurd! It is illogical to expect a teacher's aid to give an injection to child, when most Certified Nursing Assistants, whom obviously trained for the medical field are unable to administer an injection under the scope of practice for CNA's. Do not tell me there was not at least one or more employees in that school that would have jumped at the chance to go through the traning. The decision made by the school district was ridiculous and unwarranted to say the least. - NAME: Samantha - CITY: Grand Rapids

WOW THEY CALL THIS A SCHOOL OF FAMILY AND NOTHING BUT THE BEST INTREST OF CHILDREN WELL!!! TO ME THEY JUST GOT RID OF ONE OF THE BEST INSPERATIONAL STAFF MEMBERS THEY EVER HAD,THERE WAS NOT ONE CHILD SHE DIDNT TREAT LIKE HER OWN. THE KIDS LOVE HER AND TRUST HER LIKE IT SHOULD BE.SHE IS AWSOME.THE SCHOOL SAYS THAT ITS ALL ABOUT LOVE,TRUST,COMMITMENT AND SAFTY WHATEVER I HAVE A THIRD GRADER AND A SECOND GRADER AT ROOSEVELT AND I HAVE A SENIOR THAT ALSO WENT TO ROOSEVELT.IF ZEELAND REALLY CARED ABOUT THE SAFTY THERE PRETENDING TO THEY WOULD WORRY ABOUT HOW AT ANYTIME ANYONE CAN JUST WALK IN THE HIGH SCHOOL WITH NO QUESTIONS ASKED(IVE PERSONALLY EXPERIANCED THIS).IF MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE AS FAR AS WHAT THEY FEEL WOULD BE A SAFTY FACTOR AND TO ME THATS WHAT SHE DID.ZEELAND PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM REALLY HAD ME BELIEVE THAT THE SAFTY AND WELL BEING OF KIDS WAS NUMBER ONE,WELL THEY JUST PROVEN THAT TO BE WRONG,WHEN THEY FIRED MRS. JORDAN.THE KIDS FELT SAFE,LOVED, AND RESPECTED,I HOPE SHE FIGHTS THIS ALL THE WAY.IF ANYONE IN THIS MATTER CARES FOR THE SAFTY OF KIDS IT WAS HER BY NOT AGREEING TO SOMETHING THAT JUST DIDNT FEEL RIGHT TO HER,IF THERES ANY COMMON SENCE GOING ON IT WAS IN THE PART OF MRS JORDAN NOT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM,SO NOW BRINGS UP THE QUESTION OF THIS,HOW CAN THEY TEACH CHILDREN COMMON SENCE WHEN THEY DONT NO WHAT IT IS IN THE FIRST PLACE.I SAY ALONG WITH ALL THE PARENTS REINSTATE HER JOB. FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT MRS JORDAN THE KIDS AND PARENTS LOVE AND MISS YOU PARENTS I KNOW YOU LOVED MRS JORDAN TO LETS HELP HER IN FIGHTING THIS A UNHAPPY PARENT OF ZEELAND SCHOOLS FOR A VERY STUPID MISTAKE IN GETTING RID OF A GRAT ROLE MODEL WENDY GOERNER - NAME: Wendy Goerner - CITY: Zeeland

Another form of discipline besides termination should have been used. - NAME: Davi - CITY: Holland

- NAME: - CITY:

I find it pretty disheartening that an employee could be dismissed for this. Why would any parent want an untrained person to administer a needle to their child. I realize training would be provided,but would it be enough? What if a vein were to collapse? this woman had a spotless record save this one incident. Why couldn't someone else have been asked when she said she couldn't do it. After she was dismissed another employee was asked and agreed to it, and now after ruining this womans record they are checking into hiring nurses. What is that saying? - NAME: Brian Shields - CITY: Sparta

I think it is really stupid to fire her over that. Since an incident that happened when I was 17, I have a fear of needles too. I know that I have a hard time even watching my kids get poked with a needle much less having to give them a shot myself. For anyone that thinks she should have got fired, try giving your own kids shots and see what you think then. I know I want a well trained professional giving my kids shots, not someone who just got a quick 1 hour crash course. - NAME: Josh - CITY: Fremont

no i do not agree what if she was the only person around to give the shot to the child and she had not a clue how to do so then the child would be in great danger. I belive her best interest is not in the care nor welfare of the children. Because i know what can happen my brother-in-law had and is no longer with us, and my mother and husband both need the shots. I think she shoul rethink the matter for the childrens sake and maybe someone near and dear to her. Sincerly kathy Castle - NAME: kathy castle - CITY: grand rapids

The Zeeland School District needs to apologize and attempt to rehire Jordan...with her unblemished record still intact !!! - NAME: Julie - CITY: Caledonia

Sorry i miss read the question my real ansewr is yes . And i stll belive her interest is not in the childern. Sincerly Kathy Castle - NAME: kathy castle - CITY: yes

I would have thought there would be a little more loyalty to someone who has spent 10 years with a school/company. Schools should be able to care for students with other employess not every single one, especially someone who works in an off ice who probably does not have as much student contact as the teachers who are probably all trained. There probably could have been a better resolve than the firing. - NAME: Brian Matthews - CITY: Muskegon

I think it is wrong!!! That is a nurses job!! It can cause many bad reactions if not given right amount!!! You don,t changethe rules in middle of contract!She must be rehired for sake of the kids and her good record for 10 years! Shame on the school broad!!!!!We do not gamble with kids lives!!! - NAME: betty diekema - CITY: Please Type Your City Herehesperia MI.

Unbelievable. The comments that Ms. Jordan should have been terminated are from the closed-minded. I've been a diabetic since I was 6. The Grand Rapids Public Schools were very accomodating to my disease and needs in the 1960's and 1970's. But never did my parents have to ask the school to give me injections. There were school nurses back then anyway. In the perfect world, there would be school nurses available. We opt not to fund that any longer. Zeeland could provide appropriate care for the student under the "Americans with Disabilities Act" like a trained nurse or medical aid. Has the school looked into students at the local college or medical assistant training facility? You wouldn't send in the PE teacher to teach the computer class. Ms. Jordan has my support in this matter. - NAME: Lisa - CITY: Grand Rapids

What the school did was wrong. They should have hired a nurse to do the shots. She had no reason to lose her job. - NAME: CITY: Pierson Mi

Question? Was this order in their contract when they signed the contract? Do they have a card which states that they are qualified to use any kind of needle on a student? In this sue crazy world we live in one must be careful. I don't think we are hearing the whole truth of this matter! Hang in there Ms. Jordan! - NAME: Ken Cobb - CITY: Muskegon

I think this is absolutely ridiculous. I would never want someone to give myself or anyone I cared about an injection if they did not feel comfortable. So many people who have posted here have already brought up the consequences of giving the incorrect dosage or not doing it the correct way- including trained professionals. Doesn't that say something? I went to Zeeland schools and to be honest I disliked the system so much that I fought with my mom over attending my own graduation ceremony. Everyone I went to college (I attended GVSU) who was familiar with the area would say, "Oh but they are good schools, they have so much money for their programs." If they have so much money, as seems to be the general knowledge of the local community, they should put it to good use and hire a nurse. I never liked Zeeland schools and now I know that once I have kids, even if I live near Zeeland, they won't go there. - NAME: Leslie - CITY: Grand Rapids

I think she is very right in her decision not to administer medication if she does not feel confindent or is that fearful of doing it - NAME: Diane Myers - CITY: Hudsonville

Totally uncalled for.I've totally lost a lot of respect for for ZPS. Over the last several years that school has really gotten bigger and I admire what a great school system it has become. What a shame you now have because of one catty principal on a power trip. I would hope the parents in the district would rally together and demand justice be done here. What the school board did here was without a doubt WRONG!! If the administration were politicians they would be voted out of office. This is a black eye on a great school system. Sorry one bad decision by the principal did this to your school. Good luck in the future. - NAME: Rodney - CITY: Holland

I also believe that it wasn't fair that Mrs. Jordan got fired - if everyone else took it, whether or not it helped, why would she have to because there are plenty of other people to do it...and she has been loyal for 10 years - it just doesn't seem right. - NAME: Chelsea - CITY: Zeeland

Why Don't they (the school district) higher a school nurse who is meant to be there to take care of things like this. I mean, it makes perfectly good sense. I am also sure that the parents who send their children to school would very much like this too. - NAME: C - CITY: Zeeland

This is a pathetic move by a pathetic administrator. This administrator ought to be fired and/or her board canned by the voters. - NAME: Bruce - CITY: Frankfort, IL

I have known Laurie Jordan for 2½ years and since that time she has put everyone else's needs before her own. I think she put the needs of the child first. I wouldn't want someone that was nervous giving me a shot that could save my life. I think she made the right decisio. Seriously...do you think that a 30 minute program is going to help someone know what to do in a serious emergency?! Obviously the board knows they screwed up by firing her or they wouldn't be looking for nurses to do it instead! ZPS lost a really good person that would never do anything to hurt anyone. TEAM LAURIE! - NAME: Rachel S. - CITY: Holland MI

Maybe the Zeeland School District should have allocated some of the money they spent on multi-million dollar schools to insure for medical care for their students? What are you teaching the students and your community? Who comes first ZPS Administration? You or the children? Is it YOUR school, or THEIR school? Incompetent policies and actions by this administration will cost the tax payers far more than a nurse in the end.....it's time for some of the "untouchables" to be touched come election time..... - NAME: Jon Kraai - CITY: West Olive Zeelander....

