Health Services - School Nurse

The school nurse administers first aid only. She/He does not diagnose illnesses, but takes note of symptoms and notifies the parent/guardian of her/his observations. We ask that children be kept at home when ill and have a normal temperature for 24-36 hours after any illness before returning to school. This is important for the health of the child and for the health of all children at the school. 

MEDICATION

For the protection of all students, we have some very strict rules regarding medication to be given at school. 

1. Parents are encouraged to schedule the administration of a student’s medication in such a manner that medication required at school is kept to a minimum.
2. Antibiotic and other short-term prescription medication may be administered at school upon written request from the parent or guardian. Medication must be brought to school in the original prescription labeled bottle. Short term medication will be administered for a maximum of two weeks unless stated otherwise by a physician.
3. Long-term medication may be given only if a special medication form is completed by the attending physician and the medication is brought in the properly labeled prescription bottle. Special medication forms may be obtained in the school clinic.
4. The administration of non-prescription medication is normally not permitted, but may be authorized by the principal under either of the following conditions:
   • The medication is ordered in writing by the child’s physician, accompanied by a written request from the parent/guardian and brought in an un-opened, original manufacturer’s package.
   • The child is experiencing pain due to a surgical procedure, dental procedure, or injury. In such cases, pain relief medications such as Advil (Ibuprofen) or Tylenol (Acetaminophen) may be administered for up to three days if accompanied by a signed note from the physician, a written request from the parent/guardian, and is brought in an unopened, original manufacturer’s package. Any other non-prescription cannot be dispensed to, or carried by, a student at school - this includes cold medications, cough syrups, cough drops, throat lozenges, vitamins, and herbal remedies.
5. All medication should be delivered to the clinic or to the school office by an adult. If this is not possible, and the medication is sent to school via the child, the parents must remember that they are responsible for the medication until the medication is delivered to a school district employee in the office. With the exception of NISD students having Asthma, Diabetes, or severe allergies that have active physician orders/guidelines on file, there will be no medications kept in the classroom, nor may any student self administer medication.
6. There will be no exceptions to these rules. Physician signature is required. 

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL 

If upon nursing assessment a child is determined to be ill and/or possibly contagious to others, or is injured at school and needs further evaluation or treatment, he/she will be given first aid and the parent/guardian notified. In no case will a child be sent home until the parent/guardian or the person indicated by the parent/guardian has been contacted and arrangements made. Every effort will be made to contact the parent/guardian first. If the parent/guardian is unable to come for the child, arrangements must be made for his/her care by the parent/guardian. In an extreme emergency EMS or an ambulance designated by a parent/guardian will be called. 

ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS 

The nurse has the responsibility if she suspects a contagious health condition to request that the child be picked up by the parent or guardian and examined by a physician for diagnosis and treatment. In the event of a contagious illness, please notify the school upon confirmation of diagnosis.