Nurse

The nurse’s office is at the end of the main office. A pass is required from a teacher prior to coming to the nurse. However, students may report directly to the nurse in case of an emergency. Parental consent is required before release to go home because of illness; students should not be texting parents about illness, the nurse should see all sick students and determine the need for a child to go home.

Prescription/Over-the-Counter Drugs (Policy JICH)

The possession of prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or other products which could be harmful if used improperly is prohibited. In cases where it is necessary for the student to take prescription/over-the-counter medications during the school day, the medications should be dispensed from the nurse’s office with the exception of asthma, anaphylaxis prevention medications, and diabetes management and treatment.

Students may not carry medication during school hours. The school nurse must dispense all medication including “over the counter” medication. “Over the counter medication” means nonprescription medication that is available for purchase and use without the need for a physician’s prescription.

School nurses may supply and/or administer certain non-prescription medications to a student at any grade level provided the student’s parent or legal guardian has given written consent. Parent/guardian written and signed consent on the required form will allow their student to be administered nonprescription medications stocked by the school. Written consent must be renewed annually.

The school MAY supply acetaminophen, ibuprofen, calcium carbonate antacid tablets, non-medicated throat lozenges/cough drops, antibiotic ointment or 1% hydrocortisone cream for student use. Medications supplied by the school may vary between buildings and elementary and secondary levels.

Parent/legal guardian signature on the Non-Prescription Medication Permission form indicates agreement with the statements below:

The student has received the requested medication previously and has suffered no adverse reactions.
A school employee who administers the requested medication according to proper dosages as described on the medication label shall be held harmless and shall not be liable for any adverse medication reactions experienced by the student. The consent form must be signed each year. No school stocked non-prescription medications will be sent on field trips.

There are a few things you must remember with regard to medicines. Students may be suspended for up to 180 days for selling or distributing prescription medicine. All medication must be left with the nurse and taken in the nurse’s office.

The district Health Services website provides additional information including guidelines for administration of medication. As used in these guidelines, non-prescription medication means an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that is available for purchase and use without the need for physician’s prescription.

School nurses may supply and/or administer certain non-prescription medications to a student at any grade level provided the student’s parent or legal guardian has given written consent.
The school MAY supply one or more of the following: acetaminophen, ibuprofen, calcium carbonate antacid tablets, non-medicated throat lozenges/cough drops, antibiotic ointment, or 1% hydrocortisone cream. Medications supplied by the school may vary between buildings and levels.
Parents may also supply over the counter medications for their student. Any medication not used during the school year must be picked up by a parent with the exception of rescue inhalers, epinephrine, and diabetic medication.
Written consent must be renewed annually. The nurse, using her professional nursing judgment, may request a physician note for some over the counter medications.
The School Nurse will administer the approved medications as deemed necessary using his/her professional nursing judgment to make your student more comfortable and able to remain at school. For example, the medication may be used for dental pain, mild headaches, or orthopedic pain related to recent injury. You may still be contacted for further care of your child. Also, per JCHD exclusion recommendations, if your student has a fever (100.0 F or higher), they will be sent home from school and not allowed to return until fever-free without medication for 24 hours.
No medication will be given in excess of the package dosage instructions unless prescribed by a physician.
Any medication that is not FDA approved will not be administered.
Parent/legal guardian signature on the Non-Prescription Medication Permission Form indicates agreement with the statements below:

The student has received the requested medication previously and has suffered no adverse reactions.
A school employee who administers the requested medication according to proper dosages as described on the medication label shall be held harmless and shall not be liable for any adverse medication reactions experienced by the student.
The consent form must be signed each year.
No school stocked medications will be sent on school field trips.
Any medication not used during the school year must be picked up by a parent with the exception of rescue inhalers, epinephrine, and diabetic medication.

Student Self-Administration of Medications for Treatment of Anaphylaxis of Asthma (Policy JLCD)

Anaphylaxis or asthma medication means a medicine for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions or asthma which is prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery; a certified, advanced registered nurse practitioner who has authority to prescribe drugs; or a licensed physician assistant who has authority to prescribe drugs pursuant to a written protocol with a responsible physician.

Self-administration of medication may be allowed for students in grades K-12. To be eligible, a parent/guardian shall submit a written statement from the student’s health care provider stating:

the name and purpose of the medication;
the prescribed dosage;
the conditions under which the medication is to be self-administered;
any additional special circumstances under which the medication is to be administered; and
the length of time for which the medication is prescribed.

Accommodating Students with Diabetes (Policy JLCDA)

Diabetes management and treatment plan means a plan prepared and implemented for a student with diabetes which is prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery; a certified, advanced registered nurse practitioner who has authority to prescribe drugs; or a licensed physician assistant who has authority to prescribe drugs pursuant to a written protocol with a responsible physician.

Self-care of diabetes may be allowed for students in grades K-12. To be eligible, a student shall meet all requirement of this policy. Parents or guardians shall submit a written diabetes management and treatment plan from the student’s health care provider.

The student shall provide written authorization from the student’s health care provider and parent or guardian stating the student has been instructed on managing and caring for their diabetes and is authorized to do so in school. An annual written renewal of parental authorization for self-care of diabetes shall be required.

While at school, each student capable of managing and caring for their diabetes will be allowed to:

Perform blood glucose level checks,
Administer insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses,
Treat hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia,
Possess the supplies or equipment necessary to monitor and care for their diabetes,
Otherwise attend to the management and care of their diabetes in the classroom, in any area of the school, on school grounds, or at any school-related activity.

Immunization

State law requires that each student’s immunization status remain current. A letter will notify students if their status changes. Exclusion is required for failure to comply with immunization status requirements.

Emergency Information

Emergency information for each student must be on file in the office at all times. This information is invaluable in helping to ensure that you have a safe and healthy experience. Please inform the school when a change in this information occurs.

Medications at school

All student medications, including over the counter, must be administered through the health room under the supervision of the school nurse and are to be sent to school in the original container labeled with the student's name.

All prescription medications require written parental permission with original prescription label including prescribing doctor's name on medication container or a written doctor's order.

All over-the-counter medications require a Parent's Permission Form signed annually and may only be administered according to the label directions and Over-the-Counter Medication Guidelines.

Students with asthma, allergies, seizures, or diabetes may carry and self-administer emergency medication with a signed Authorization for Self Administration of Emergency Medication Form.