The School Board needs to give her job back. They have no right to force someone to administer medication to children. If a person is uncomfortable giving a shot, then they, the board, should have asked someone else. She has been with this school for 10 years. I feel that they were looking for a reason to let her go. This is not a validate reason and she should be reinstated. The School Board should be fired!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - NAME: Amanda - CITY: Grand Rapids

Were there only three employees in the building? Was anyone else willing and able to be trained to administer the injection? As a school secretary myself, we are faced daily with things that we really would rather have a "professional" do but we do the best we can. Firing her over this is absolutely ridiculous. I'm sure someone else in the building would have been willing to lend a hand. School secretaries are supposed to treat everyone with fairness and compassion. Why should a school secretary be treated any differently? - NAME: Mary - CITY: Grand Rapids

The Dutch are getting dumber since when is it okay to let a non trained worker to be allowed to give shots. Why would anyone in their right mind let anyone give shots to their kids unless they were state certified. This has to be one of the most stupid things I have ever seen. - NAME: Johnny - CITY: Bangor

I think most people will assume that there is much more to Laurie's firing than her refusal to take a training course. My first thought was, "What a smart way for a principal to get rid of someone they don't like." I know that if I had children in the Zeeland schools, I would be happier with maybe a trained EMT or a Nurse's Aide giving my child a shot. Too bad they can have a Communications Specialist, but not any medical personnel. - NAME: Linda - CITY: Hastings

I think that firing her was not right. Giving medicine and injections are what medical professionals are for. - NAME: Melissa - CITY: Grandville

I think it is silly to not train to give a potentially life saving injection to a child. It looked like an injector pen like the epi pen for allergies. If you are silly enough to lose your job over it then look for a new job. - NAME: Sandy - CITY: Hesperia

There are a lot worse things that she could have done. She could have abused a child or stole from the schools. But to get fired over something so trivial is sad and I don't think it sends a very good message. In this day and age when jobs are harder to find I feel sorry for her, I hope she can find some other school that will appreciate what Zeeland has lost. Shame on you Zeeland!! - NAME: Cindi - CITY: Cedar Springs

I can't believe that an employer would force a employee to do something that they are so obviously incapable of doing (for whatever reason). Did they even try to resolve it by finding another employee that would be willing to do it, or had training to do it? It just goes to show how schools are trying to cut costs and have untrained/under trained personnel do jobs that were best left to the experienced. - NAME: Beth Follett - CITY: Hesperia

I think that the teacher is right and should not have to give students shots. We pay taxes that the schools are supposed to be using so why not hire a school nurse? Someone who is qualified in doing such acts. - NAME: Wendy - CITY: Cedar Springs

I don't see how anyone can make the decision of right or wrong here without having the complete story from both sides. - NAME: Joe Lautenschleger - CITY: Hudsonville

Give me a break, next thing they will want is to make them drink. I also am afraid of needles, and I don't think that I would be able to do it without barfing. GIVE HER JOB BACK........ - NAME: Bill Ross - CITY: Shelby

I feel it is wrong to have fired this employee. She does not have a medical license to dispense prescription medication and should not be forced to do so. If she volunteered to do this and had the proper training, then she would be covered under the "Samaritan" act, but I don't believe anyone should be forced to medically treat patients or dispense medications. I suggest they hire a visiting nurse or find another employee who would be willing to do this. - NAME: Cherryl Rettig - CITY: Barryton

I can sympathize with Laurie Jordan and the situation that she is in. However, there is one aspect that I think needs to be looked into. ZPS does not employ any on staff nurse at any of it's buildings to care for the medical needs of the students. As a result it is up to the principal's aides to administer minor first aide and any other type of minor medical attention necessary. This is the same person with the line out side of her door at lunch time administering Ritalin or any other type of medication a hyperactive student might need. This is also the same person who is going to administer antibiotics or cold medicines or aspirin to students. No Ms. Jordan is not a nurse but I have a feeling that she has no problem administering narcotics to our children. My children are no longer in the school system but back when they were I was very troubled at the idea of the principal's aide having to administer this medication. As a parent if my child required any type of medication I made a point of going to school and doing it myself. I think there is more to the story that needs to be looked into. It is easy for individuals to say that ZPS needs to hire nurses but the fact is the money is not in the budget to do so. Not to mention that our schools are facing even more funding cuts by the state. - NAME: Penny Smith - CITY: Zeeland, MI

I must say I strongly disagree with the school's decision in this matter. Jordan showed to have an impeccable record with the school, in addition to 10 years of service to the school. When she was hired, she was not required to give shots, nor could she have for seen that she would be assigned duties that would normally come from that of a nurse. I have been in the public safety field for 17 years, including the jobs of Ambulance Attendant and currently a Police Officer and I have seen first hand how people react to needles when they are afraid of them. They can bring very traumatic outcomes for both the child and Jordan, as well as the school. In addition, the Communicable Diseases Jordan would be exposing herself to. Personally, as an Ambulance Attendant, we had to take 4 hours of training a year to remind us how important it is to keep yourself safe when dealing with Blood born Pathogens. One hour training cannot possibly be enough. I really think the school district needs to fully research this decision before Jordan determines her next step should be filing a Wrongful Discharge suit against the school for requiring her to do something that wasn't in her original job description. - NAME: Victoria Solomon - CITY: Kentwood

I believe the School District was wrong in Firing Jordan and she should get her job back. As the parent of a Type I Juvenile Diabetes child, I have had to deal with this disease and it's problems at school and other places. Each child's situation is different, but in most cases the insulin is given before school and in the evening before supper. The training at the school should have been mandatory for all teachers and personnel who work with Children. BUT the TRAINING should have been about the disease and not the injections. The most dangerous thing a person can do in the event that a child passes out is assume they need their insulin. Actually when a diabetic passes out it is usually because they have had too much insulin and need food to bring their blood sugar up. If a child had been given insulin in a situation like this it could possibly kill them. I would not want anyone at school administering insulin to my child. I provided instructions to all my daughters teachers, that I received from her Doctor, and it always said to contact the parent. Administering insulin at the wrong time can be fatal. I believe that aid should be reinstated with apologies from all who were responsible for firing her. And that the schools should train all teachers about the affects a diabetic can experience and how to deal with them. - NAME: Joanne - CITY: Holland

I think its bull - NAME: Dale Freas - CITY: Casnovia

I do not feel that anyone who is uncomfortable in giving or getting injections to be forced to undergo training to give them. I am a nurse and it took me months of training to get comfortable giving them. I think they should give her job back. Would the Principal give them? If not he should be fired too!!!!!!!!!! - NAME: Darlene Neer - CITY: N Muskegon

The school system was wrong. If they feel they have that great of need then the system should have an on site Nurse to handle these types of situations. In this day and age it does not matter what law you think will protect you from lawsuits there is always some individual willing to try and prove that law is invalid. - NAME: Lori Spenle - CITY: Belding

Yes I agree that she should have been let go. teachers and office help now a days have to be able to give all kinds of medicines to the children if its oral inhaled or injection. if she didn't give the child his/her meds they could become very ill. and in all honesty it isn't as bad as it looks! - NAME: candi - CITY: muskegon

I absolutely do not agree with this. As a parent - I would not want somebody who wasn't in the medical profession to administer a shot to my child. I do not believe someone who does not have proper medical training should be forced to give a shot to a child. I myself would never want to be responsible if something went wrong. I feel terrible for Laurie Jordan and believe she was treated unfairly by the school district. - NAME: Michelle - CITY: Zeeland

WOW, for all those who think she should have been fired, SHAME ON YOU!!! Let's put you in the face of all your fears!!! Let's put you on a Rollercoaster, you have a huge fear of riding!! Let's put you in a car racing down the road at 100 mph!!! Let's force you face your fears the way you EXPECT Laurie to just "GET OVER HERS"!! For those of you with kids who need insulin shots that feel she should have lost her job, SHAME ON YOU as parents for settling for someone less than a nurse who would be inadequately trained AND uncomfortable in doing it. You need to re-evaluate whether you should even be a parent. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU WHO AGREE WITH THIS!!! - NAME: - CITY: Grand Rapids

I think it is ridiculous that the school fired laurie jordan under these circumstances. Even if she was fine with the situation but just didn't want that responsibility she shouldn't have been fired. The school should have requested another teacher or even brought in a specialist for administering the injections. The school should have made it there responsibility if it was required by law to do so, they should not have made it ms. Jordans. - NAME: Jennifer Bolt - CITY: Wyoming

Laurie shouldn't of been fired, I think the only reason she got fired was because she didn't back down from the people who fired her, and they just wanted to make an example out of her (POWER TRIP!) The school district can spend millions on a pool, but they couldn't think of hiring a part time nurse? They went about this all wrong, they made a Big mistake firing Laurie, they need to make things right, Laurie felt strongly about the safety of the child and refused because of her fear in needles and hurting the child, she did the right thing by refusing the training, please support her by coming to the February 5th board meeting. - NAME: kathy - CITY: Zeeland

I highly disagree with the firing because there should be a qualified person such as a school nurse that has the know-how plus the schooling to do such responsibilities. I think they should rent the wizard of oz to sing the If I only had a brain song. - NAME: - CITY:

I would not want just anyone giving my child an injection. That is why we have medical facilities. Secretaries should not be giving medical treatments. Yes training for CPR and first aid is good for everyone to help respond to an emergency, but to actually make some in an administrative position to give children shots/injections, is asking way too much of the employee. If she wanted to give injections, she most likely would be looking for a job or already working in the medical field. - NAME: Brenda Kota - CITY: Grant

#1. If she has a legitimate reason, she is terrified of needles, then I don't think she should be required. The training would be detrimental to her and her career at the school. #2. As A Principle's Aide, what would be the reason for her mandatory need for the training? Teachers, possibly, but not all. I don't agree with the firing for 'Medical training' in an educational arena, what about a school nurse, etc? - NAME: dabbey - CITY: Kentwood

I think the school should have asked for volunteers from their staff to step forward to attend the training. I understand that the policy was followed but that policy needs to be changed. I'm sure they have other staff members that would have stepped forward. I would not want someone administering a shot to my sons if they were not 100% confident and comfortable in their ability. For me it would not be about the possibility of being sued (Good Samaritan law) but the possibility of causing harm to a student and having to live with that guilt. In her shoes I would have done exactly the same. Kudos for Laurie for standing her ground. I am proud of her. - NAME: Jody Forward - CITY: Zeeland

I think it's terrible. What's next? Being a nurse is not part of her job. Are you going to require coaches to drive the bus? Spotless record at that. Better watch your back in Zeeland. Sneeze wrong and you may get the axe. Not a district I would want to work or send my kids to. Where are the Morals?? - NAME: Cheryl W - CITY: Byron Center

She is not a nurse. She is not a Doctor. Schools should not be giving injections to anyone. - NAME: Dale Oberlin - CITY: ADA

If you can't fulfill the requirements of the job-terminate. - NAME: AL - CITY: New Era

That firing was totally uncalled for. I cannot believe that you would expect that from her. She did not go to school to do that type of thing. I can see where she would not feel comfortable doing so, I have to give myself an injection once a day and I dread doing it each day. The school should have first responders (trained individuals) employed there and they could do so. - NAME: Anne - CITY: Muskegon

She should not have to give shots. Hire a School nurse for that. I feel so bad for Laurie. It's the schools loss. What a wonderful person they lost. - NAME: Kim - CITY: Muskegon

I don't think she should have been fired. If I didn't already work in the medical field, I don't know that I would feel comfortable giving injections. It is hard to give children injections even if they are your own and even harder if they are not your own. - NAME: heather neeley - CITY: allendale

I disagree with her being dismissed. It is not something a school teacher should be doing - it should be a trained medical professional - NAME: Angela - CITY: Grandville

