[kdmcook]

Thanks for all of the replies. It has given me something to think about for sure.

Thanks,
Kathie

[edgwow]

Staff were allowed to keep only epipens or inhalers and were required to use a fanny pack if they had one, all other meds were locked in nurses office that they could access as they please. I also did allow 1 medication dose to be dispensed for taking at a later time in a labeled envelope, ie:allegy pill or motrin for cramps, sice they wanted to eat with it.

[ZippyGBR]

Originally Posted by emtrachel

Another advantage to a camp nurse keeping the counselor's meds is that if an emergency occurs, the nurse and any other emergency personnel would have access to this information.

key information should be i nthe staffmember's personal or occ health file ...

the only reason i can think of for such a policy is concern that staff accomodation is not secure enough for them to keep their own meds...

[kimmercris]

I am an ARNP with many years of experience. Working with kids means that they are unpredictable. Best idea is to keep the kids safe at all times which means staff checks in their meds in the office but can come in and take them by themselves in the office at med times. This may not seem convienent to them but then, "camp is for the campers", not the staff really. Also, staff understand when you explain that it would not be great to explain to a parent how their kid got sick from access to your antidepressants ect...most staff working with kids get this.

Additionally, staff have problems too. I always have staff and kids parents fill out health questionaires so that if they get sick I can be aware of what is going on. I had 2 staff members get stung by bees this last year and get throat swelling reaction. They got an epipen injection from me a quick physical assessment and a trip to urgent care for prednisone IV. Nuf said? Soo...err on the side of caution. You are legally responsible to know who has what when so be sure to keep all the meds safe--staff members too. You don't have to dole it, they can check it off the list, but it stays out of campers curious hands. K?