I say yes. The training could save someone's life in the long run. Whats next school employees stop taking CPR because they feel uncomfortable about the situation and a student dies. If the training is being offered by the school and it could save a students life you have to take it because you never know when you will need it. I thought that when you work for a school you are there to help and teach the children of that school and giving the proper training will only help you do that. - NAME: Brandon - CITY: Muskegon

I'm outraged that an administrative employee is asked to give injections. This should be performed by a medical professional. These days, administrative personnel are not even allowed to hand out an aspirin, but the want them to give shots! Does not make sense to me. Give her the job back! - NAME: Lisa Rainwater - CITY: Grand Rapids

This is not a question of whether the district followed the policy. It is a question of whether the policy is fair. Apparently the policy, to do whatever your principal tells you to do, is not fair or reasonable. The board would not be looking into alternative ways to administer insulin to children in need, if it was. Mrs. Jordan did her job well and went above and beyond her 'job description'. She cared enough not to put a child's life in jeopardy! This was a knee- jerk decision to an emergency situation. We all make rash decisions and we can all forgive those who do. The board is thinking rationally, now. Apologize to Mrs. Jordan and give her back her job. - NAME: Deb T. - CITY: Zeeland

I do not agree! I was shocked to find out that they fired her but then decided to get someone from the Hospital to come in and give the shots. Where is the justice? I understand her position and I applaud her for standing up. I just hope she ends up getting her job back in the very end! Maybe if enough people complain, the district will have no choice. - NAME: Jodi - CITY: Holland

I strongly disagree with the termination of Ms. Jordan. A trained/licensed medical professional should give these injections. If for no other reason, for protection against legal ramifications (so many people are looking for a reason to file a law suit)! It was a way for the school to save cost, and now they've pushed away a long term, dedicated employee. It just isn't right. - NAME: Karen Klekotka - CITY: Comstock Park

Ms. Jordan should have used the ADA as her defense by indicating she has a phobia or handicap in handling shots, many individuals have this fear. It might have worked in her favor; no disability is graded or rated by ADA. I have a fear of flying, or maybe a fear of riding in a car...etc. It is a shame that she lost her job, I personally feel that the school district does not understand the ADA. No person with a disability wishes another person would lose their job on behalf of them. I am a member of the disability culture and an Advocate, this is just not right. We wish for inclusion but not on the back of someone losing their job, it might not be to late in this fight for her to apply for protection under the ADA or Michigan Civil Rights Law. I would, she has as just as much right as the person or child needing the shot of insulin. Her fear of giving a shot is just as strong under the ADA, maybe not life threatening, but worth considering. Thank you and God Bless America. - NAME: Bill - CITY: Spring Lake

No. I believe Zeeland Schools has made a mistake. I would be very uncomfortable giving any kind of injection to another person's child. This is not handing out a couple of aspirin! Zeeland should have a school nurse or someone who trained in this area that is responsible for giving injections if needed. - NAME: Michelle Goodrich - CITY: Montague

I think that firing someone because they refuse to give in insulin injection is ridiculous. It's sad to see someone who has worked in a place for so long and has had a good job history there fired over something so simple. It seems that her employer just let her go without considering her other qualities. She was let go based on one thing, not giving insulin shots. That makes me wonder who has been giving these insulin shots to the children before this? Why is it that the school is now deciding on having nurses come in since Ms. Jordan refused to do it? Why not get some other school employee trained to give the shots? I think that if an outside nurse does come in, that Ms. Jordan should get her job back, because that will not be under her job description anymore and a professional will be there to do it. - NAME: Amanda Heible - CITY: Allendale

I believe that she should not have lost her job and it is her right to refuse to give these shots. If there are children in any school with needs as this one and others they should have to hire a nurse. - NAME: Cristy - CITY: Wyoming

No she should not have been fired. Just what is this country coming to? It should not be left up to the school's employees to do this. This is the responsibility of your parents. And if your children need such attention then homeschool them. Do not leave it to the school employees to take that much care of your child, Your children are at school to learn, that is the responsibility of the schools. My child has a medical condition should I leave it up to the school to make sure he takes his medicine or should I as his parent makes sure he does what he is suppose to do? - NAME: Patty Thompson - CITY: West Olive MI

I agree that she should be fired because you should accept all the training that your job has to offer you and if my child needed insulin while at school I would want to know that everyone in that school knew how to give it to my child when he needed it - NAME: Jamey Dennison - CITY: Grand Haven

I too would not want to administer shots to someone else. I am not a big fan of needles and the thought of sticking a needle in someone else makes me cringe. I think Laurie should not have been fired over this. I am sure there are tons of other people in the school who can administer shots other than Laurie. She should get her job back! - NAME: Stephanie - CITY: Kentwood

First of all she should have been asked, and then they should have contacted the parents of the children and asked them. As a parent I would want a school nurse, or someone that was comfortable with doing that and the right training and along with a complete medical history done on the person so my child doesn't come in contact with another medical condition, (aids). If she isn't comfortable with the situation she shouldn't be made to do it, as a parent I wouldn't want her doing it either. Maybe Jim Camenga who is so good with communications, should be the one to do it, he would be best because he knows the laws and can communicate best with the parents of students who need the medications...In all they should have asked her first, then went from there, it sounds to me, like a case of they wanted her gone, and now they have the reason to let her go... Again this should have gone through the parents of the children, with the medication, since it is there children and the administration at a board meeting, or at the school. - NAME: DENISE - CITY: HOPKINS

I'm a mother of 2 daughters with Type 1 diabetes, 3rd and 6th grade. As I'm reading some of the comments, I'm in total disbelief at the attitude of some people that feel it's the parent's responsibility to give shots not the schools. It is the parent's responsibility to supply the school with all necessary supplies. While I agree someone uncomfortable with the medical aspect should not have to give shots. It is most definitely the schools responsibility to have trained staff members to administer shots and be aware of all of the signs and symptoms of a diabetic. In fact, the school is required to have more than 1 TDP (trained diabetic personnel). In case a TDP is not available or absent. Every diabetic student should have a 504 plan to make sure the student has the same access to education as do other students. - NAME: Holly - CITY: Howard City

No she should NOT have lost her job for being uncomfortable giving shots. The shots should be given by LICENCED MEDICAL personnel not an aide. - NAME: Daryl Palma - CITY: Grand Rapids

I think if shots are required then a qualified medical person should administer - what if something goes wrong? I might be able to give a shot in an emergency but I would have a difficult time if I had to do this on a casual basis - I can relate to this person - this definitely is a bad choice on the school's part - NAME: Russ Mills - CITY: Grand Rapids

anyone other than a medical professional shouldn't be allowed to give shots. give that woman her job back with pay. bunch of jerks. - NAME: hooter - CITY: walker

I do not agree with the actions taken by the Zeeland School District. The new job description may include "giving insulin shots" and/or "medical training", but I highly doubt that it was included in the job description when she was originally hired. If she wanted to participate in administering meds/shots, she probably would have gone into the medical field. I understand the schools need to have someone on staff that could perform these duties, but why is it the responsibility of the Principal's Aide to administer the shots? - NAME: Kathy - CITY: Bailey

In my opinion, "administrative" work in any other field does not include medical procedures. Why should it in the field of education? I understand ZPS needs to provide care for students with medication issues, but needs to do so with medical personnel. - NAME: Tammy - CITY: Rockford

as a former paramedic I feel that only licensed health care providers should be given insulin. there is a tremendous liability and one screw up will cost that school district millions and the person fired I hope sues the district . the person who should be fired is the moron who thought this up - NAME: mike pranger - CITY: White Cloud

We have super buildings. State Champs in sports. Inside where it matters, we have an administration and school board that are concerned only with image. They will not like this controversy because it hurts the image. We say that we are putting family and students first but we really put image first. There is no substance to this administration. They make much more than the $12.00 per hour wage of a secretary but produce much less real educational direction and decisions. It is time for the members of the Zeeland School District to stand up and require more than just image from our School Administrators and School Board. If it is necessary to fire a secretary for not doing a required job then lets keep going and clean house from the top down and get people who are concerned with education and not just surface image. - NAME: A concerned educator and parent - CITY: Zeeland

Look at the news ? Iraq ? Congress fighting with the President ? Hollywood stars get sent to rehab for anti gay slurs ? Gas prices ? my house is worth a third of what I owe on it ? but I always thought that Zeeland was a oasis of common sense (aside from the seasonal change on Sunday alcohol rules) -

Now a useful, productive worker in our public schools is let go over something as dumb as not wanting to administer shots - For crying out loud, how often does this even happen? ?

Where was someone, anyone on our school board who would stand up and say that we do the right thing for the right reason here in Zeeland ? It is time to stop the stupidity that runs rampant in our country ? But no ? our school board looked into it and decided it was all handled correctly so of course, that's makes it okay

Time for a recall ? Lets fill out the paper work, dot all the I's and cross all the T's, do everything correctly and administer a dose of common sense to those morons on the school board ?

Please, I am new to this ? how do we start a recall? Who do we contact? Township Clerk? County Clerk - I am ready with my time

Lets do the right thing for the right reason for once!

NAME: Bob J. CITY: ZEELAND, MI and proud of it!

She should not have had her job terminated over this. Is there more to the story or a personality conflict? Although giving injections may not be that difficult, I would not want anyone who is uncomfortable with it giving my child an injection. Kids pick up on that tension immediately. - NAME: Steve - CITY: Grand Haven

No I don't think she should have been fired! I believe that the school should have "school nurses" for that reason right there. She's not a medical person nor should be expected to be. Medical issues should be handled by medical people. I am a current Medical Student and parent and I believe that as a Principles Aide she shouldn't have to do that. Like I said I believe schools should have a Nurse or Nurses Assistant on hand to take care of issues like that!!!! - NAME: Meredith Linder - CITY: McBride

I understand her hesitation on giving shots, my biggest question is was this supposed to be part of her job to begin with? - NAME: Kathy - CITY: Grand Rapids

Neither my husband nor myself feel that is fair or just. I am certain that when she was hired there was no part of her job description that required administering shots to students. If Ms Jordan wanted to give injections she would have become a nurse. - NAME: Dianne - CITY: Rockford

She should NOT have been terminated. It's not her job. Then for the board to check into how to get it done AFTER she is fired...it's just wrong. - NAME: Jeff V - CITY: Plainfield Township

Sure, why not. Or the Lunch Lady, or Custodian, or G.R. Garbage man servicing the school. Wait; I'm kidding! Why do we have laws protecting us from unlicensed medical persons if the schools can ignore them? If you want your child to get a shot, you pay for a medical profesional, or give it yourself. School employees are there to teach. Not everyone has the stomach to see blood or give shots and that is their handicap. Why is Laurie Jordan being fired because of her disability? - NAME: William Fejedelem CITY: Grand Rapids

I don't think they should have fired her, no. I don't think I would be able to stomach it well, but I would have at least taken the training. I could save someone's life some day. But for them to fire she is a little extreme. She's not a nurse; she's a principal's aid! Understand that Zeeland board! - NAME: NICOLE - CITY: WYOMING

No I don't think she should be fired. She didn't go into the medical field for a reason. The school district should have a nurse on staff that could float between each school if their is not a high demand at just one school. That way also if there is an emergency at one of the schools she is able to be there with in 2 minutes. - NAME: - CITY:

I don't think it was right to fire her. There are some people who lack the tolerance to be able to administer an injection, especially to a child. The district should have asked for volunteers who felt comfortable giving kids shots first. - NAME: Sally - CITY: Zeeland

If the rule was in effect, when she was hired, firing her would be okay. If it was enacted after she was hired, she should not be forced to do something, she feels uncomfortable doing. - NAME: Dave Smith - CITY: Caledonia, MI

I think that is so wrong!!!! That is no reason to fire a teacher! - NAME: Cary Stewart - CITY: Jenison

It is my opinion that she not be fired. School districts all over have nurses to do that sort of thing. Not to mention, it probably was not in her job description when she was hired. If she was hired with that in mind then it should have been stated. - NAME: Lisa Weber - CITY: Grand Rapids

No way should she be fired, that was not part of her job. Hire a nurse. - NAME: Pam - CITY: Allendale

NO! She should not have been fired. No one should be forced to give a child a shot if they do not feel comfortable doing so. If she had wanted to give shots she would have chosen a different profession! As a diabetic I would not have wanted someone to be forced to give me a shot and I am sure there is someone else in the school who might feel comfortable administering a shot. - NAME: Courtney VanDeWege - CITY: Hudsonville

I think that they should have talked to her about the situation and that there should be new rules put in place and I think that she should be able to have her job back. If it is not in the description for the job she shouldn't have to do it. And I wouldn't want my kids to be given a shot by someone who is worried about giving it because then they could screw up and lose the needle or break it. - NAME: John - CITY: Zeeland

I don't think it is the responsibility of school aides to administer injections of any type. It is irresponsible for the school system to rely on non medical staff in this regard. - NAME: J.Wilson - CITY: Grand Rapids

I'm sure there would be volunteers in the schools employment who would enjoy an opportunity to test their medical skills. I wonder if there is a signed notice that all employees must take medical training and agree to administer such medications. - NAME: Annette Bishop - CITY:

How many people work at that school? One person who does not want to give a shot should not matter. I'm sure their were plenty of people who were willing to give the shot. She should not have lost her job. The person that fired her should lose her job. - NAME: Brenda Callender - CITY: Big Rapids

No, she should not have been fired. School staff at every level should not be expected to deal with the children's medical needs. A professional nurse should be on staff in every district! - NAME: Barb - CITY: Greenville

No. he Zeeland board should be ashamed of themselves. - NAME: Bob Carlson - CITY: Holland

No, I do not agree with the district's decision to fire Laurie Jordan. I feel that if she is not comfortable giving a shot to a student then someone else that is comfortable with it should take over (such as a nurse). Her decision to not take the training to give the shots was a poor reason to fire a good employee. There must be more to the situation than they are saying. - NAME: Candy - CITY: Grand Rapids

I don't agree with the Zeeland School District - as a parent I would NOT want a school employee giving my child insulin shot if they were not comfortable with doing it!! I do not feel that the school district has the right to fire an employee over that situation. - NAME: Carol Hanko - CITY: Holland, MI

No I do not agree at all! - NAME: Jeff - CITY: Morley

No! This is inexcusable to fire her. I understand what they think they are basing their determination on, however, she is not a health care aid and why would anyone want someone to administer an injection when one is so uncomfortable with doing this kind of procedure. I think this puts a black eye on Zeeland Public. - NAME: Sue Carlson - CITY: Holland

It's up to the parents to administer the shots, not the school!!! - NAME: Krystn - CITY: Sparta

She should never have been fired. All the pay she lost because of being fired should be paid to her out of the pockets of those idiots that fired her. Tell them to cut their own pay and hire a nurse. - NAME: Bill Fox - CITY: Grant,

I am not sure about the firing on the aide. My grandson is diabetic and my daughter went to school and trained his teachers what to do in an emergency because most schools didn't have personal on hand that knew anything about diabetes or treatment for it. Schools should be informed and have at least two or three employees, at each school building, that are trained for such emergencies. Maybe a local hospital would give seminars and practice sessions for the schools. - NAME: Doreen - CITY: Kentwood

If the school district really cared about the diabetic students they would find an employee that was comfortable giving the shots. - NAME: John Meppelink - CITY: Wyoming

Laurie Jordan was a principal's aide, not a nurse's aide! Why would you want someone who is not comfortable giving a child a shot, giving a child a shot? I think that there reaction of firing her was way too harsh. I am sure that there were enough people willing to learn the technique so that she never should have been put in the situation to train or be fired. Shame on the district!!! - NAME: Debra - CITY: Grand Rapids

- NAME: Angie Doyle - CITY: Caledonia

Laurie has every right to deny this training; she is a principal's aide not a nurse. The school should be looking at having nurses or nurse's aides on site during school hours to perform these tasks as they are trained in giving injections. - NAME: Cindy Lumbert - CITY: Allendale

If this child is not old enough to take care of his own shot that the family check with their family doctor about the insulin pump. And, why not train the child now to give their own insulin. Just have the designated school personnel to prepare the amount of insulin take needs to be given. - NAME: Angie Doyle - CITY: Caledonia

My opinion on the matter is it is crossing the line firing any kind of faculty member for refusing to put a needle into a child. First off, if an individual has an issue with needles being put in them how do you think they will feel being put under the pressure of giving someone a shot knowing it is going to hurt them. What needs to be realized is that there will always be plenty of faculty members more than willing to administer the shots, so there is no reason to hold that one person accountable for saying no they wont do it because they are not comfortable. - NAME: Andrew Stimson - CITY: Grand Rapids

What a joke! Note everyone is cut out to do certain things in life! I believe that the School District has and continues to make a BIG mistake on this issue. - NAME: None - CITY:

The school district is wrong. To assume that someone can just be assigned to give someone injections is presumptuous. Not everyone has the stomach to handle that. She chose to work in a school office not a doctor's office. They should have asked for volunteers to take the training. - NAME: Vicki Price - CITY: Muskegon

This situation is so ridiculous, time wasted. Laurie is not a nurse and should not be required to give shots to anyone. If she wanted to give shots for a living I'm sure she would have gotten her degree in nursing. Give her a break. - NAME: Pamela - CITY: Cedar Springs

School personnel should not have to perform medical procedures nor dispense medications. If a nurse is needed in that school, so be it. She went into the field of education, not the medical profession. - NAME: Sarah - CITY: Ravenna

If it is apart of the teacher's aide job to give insulin shots then I would have to say YES TO FIRE HER. Because that one child could have gotten really sick if he/she didn't get the insulin shot. So they had every reason to fire her. - NAME: Susan Johns - CITY: Grand Rapids

It is very easy to give the wrong amount of insulin and it could be life threatening. Who would assume the liability if the aide gave the wrong dose? My guess would be not the school but the individual who administered the incorrect dose. I feel she has every right to refuse to give insulin as a non-medical person. Maybe the school system needs to look at the addition of nursing staff. - NAME: Amy Stewart-RN - CITY: Holland

They have no right to expect any employee to give a shot if the person objects. I would not give a child a shot. I did not grow up to be a nurse. I am sure someone else would be happy to do it or the kid's mother should. I went to the school everyday to take care of my child's medical problem or I sent someone else. Schools are not medical centers. - NAME: Gay Greenawalt - CITY: Muskegon

I think that the district was wrong to fire this lady if it wasn't in her job description when she was hired. Usually job descriptions have the loophole of 'other duties as required' but I would think they could have been more compassionate about her fear of needles. Not everyone can handle seeing someone receive an injection, let alone administer one. If she liked the thought of needles perhaps she would have gone into nursing or applied for a school nurse position (oh, that's right, ZPS doesn't think they have the need for one) instead. As the sibling of two kids that grew up with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes I COMPLETELY understand the need for them to receive their injections at school. But I also understand that those injections have to come from someone that is comfortable performing them, especially on a small child who is going to feel uncomfortable (especially at first) to have a stranger performing the task that usually Mom or Dad do. It is the school's responsibility to find competent people to administer those injections, especially with the ADA in place. I would think in a school building there would be enough employees that would be competent AND willing to perform such duties that the district shouldn't feel the need to fire someone over their fear of needles....unless there was more to the story....but all the news reports indicate her record was spotless. - NAME: Taylor - CITY: Zeeland

As a ZPS employee, I think the district acted wrongly. Having had experience w/ Laurie, I know what an awesome employee she is. I also know what a fruitcake the principle is......lets look into the issues parents and employees alike have with the principle. - NAME: Carol - CITY: Zeeland

I think the Zeeland Public School District had no right to fire Ms. Jordan. There should be nurses in the school to give shots and such. Certainly not the Principal of an elementary school to do the job. I don't blame her for refusing. - NAME: Clayton - CITY: Portland, MI

I do not think she should have been fired. I was in the same position in Grand Rapids and chose to buckle under and do an instructed to keep my job even though I was not at all comfortable and totally unqualified to do the job assigned. I admire her for taking stand. I believe she should have been offered another job in the district that would not have entailed her giving the shots - good employees are hard to find. - NAME: Marie - CITY: Grand Rapids

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I disagree with the firing of Jordan. As a parent if she does not feel comfortable administering injections and/or medication to a child I would not want her to be forced to do it. The district should have asked for volunteers within the school. - NAME: - CITY: Holland, Michigan

I think that if you are working with and for children, then you yes, should be prepared to have to come to the aide of a child, but no, she shouldn't have been fired. If she's uncomfortable with it, then there's a reason for it. Even with the best training, even doctors and nurses, take chances everyday. There's a risk to every procedure, large or small. It's a large responsibility to administer injections, etc. And many children give their own injections, even some at young ages. Sometimes issues become so black and white that people are left behind in the "system". - NAME: Jan Carlson - CITY: Rockford

I do not think the teacher should have been fired. If this is the way this issue had to be taken care of (shots) because of budget restrictions, the school could have asked for teachers to volunteer to do this. Why just these three? Do people who take Red Cross First Aid classes learn to do this as part of their training? I certainly wouldn't want someone who is less than comfortable doing this to give me an injection, as they may pass out while doing it. Surely, with all these educated people someone must have some common sense or at least the ability to come up with another option! - NAME: Donna Kinney - CITY: Trufant

I think it is a bunch of crap if they aren't comfortable giving the shot I sure wouldn't want to them to give me one. I don't see how they can force someone to do it. They should have someone medically trained - NAME: Jamie e - CITY: Nunica

Zeeland Public school administration and the School board were way out of line to terminate Laurie. NO ONE is disputing the schools need to provide medical care for students, but what we want is for that medical care to be provided by trained, qualified, and CONFIDENT people. To "assign" a secretary to give medical care and then fire her for refusing to endanger a child is inexcusable! The administration and the board need to be held accountable for so casually discarding an amazing staff member. If our policies allow administrators to give out orders in this fashion and be able to dismiss an employee with such a spotless record, who is safe? When the board agreed with the administrations decision and claimed that policy was followed, they have essentially said that to them policy is more important than my children. If it is policy to dismiss such an amazing woman when she is only trying to protect all the children in her care, than we need new policies!! And we need more people like Laurie looking out for our children in Zeeland!! - NAME: Amy Babinec - CITY: Zeeland

As a retired RN, I feel it is ridiculous to expect a 'lay' person to administer an injection to a non-family member. Is 1 hour "good training"? - NAME: Bette Williamson - CITY: Grand Rapids

Another reason to keep government out of our lives. She should not have been fired. She is not a nurse. She is a school aid. If a nurse is not on staff, let the parents come to school and take care of the shots if it can't wait until after school. The AWAD is a big joke that costs business and taxpayers way too much money. - NAME: Scott - CITY: Grand Rapids

I absolutely feel that the dismissal of Laurie Jordan is absurd and uncalled for. I am sure that there are other individuals at the school who do not have a fear of needles and would be willing to take the training. Also, why can't the district hire a nurse? - NAME: - CITY:

Educators are expected to be the experts not only in educating are children but also in caring for them. They must understand learning and medical disabilities along with teaching. Now they are expected to be in charge of health care. I think it is terrible that a school district would fire an educator for being uncomfortable with being expected to do it all for low wages. - NAME: Anonymous - CITY: Coopersville

I don't believe she should have been fired. My mom works for a school and I wouldn't want her to give a child a shot. I think it should be a school nurse. So no she should not have been fired. - NAME: Doug - CITY: Jenison

If the teacher doesn't want to have to give shots that should be her right. She is not a nurse. I cannot stand to receive shots, I don't think I could give them, does that mean if my boss needs a shot and asks me to do it that I can get fired too? - NAME: Jason - CITY: Ionia

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I think that if she is uncomfortable with needles then she should not be fired but that is personal and that has nothing to do with her job as a teacher aide. - NAME: Tina - CITY: Muskegon

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Certainly there is another teacher in the school who would have been able to receive training and administer the injections. If there are no other problems with this Principal's Aide, it may seem to some that this was a "cover-up" reason for terminating her employment, and unfortunately, that is how it comes across to me. - NAME: Christina Hindley - CITY: Grand Rapids

As large a school district Zeeland is, why don't they have a full time nurse for the district? They have money for everything else. - NAME: Cindy Van Dussen - CITY: Zeeland

I think that the decision to fire the teacher aide was not in the best interest of the school. The district should look into hiring a traveling nurse to go from school to school or look into having a few "trained" individuals for that purpose only. This decision makes the district look bad in my eyes. - NAME: Julie - CITY: Holland

As a mother of children that need special medications I feel a nurse should be employed to administer these medications. After all these are human lives they are dealing with. They deserve to have somebody that is a nurse not just a principles aide. - NAME: Julie - CITY: West Olive

She's a teacher's aide, not a nurse's aide. She should be helping out in the classroom performing educational tasks. All too often today, the job descriptions are stretched to cover everything when you are an employee of a school system - from nursing, to day care, to counseling, to dietician and even parenting - it's no wonder our kids aren't learning, by the time the teachers get around to teaching it's time to put them on the bus for an hour ride home. - NAME: Nancy - CITY: Grand Rapids

Zeeland Public Schools administration and school board are wrong with their decision. How would they like to loose their jobs after 10 years of dedication? I would think twice about sending my children to a district where employees don't matter. Ms. Jordan should have her job back with back pay and apologies from administration and the school board for their shameful disregard of a valued employee. They should be fired and see how they like being kicked in the face. They are wrong in their decision. - NAME: Sally Anderson - CITY: Holland, Michigan

She should definitely get her job back! - NAME: Jennifer Brown - CITY: Fruitport

I don't think it's fair for the administration to fire the teacher. She's is not a nurse and why they don't have a nurse is beyond me. Insulin is a very serious thing and it is not to be taken lightly. Anyone who has not had years of training should not be administering insulin shots to children. It could be deadly. An hour is not enough time to train one to do this. - NAME: Felicia - CITY: West Olive

I feel she has every right to say no, she is not a nurse. Nurses are trained longer than one class to give medication injections, especially insulin. I feel for her, and hope for the best. - NAME: Amy - CITY: Grand Haven

I totally agree with it. It doesn't take much training to give insulin shots. I have been doing it for 7 years for my insulin dependent son and it something I thought I could never do, but it is a matter of life or death for a diabetic. - NAME: Marie - CITY: Muskegon

Wow, I am surprised the ZPS system doesn't already have a nurse in place to handle such situations. I wouldn't want an office assistant injecting medicine into my child. I would expect that only a trained professional would handle these issues. This is really crazy and I can't believe this woman lost her job over this! What next????? - NAME: Ms. J. M. Martin-Hart - CITY: Coopersville

No way should she be fired. She is a Principal's Aide not a nurse. It's wrong that she got fired! - NAME: Kirk - CITY: Sparta

I think the school district's decision to terminate her was disrespectful to Laurie Jordan. She (of what the public is aware of) had no requirements to administer medications in her contract, and the amendment shouldn't have been made during her employment without her consent. I truly think this says something negative about the administration of Zeeland Public Schools and how they treat their employees. I can't believe that Jordan's job is already posted on the job board. - NAME: Kate Griffes - CITY: Grand Rapids

I don't feel that she should have been fired. I think if the school system is that worried about administering medical treatment they should hire a nurse. - NAME: Tracy - CITY: Spring Lake

I think that the district was wrong, for firing her. She had a clear record with the school. She was there for ten years. She loved her job. She was afraid of needles and shouldn't have loss her job. - NAME: Doyle - CITY: Hart

I believe the school nurse should be responsible for administrating medicine for the children, not the teachers. - NAME: Larry McDaniel - CITY: Rockford

Wow. With all of the legal ramifications of practicing medicine without a license, even the Good Samaritan law could be challenged in today's suit happy climate. Teacher's aid giving shots....get a nurse and give Laurie her job back. - NAME: Mary Jo - CITY: Holland

It is a shame that Laurie was fired. It seems there had to be another alternative such as a teacher who would be comfortable giving the shots. I certainly wouldn't want my child to receive an injection from someone who was frightened of needles. At the very least, it would create a tense situation for both Laurie and the child. It doesn't seem that the school or school board looked for alternatives. It would be one thing if it was a requirement when they hired her but to demand a skill that she is clearly unable to fulfill when she appears to have an exemplary record, seems like a very poor decision. - NAME: Tami VerHelst - CITY: Zeeland

How is this any different than discrimination? The Zeeland School District is discriminating against this lady's mental capacity to cope with needles. The school district is wrong and should have chosen the "battle" to get sufficient funding to get a nurse OR establish a volunteer program - not to force an unwilling person to inject insulin into children whose parents expect this to be done by a person who is both comfortable and competent with respect to giving injections. Zeeland is wrong. - NAME: Jay Slakes - CITY: Holland

I think Laurie Jordan should keep her job, and the school district should hire a nurse or a nurse's aide. - NAME: Dorothy Knudsen - CITY: Hopkins

I think this is absurd. They could be letting go of something so valuable to not only to the school, but to there students also. Maybe a good solution would be bringing back school nurses. Some people just can't handle needles. She shouldn't loose her job over something this petty. - NAME: Jessie - CITY: Spring Lake

The school should get someone in the medical profession to administer these insulin shots. This teacher is clearly not comfortable doing so. Also, this teacher needs to be reinstated ASAP. Shame on you, Zeeland Public School District, for firing her. - NAME: Samie Sauser - CITY: Twin Lake MI

I sincerely hope that Zeeland schools will rehire Mrs. Jordan. Her job is to handle minor medical issues...scrapes, bumps and illnesses. Medical procedures should be handled by medical personnel only! The school in not a clinic. - NAME: Kevin - CITY: Hudsonville

No they should not have fired her. She is an AIDE, not a RN. Shame on them. - NAME: Lisa - CITY: Grand Haven

I agree with Laurie's decision to refuse the training. I would not be comfortable giving injections either, and as a parent, I would demand that personnel giving my child an injection be comfortable and confident with the process. If the school chooses to have nurses available to give the injections, I believe Laurie should be reinstated. - NAME: Gail Jones - CITY: Muskegon

I am a nursing student and work in the hospital and per hospital policy two Registered Nurses must check insulin doses before insulin is ever given, insulin can cause great harm if too much or too little is given. I feel that Laurie Jordan should not have to give any drug that she feels uncomfortable administrating; I feel the school was totally unjust in firing Laurie. - NAME: Jennifer - CITY: Grand Rapids

I do not agree with the action taken. Just because it is legally does not make it morally right. - NAME: Shirley Klingenberg - CITY: Zeeland, Mi.

I do not think Laurie Jordan should have been fired. She has an excellent rapport with children, parents and staff and had a very legitimate reason not to take the training. The district should have medically trained personnel to perform medical services for students. If a child needs injections, the parent should be required to perform those services or provide someone who can in the absence of a qualified nurse. - NAME: Nancy Rebhan - CITY: Holland Township

As a physician and former high school teacher, I find it reprehensible that the school district would fire this woman. They are placing her in a position of great medical responsibility. She did not hire into a position that required medical expertise. - NAME: David Kirchinger, M.D. - CITY: Grand Rapids

If giving injections was part of her job description, and she refused to take the training and do it then yes, she should be fired. - NAME: T. Rodgerson - CITY: Muskegon

There is no possible reason to dismiss a 10 year superior employee over an issue that has so many simple solutions. - NAME: Don Lake - CITY: Zeeand

I was just wondering, when I was a child going to school we had a nurse (a person trained to do that stuff) in school.. Why isn't there a trained nurse in these public schools> Ms Jordan should not have been fired she is a teacher, not a nurse. I feel the school and the school board has a legal problem there as well as a possible malpractice suit. - NAME: Mark A. Bankus Sr, RET - CITY: Portland

I feel sorry for Laurie Jordan getting fired. Don't they have school nurses for that reason? If not I think they should get one. She should be reinstated to her original job. - NAME: Bonnie VerHoeven - CITY: Holland

This is a strange rule for Zeeland. My son has been diabetic since he was 2. It would be very unusual that a child would need insulin at school. If a child is that much of a brittle diabetic blood test would be needed and then an amount of insulin injected based on the sugar level. A laymen or someone not trained in testing blood and making a decision on insulin injections could be harmful so this is a silly need. The employee is correct. The injection of a needle is not dangerous, but the incorrect amount of insulin could be deadly. - NAME: Bob Besemer - CITY: N. Muskegon

She's not a nurse and should not have lost her job because she wasn't comfortable giving shots. - NAME: Yvonne Balk - CITY: Dorr

This is exactly why teachers have unions. So that teachers are not fired with out just cause. This woman was not protected by the tenure law which protects teachers against dismissal with out just cause and a hearing. If educational employees were treated fairly, there would be no need for unions or such protection. - NAME: David - CITY: Alto

To fire her for a newly created, unrelated requirement of her job is ridiculous. If they end up using nurses to give the shots, I hope she is rehired, with a full apology. - NAME: Ross - CITY: Wyoming

I am a mother of a student at Roosevelt Elementary and I think it's ridiculous to fire Laurie over an issue like that. As she stated I would feel uncomfortable to have someone give my child a shot if he/she felt uncomfortable doing it. I think the school board has failed along with the principle of that school. I support her 100 percent and I believe all the years she gave to the Zeeland School District she deserves her job back and they need to have a nurse's staff on call. What if a child needs more medical asst that just getting a shot? Is the school ready to receive law suits? - NAME: Angelina - CITY: Zeeland

Jordan was only concerned about the safety of her kids she teaches and cares for at the school, because she was fired for showing that concern doesn't seem right. There are always better alternatives than firing someone for something like that. - NAME: Joe - CITY: Grand Rapids

I have to agree with the decision, although I hate to see anyone lose their job. I have a diabetic child in West Ottawa Public Schools and it is scary enough sending these kids to school. It is important to know that there are a proper number of trained individuals at school that can do injections. I also hate needles but I had to learn quickly to get over that fear when my child was diagnosed with Diabetes. I am sure it was a difficult decision for the school to make but I am extremely proud of the school district for making the decision that they made. Diabetes is a very serious condition and parents need to know that their children will be taken care of at school. - NAME: K - CITY: Zeeland

I do not agree with the school district. She was an outstanding employee in all areas of her job and should not be forced to do a nurses job if someone else in the school is able to do so. Now that the district is looking to use trained medical people their point is no longer valid and she should be reinstated. - NAME: Dennis J - CITY: GRtwp

Fear of needles is just like any other disability. She should not have been fired for having this fear. Please write your comment here I hope that she will get her job back from public pressures. Zeeland should reevaluate its policy on someone with a disability such as this type. I would not want someone with this type of fear to be giving my child a shot. What if the person with this type of fear passes out then what? Fire them for passing out? - - NAME: merry - CITY: Sparta

The school board is wrong and should be replaced. I would not want an untrained girl giving injections to any of my children even with the new needles which simplify the procedure. - NAME: A. Van Heulen - CITY: Wyoming

I am 18 and have had Diabetes for over 5 years. I think this is extremely idiotic for her to be fired. There is much more to know about Diabetes than giving an insulin shot, and in many circumstances insulin is what can kill the child. Being uncomfortable for knowing that should not be a reason to be fired. I have disrespect for the Zeeland School District. - NAME: Ashley Gibson - CITY: Holland

I think it's deplorable that an employer would fire someone because they are unable to perform a task as important as injecting a child with medication. The school should hire a competent medical professional to handle such a task. Shame on Zeeland Public Schools and its board! - NAME: Rick - CITY: Grand Rapids

I do not believe she should lose her job. She was hired as an aide not a nurse. - NAME: A.R. Howard - CITY:

I think that the Zeeland school's action was totally inappropriate. The fact that now they are looking at getting nurses to administer the medications proves that the terminated aid had a valid point. - NAME: R Kehr - CITY: Grandville

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I do not agree with their decision. If she wanted to give shots, she would become a nurse. Where is the school nurse? - NAME: Kayla Smith - CITY: Freeport

NO! The aid showed comment sense knowing her limits and is to be commended for her honesty...The principle and board demonstrated a great lack of common sense and should maybe resign or be fired... - NAME: Steve Mead - CITY: KENTCITY

As a retired educator, I strongly disagree with the Zeeland School District's firing of Laurie Jordan. She was not hired to be a health care provider. I think that school employees in general are required to do too many things that should not be the responsibility of the school. The plan to bring in nurses to administer the medication is a good one. I certainly understand the financial constraints on public schools in today's world, but schools should educate. Children need to have their medication, but that task should be handled by people who are willing to accept that responsibility and properly trained for it. - NAME: DeWain Gardner - CITY: Jenison

How can we as a society allow a person who has loyally worked for a district/company, for ten years, be fired because she is looking after the interests of those whom she is supposed to protect? She openly stated that she was uncomfortable doing this procedure. This involves a potential life threatening situation. Why would we as a society want her to do this? Wrong is wrong! - NAME: Jeff Pietrowski - CITY: Walker

I don't believe she should be fired. The school should have a school nurse on duty. They had those when I was in school. - NAME: Ron Wood - CITY: Grand Rapids

In my opinion as a parent nothing against Laurie Jordan at all, I would want a nurse giving my children the shots. I do not believe Laurie Jordan should have got fired over that! It is vary hard to find honest and committed people like Laurie Jordan that like working in schools. If Zeeland Public School ends up hiring a nurse like they should, the school should beg Laurie Jordan to come back to the school if she would like to and it sounds like she would. I understand 100% what Laurie Jordan is going thru, I have 3 girls and I would have a hard time giving them shots also. Sincerely, Ray Ewing Jr. - NAME: Ray Ewing Jr. - CITY: Rothbury

While many people would be able to take the training and administer the injections, Laurie did not hire on as anything even close to a medical professional. Laurie Jordan should be given her job back immediately and maybe, just maybe the school can avoid a lawsuit. No one but a trained medical professional should be injecting anything into a child at school. - NAME: Kevin VanDeVelde - CITY: Grand Rapids

I feel a school should hire a qualified nurse to administer any shots, drugs or medical care to our students. I feel the school administration is not even thinking when forcing employees or threatening them if they don't train for something they don't feel comfortable with. - NAME: c sytsma - CITY: Zeeland

It is unconscionable to believe one should be forced to administer medical procedures when they are uncomfortable doing so. Simply the fear of administering what they fear will do harm could well does harm. It is duplicity to hold this secretary responsible at the same time deciding to hire medical personnel to do what she refused to. It's the members of the administration that should be fired for not acting responsibly in the first place by seeing to it that there is medical personnel available to administer medical procedures. - NAME: Eric Clifford - CITY: Walker

I am amazed that any employer would be able to force non-medical personnel to administer medications to students. I would think they would open themselves up to a lawsuit by doing so. As a parent I would be totally against a secretary or any other non-medical personnel giving a shot to my child unless in emergency and I would be particularly against a person being forced against their will. No way should she have been fired. - NAME: Connie Barr-Martinez - CITY: Fennville, MI

Yes- she should be fired. Although I believe all schools should have a nurse on duty at all times, I am aware because of budget issues that is impossible. The medical attention of the children then falls on the school staff. Every child has the right to attend school and be treated equally, even if they have an illness, and the school personnel is responsible for their care, while at school. It can mean a life or death situation for a diabetic child to receive a shot, if they fall to far below or above where their blood levels should be. All school staff should be trained, even if only for emergency situations. - NAME: Kelly - CITY:

When she was hired this was not part of her job responsibilities I'm sure. Where are the parents? Who determines the blood sugar levels and how much Insulin? Who did this in prior years? What if she improperly administered the drugs and someone died? Then who would be responsible? Not the School Board that's for sure! That's why I don't do Brain Surgery! - NAME: Phil - CITY: Sturgis

It is a shame to fire someone who is a good employee for a first infraction. It destroys the confidence of all employees as they now need to fear for their jobs. The board should reconsider this matter and do what is honorable. - NAME: Barbara Meppelink - CITY: Zeeland

The fired assistant should enlist legal assistance. Was this duty required when she was hired ten years ago? The district should provide trained nursing personnel to administer all medicines. - NAME: Richard Coffman - CITY: Belmont

Schools are being given more and more responsibility while teaching children. Students are often fed breakfast as well as lunch, cared for before and after school, as well as being taught and guided. Where is the responsibility of the parent come to play here? It seems as if more and more responsibilities are being pushed on the schools and their staff. When is it going to stop? I admire Ms. Jordan for sticking to her guns and NOT doing the job that should never be hers to begin with. She was not hired to be a nurse. Where the parents of this kid and what are is their role in all this? - NAME: Retired Teacher - CITY: Grand Rapids

I feel the same way Laurie feels I take care of a special need child and if at any point in my job did not feel comfortable giving the child what ever he needs I would have the father of the child or myself make arrangements for some one professional to come in and the same with the school if they don't feel comfortable doing something for the child I take care of I would hope they find someone who does. It was very wrong for her to get fired thank you - NAME: Sheila Aldrich - CITY: grand rapids

I disagree with the Zeeland Board in the firing of Ms. Jordon. I feel the school should have nurses to care for the medical needs of children; it is not the responsibility of the teaching staff or aides. - NAME: Sandy - CITY: Hart

There must be more to the story. Did the principal have "other issues" with her? How long was he/she principal? After 10 years, why does an aid have to administer a shot? That's kind of a big deal - giving out a pill would be different. Maybe there should be more communication with the PARENTS and determine a responsible adult to give the shot - I think a nurse - if the parents couldn't handle it, or can't take the time or responsibility to figure something out. What if she learned how to give the shot, did, and something went wrong? Firing her was extreme if she's competent in every other way. - NAME: Joan - CITY: Grand Haven

How disgraceful that Zeeland Public School District would fire Laurie Jordan who has a superb record. If I were an administrative employee of ZPS I would be worried what other occupations were required of me. What if they have an addition added on to their school, are the employees expected to play construction worker on their lunch break, or after school. This is beyond belief to let a wonderful person like her go. - NAME: - CITY:

What I would like to know did the school ask any other employees in the school if they were willing to give shots? Laurie Jordan should not have been fired instead the school district should have found some kind of alternative to this! - NAME: Christy - CITY: Hamilton

As a parent of a child with diabetes, I am very aware of the lack of training in our schools when it comes to injections. Our daughter was diagnosed in October, 2005. When she was first diagnosed, I had to go to her elementary school 5 times per day to test her sugar levels and give her injections. My daughter was 11 at the time, and did learn to give her own injections within a few months. Ideally, our schools would have nurses who could handle these issues; however, that is more often not the case. I think that teachers, aides, and office personnel should most definitely know how to give an injection, and refusal to learn to do so/refusal to do so should result in disciplinary action. I'm glad Zeeland schools took the action that they did. While our school was very helpful, had they been willing to do injections, life would've been much more normal much faster after my child's diagnosis. Most parents are unable to go to school 5 times/day to do this type of thing...they have to work and have no choice but to trust their child's medical care to the school staff. - NAME: Lisa Oliver - CITY: Vicksburg, MI

I'm sorry she lost her job but it about time a school sticks up for the kids!! We had to leave a school because they wouldn't even check my son's sugars. He is also a diabetic and the kids need someone at school who can do these things. I was only 20 when my son was diagnosed and I wasn't asked if I was comfortable I just had to do it for my son! What if it was her child would she still not do the shots then? Don't forget about the kids rights and we need someone who is comfortable to do these things. - NAME: - CITY: Zeeland

I think the lady should get her job back with lost wages, where do they draw the line, if she don't want to give shots I don't blame her, hats for a nurse to do, are the begets that bad in this state, hats what happens when you lay off everybody and send there jobs over seas, and allow cheap labor to enter the state, the revenue is gone and the people that are working they want them to do 2 or 3 jobs, when is this country going to get back on track - NAME: curt novitsky - CITY: grand rapids

I believe the school systems should have a medical person on staff. I don't feel a janitor, cafeteria lady, or secretary should have to give insulin shots or medical help up to four times a day+. The transportation dept. has all the bus drivers and aide medically trained. I hate to think our children are safer in the two hours on the bus than the six hours daily inside the school. I'm sad about the out-come of Laurie's job. She gave ten years, and yet the Zeeland schools treat her this way? My children go to Zeeland West, and I've been so proud of that school system until now, it's a shame. - NAME: Lora L. Velthuis - CITY: Zeeland

The school district may have followed policy but they did not do the right thing by terminating Jordan. Schools teach children to do the right thing. The administration at Zeeland public schools could have handled this situation with more class. - NAME: - CITY:

Giving injections of any kind should be done by a medical professional or the child's family members - especially insulin injections! Childhood diabetes can be unpredictable and giving too much or too little insulin is a risk and could be dangerous. To expect a non-medical person to take on that kind of responsibility doesn't speak well of any school district. It needs to be addressed by every school district in the state if it hasn't been already. What a sad day that a great employee would be dismissed for being honest and standing up for her beliefs! It is shameful! - NAME: Kris Racek - CITY: Comstock Park

No I do not believe that she should have been fired. It is to my knowledge that there has never been a nurse on staff at any of the schools in the district. I believe that there should be. If there was the problem would have never came up. - NAME: Eric - CITY: Zeeland

I do not agree with Laurie Jordan being fired. I have an insulin dependant 4th grader and would not want anyone uncomfortable with the situation giving her shoots. With the many health issues of kids today I believe every school district should have a trained health provider on staff. It's sad that it takes a situation like this to even begin to think about having a nurse in a school. - NAME: Leeann - CITY: Caledonia

I have been a teacher assistant for 12 years. Custodians, substitute teachers, and other jobs are being eliminated to out-sourcing. They cut the nurses in our schools. Yet they want the TAs to do the job of the nurses. As a parent I would feel better having a nurse giving the shot and watching for the correct response afterwards. It takes more than an hour training session to understand what nurses go to school for years to learn. I commend Mrs. Jordan for taking this stand to help protect the children she services. Michigan has to stop eliminating jobs and leave the work to the people who know what they are doing. Are they really saving money eliminating jobs? It sounds like a law suit waiting to happen. - NAME: Pam - CITY: Fremont

I do not agree with the districts decision to fire the principal's aide. After all there are people who are professionally trained to do that job. Would they rather have someone give a shot inaccurately when they are not comfortable with giving the shot? - NAME: Jim - CITY: Grand Rapids

All schools should be required to have a qualified Nurse to administer medications and/or shots. No one should be required to give these things if they are not comfortable with them. Barely qualified and nervous people are more prone to make mistakes in performing these tasks. There have already been law suits in this area. Use qualified professionals and take proper care of our children! - NAME: Gordy - CITY: Muskegon

- NAME: Gloria - CITY: Grand Haven

All schools should have a nurse on staff at least part time. A principal's aide or other school staff should not be required to give medical care, especially since this is an office job. I think that teachers (not necessarily other school staff) should be able to do basic first aid, but if school employees wanted to be nurses, they would do so. Also, I think that her excellent work history and length of employment should have taken precedence over this. - NAME: Cathleen - CITY: Grand Rapids

It appears that the school board was more concerned with defending a hasty administrative decision than they were in doing what was right for this employee and this child. - NAME: Susan - CITY: Zeeland

I think the parents that disagree with this should take action. Put their kids in a school that has proper staffing. Schools should have a nurse to handle this. Aide shouldn't have to give shots. She should have her job back. The teachers union wouldn't allow a teacher to be dismiss for refusing to do something they are uncomfortable with. But aides are not supported by the union. If the aide was supported by the union it wouldn't have went this far. Ray - NAME: Ray Ross - CITY: Rockford

I don't think she should have been fired. She was hired to do a type of job that did not require medical training. It sounds like she knows her weaknesses and chose a career accordingly. Isn't that what we all do? What happen to school nurses anyway? - NAME: Belinda Fitz - CITY: Holland

This is really a low blow for Zeeland schools; why else fire an excellent employee? Oh!! Probably cost effective---can hire someone else who doesn't have any seniority!!! The tax-payers will be SO grateful----what a great employer treating everyone like "family" HA HA what a joke!!! Hope Laurie fights hard---she deserves to win BIG. - NAME: Barb G - CITY: Zeeland

If the school needs 3 individuals trained to give these shots by law, why couldn't they ask for volunteers from the other employees to take the training? Why does it have to depend only on this one person? Maybe there are some underlying circumstances between these two women that aren't being exposed here. I think the job of the principal is to ensure that these situations don't occur; certainly not to create the problem just because of an obsession with authority. - NAME: Paul Michielsen - CITY: Zeeland

As a parent of children who have attended and still do attend I am amazed that they would fire Laurie over such an issue. As a parent if my child needed and injection and the schools principals aide did not feel comfortable doing this I surely would not want her job to be in jeopardy over it nor would I expect it to be. As a parent I would be the first to come and give my child the injection if I knew that school administration didn't feel comfortable with it. She is a very caring person and was only putting a child first in her decision and that to me is her job! - NAME: Patty Riemersma - CITY: Zeeland Michigan

Why do we fire a person for caring about the best interested of a student - NAME: - CITY:

I don't think she should have lost her job. We need nurses to do that! - NAME: Anne - CITY: Stanton

I WOULD FEEL THE SAME WAY. I DON'Tlike needles either. I WOULDNOT want anyone to give my child a shot that felt that way.!!!!!!!!!!! - NAME: PAT - CITY: HESPERIA

I think it was very unfair For Laurie Jordan to lose her job. There must have other ways to handle the whole thing. Her ten good years should count for something. I think she should get her job back. - NAME: Bill McNeely - CITY: Holland

Hire a nurse for meds and shots; no one should have to do that if they are uncomfortable with it. Nervous people make mistakes. Give our children the care they deserve! - NAME: Gordon Bates - CITY: Muskegon

I personally know Laurie Jordan and I believe the school board has made a huge mistake. She truly loves her job and more importantly she loves the children. She didn't refuse to learn to give the shots out of disrespect for the administration but because of her love for the children, she knows she would not be able to live with herself if anything went wrong because of her giving a shot. This sounds like a knee jerk reaction from the school board and they are trying to save face by backing the principal but I believe they have done a grave injustice to the children of Zeeland. I wish they would reconsider their stance so that Laurie can continue to work with the children that she was fighting to protect. - NAME: Arni Scheving - CITY: Holland

No, she should not have been fired. The Zeeland School District is wrong, you would have to live in Zeeland and have had children in the school district to understand. The district is only on a mission to save money, and not looking at the employee. The medications given to the children should not be administered by school staff, especially not meds in young children that can be life and death. Schools need to go back to having a RN or someone on staff that is trained in a medical field. Whose responsibility is it if something goes wrong? - NAME: Sue - CITY: Zeeland

It's obvious there are a lot of bonehead employees working in the Zeeland School District. What happens if something goes wrong? Who is held liable? The ones who fired her should be fired. - NAME: John Butler - CITY:

I personally feel bad for her that is a raw deal. Could the principal give the injection, how many teachers are able to? They are making a big deal about it how many people work at the school are able to give them selves a shot. I have a friend that has to take two shots a day for the rest of his life to stay alive. Started six months ago and still can't give him an injection. Go get your job back... - NAME: Loran R. Burns - CITY: Grand Rapids

That is why they have school nurses! She should not be forced to give medical therapy. I understand there were others in the office willing to give the injections. - NAME: Cindy - CITY: Grand Rapids

Hire a nurse to give shots! Do not make lay people do it, they are not medical personnel. Wrong to fire her. I am sure that was not part of her original job description. - NAME: Robin M. Dawe - CITY: Fremont, MI 49412

It would appear that the administration had no concern or respect for Miss Jordan's wellbeing. While they may have had every right to take the steps they did, if they truly valued Miss Jordan and desired to keep her on staff, they would have found a solution that would satisfy all concerned. - NAME: Diane - CITY: Grand Rapids

I don't see what being an administrative aide has to do with dispensing drugs with a hypodermic needle. If the new duty were related to what the woman has been doing for the last 10 years, I could see some reason for disciplinary action, but obviously this is not the case. - NAME: Philip Kowalski - CITY: Muskegon

As a parent, I would want to know that the person giving my child their shot was a nurse and someone who, heaven forbid, if something went wrong, that person would know how to help. I was called to school before to pick up a sick child and the therapist had him in her office. She told me she it was her professional opinion that my son was faking it. She had seen his type of behavior before. He ended up at the doctor later that day and out of school for the following 3 days. He was really sick. I followed up with her and let her know that because she was very wrong. I also let the school know if my kids ever came to the office again saying they were sick, they were not to be sent to see her again. - NAME: Jen - CITY: Alto

I heard this story on the news and felt impelled to write how it made me feel as an individual. Jordan is a very strong person going through this type of treatment. After working with the school district 10 years, an outrage like this shows the darkness that our society has. I understand how Jordan feels. I am so afraid of needles I can not get through having blood drawn without fainting at the Doctor's office. I think that Zeeland schools should have a little more compassion for their employees. If she is unable to give a child insulin because she cannot perform this task feeling comfortable with the situation, is it right to strip her of her career and livelihood? This uncomfortable feeling she has could shows a high likeliness for a disaster to happen. This woman did not go to school to be a nurse. She is a secretary at a school. She helps society to mold a new generation. What kind of lesson is Zeeland Schools trying to teach to our precious future? This woman is a hero to me. I understand her pain and I wish her to find her way through it. I understand her because I see the World doing this everywhere even to me. I wonder sometimes if our society is ever going to make the changes needed to sustain our future generations and protect the innocent people that are put into situations like this. - NAME: Adam Mendes - CITY: Holland

No I do not think she should have been fired for that...what happened to school nurses? - NAME: Lisa Hoffman - CITY: Zeeland

I stand behind Ms. Jordan 100%. The school boards decision raises some questions. Where is the school nurse? If faculty is required to administer prescribed medications would this not constitute nursing without a license? - NAME: Adam Bronkema - CITY: Fremont

A teacher's job is to teach - he or she is not there to be a medical assistant nor is a substitute parent - their job teaching..... Shame on the Zeeland Public School System! I totally disagree will her firing! - NAME: Phil - CITY: grand rapids

Hello WZZM, I was just watching your coverage of this story and was truly surprised at the policy or decision to terminate Ms. Jordan for this reason. I can understand if she had other problems or had unsatisfactory performance reviews. I'm a firm believer that medical issues as serious as administering shots to students should be done by a medical professional--NOT someone who is not accustomed to providing this type of service. Yes, the schools must provide medical care to their students-- but was this part of her job description? What if she made a mistake while administering the shot? Then whose fault would it be for forcing her to do this? I would NOT want my child to receive a shot from someone who is afraid of needles. This should be the responsibility of a trained medical professional. Terminating MS. Jordan in this manner is almost as ridiculous as terminating a nurse for not performing brain surgery. The nurse may have had some training. But does that mean surgery should be in her job description? - NAME: Jo Ann Smith - CITY: Battle Creek

She signed on and educated to provide education to students. She would have chosen a medical profession if that's what she wanted to do. Hire a medical professional to take care of the medical needs and let her educate. - - NAME: Sandy Cornell - CITY:

I absolutely disagree with the districts response to fire Jordan. I'm sure there are more aides available than just Jordan and there was somebody else that could have been trained. From a parent's perspective - why would you want Jordan to be the one to administer the shots if needed if she were that uncomfortable? Jordan had been a valued employee for many years with no previous issues and to be fired over this is disgusting. - NAME: Jerri - CITY: Kent City

This is a bunch of bunk. The Zeeland School District has found a way to sidestep the issue. They have pushed the fact of not being willing to take the training as a means of dismissal. What a bunch of baloney!! The truth of the matter is the training is useless if a person isn't able to use it. Another waste of the taxpayer's money and peoples time and efforts. Training is of no use, if someone isn't able to use it. Sounds to me like someone had a "Personal Agenda" and now the School Administration is covering for them. What is right is right, what is wrong is wrong. This is just plain wrong. - NAME: David Fortenberry - CITY:

I disagree with the decision. Where are the trained nurses that schools had in the past? Training an "Aide" to administer drugs to a student is crazy. Who is responsible if something goes wrong? - NAME: Steve - CITY: Key West, Florida

After all the controversy regarding nurses simply handing out aspirin, I cannot believe that medical safety has taken such a back seat in their school system. School nurses, trained and qualified, should be the ONLY persons injecting anyone with a needle. There are just too many adverse reactions that can occur which only trained medical people can address. BOO to Zeeland! - NAME: Kay Gacchina - CITY: Rockford

I am sure that she was not the only person in this school that anyone would come to if a shoot was needed. There are teachers and other staff members that I am sure could do the job. I think it is very unfair to fire a person for not wanting to do this. I am sure that this was not part of her job description when hired in to the position. - NAME: Douglas Cox - CITY: Grandville

I absolutely DISAGREE with Laurie's termination! I understand and accept the fact that jobs change and evolve over time (I wear multiple hats myself)... but for crying out loud... this is a totally different field of expertise!!!! If the school must have someone trained to administer insulin, perhaps first looking for a volunteer rather than pointing a finger at one particular individual and saying "you're it" - if none volunteer, then maybe it's time for the school to hire a part time nurse! And now that you've fired her... and in your mind, justified and upheld this termination, you have the NERVE to say that you are now considering hiring a nurse!!! Way to go Einstein! A couple of other thoughts... 1) Why hasn't this parent looked into a pump that will automatically do this for the child? 2) If a disabled child has a service dog, are you going to require an employee to get vet training? Shame on you Zeeland!!!! - NAME: Jane Ackerman - CITY: Spring Lake

I work at a public school and we are trained for different reasons such as CPR, blood-born pathogens, minor cuts etc. We do have a nurse on our staff that does the administering of insulin shots and medications. I believe that would be a good solution for Zeeland schools. I believe it is unfair to fire the aid. - NAME: Michelle - CITY: Muskegon

WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO COMMON SENSE? THE SCHOOL HAD TO TRAIN 3 PEOPLE TO KNOW HOW TO DO INJECTIONS. IF ONE OF THE 3 CHOSEN CAN'T DO IT THEN FIND SOMEONE ELSE AND TRAIN THE PERSON THAT WANTS THE TRAINING. DAAAAAA. - NAME: RICK ATCHISON - CITY: GRAND RAPIDS

I know Laurie Jordan personally and I can promise you there is nobody working in the school system who loves those children more than Laurie. She was not being disrespectful when she refused to learn how to give the shots. She has a fear of doing something that would hurt the child. In an environment that is supposed to look out for the safety of the child I respect Laurie for admitting her fears. I feel the principal made a knee jerk reaction and the board now feels forced to stand behind the principal, to bad it doesn't stand behind all its employees to the same degree. The board obviously feels their decision was wrong or they wouldn't be looking at bringing in nurses in the future. All Laurie wants is her job back so she can continue to serve the people she loves... the children. - NAME: Arni Scheving - CITY: Holland

I think that firing her was too extreme. There have to be other adults available to administer the injection if it became necessary. I'd like to think they'd show a little more loyalty to a 10 year employee. - NAME: Pete Singleton - CITY: Cedar Springs, MI

In my opinion we are putting a lot of responsibility on the school system that they should not be responsible for. I understand the need for children to receive injections but do not agree that the school staff should be responsible for this. If medical attention is needed so badly then a school nurse should be on staff to take care of such things. Ms. Jordan is obviously someone who takes a lot of pride in her work and loves the children that she works with. For her to lose this part of her life because of not wanting to be responsible for a child's medical needs is ridiculous. She didn't sign up to be a school nurse. - NAME: Leslie Resendiz - CITY: Allegan

There is a need to have employees trained on-site to provide First Aid, CPR, and AED help, which should only include people willing to volunteer for these roles. Most of those people are not trained to give medical injections, and if so usually do not do so as part of a regular insulin injection program but more for emergency cases. The Good Samaritan law as I understand it covers trained people and only in cases of true emergencies. - NAME: John - CITY: Wyoming

W R O N G !!! ZEELAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS WRONG !!! What were they thinking? Was this ETHICAL? If it were against Jordan's religion, would she have been fired? Laurie Jordan isn't a nurse. She was hired to help the office i.e., phones, papers, lunch money, mail.... How does giving shots fit into that description? Did they even consider the legal ramifications? After a layman (employee) botches a procedure that would normally be performed by a nurse are the residents of Zeeland prepared to cover the costs of the resulting trial and/or HUGE settlement? Zeeland's School Board (speaking through Jim Camenga) has shown their capacity for "deep thought" by claiming that Mrs. Jordan is covered by the Good Samaritan Law... This law protects people that make a mistake when they are trying to do the right thing. Giving a 1-hour training session to a few employees is enough (for a good prosecutor) to elevate the employee from the status of "average person with good intentions" to "trained professional." Zeeland Public Schools - with their deep pockets and "Mensa-certified" School Board - could probably weather the legal firestorm, but what happens when the family decides to go after Mrs. Jordan as an individual? Will she be forced to fend for herself? Why not hire a nurse to visit the schools in the district? Oh, that would be "THINKING" for a change, rather than acting on impulse - probably not a required "skill" to be elected to Zeeland's School Board. - NAME: David - CITY: Holland

My son has diabetes. Has from 3 years. I would not want anyone that did not want to do his shot to be given that responsobility. They should have found someone else. - NAME: Kelly - CITY: Grand Rapids

I feel with the work record that the woman had that she should have been given the choice of doing this . Maybe the people of the comm, should take a look at the board members and see if they are the right choices to serve the comm. in the best way. I think that the woman should have her job back - NAME: Mike Rexford - CITY: kent city

Unbelievable!!! The woman truly cares about the children and is not afraid to speak up about her concerns regarding her ability to do a "medical procedure" (trained or not). Then the board has the audacity to fire her (probably the best worker at the school). I take insulin shots and I have a nephew who was diagnosed as a child - why aren't these kids giving themselves their own shots (under supervision of course)? Or at the very least this should be done by a hired nurse. - NAME: Karen Halstedt - CITY: Rockford, MI

THIS DECISION TO UPHOLD HER FIRING IS DISAPPOINTING. TO THINK A PERSON WHO HAS A SPOTLESS RECORD FOR 10 YEARS, WHO ENJOYS HER JOB, IS FIRED FOR REFUSING TO LEARN HOW TO GIVE INSULIN SHOTS SEEMS RIDICULUOS. MANY PEOPLE WOULD NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH NEEDLES LET ALONE GIVING SHOTS TO ANOTHER PERSON. TO THINK THE DECISION TO FIRE HER WAS RETHOUGHT THEN UPHELD, JUST SHOWS THAT THERE IS SOME BACKWARD THINKING IN HIGH LEVEL POSITIONS IN ZEELAND. COMMON SENSE ISN'T SO COMMON ANYMORE. - NAME: SCOTT FOSS - CITY: GRAND RAPIDS