$$ to spend

Specialties School

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Well, this is a 'problem' that I bet not many of you have. I am a new school nurse at a Catholic school ages pk-8 and recently got an email from my VP stated we got a $2000 grant for health and fitness stuff and asking what we need. Honestly, it seems to me we have most of the basics to get by and I'm so new I just don't know where the $$ would be best spent. What would you all do if you were in my position? Thanks in advance.

MrNurse(x2), ADN

2,558 Posts

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

I would LOVE an AED, have students with potential for sudden death.

OhioBPH

281 Posts

Specializes in School health, pediatrics.

It's my first year too. I would want stock epi and albuterol if you dont already have it. And then if there is any left of if I only got a small amount because the gym had needs I would want pads, tampons, and deoderant for boys and girls. Also heavy duty soap and a nail brush.

MrNurse(x2), ADN

2,558 Posts

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

Epi is free with Epipens4schools.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN

3,142 Posts

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

How many diabetics do you have and are they compliant in bringing all their supplies? When I have extra money I spend it on a new glucometer (I'd rather buy one every other year than calibrate), test strips (that's where the real expense is), ketone test strips and glucose tabs. Last year when I had to spend down I also bought a bunch of contact lens cases, a few travel-sized deodorants (which are gone now), a lot of girls' underwear in different sizes, and socks. These are luxury items but I have been glad to have them.

Your $2K won't get you a physician's signature on a standing order for Epi or albuterol but if you could find a very generous doc to write those orders, you could buy albuterol, a nebulizer, some masks, and get the Epi free from Mylan.

Good luck!

MsTasha92

5 Posts

Oh man, what a great problem to have! I would also get an AED if I had that kind of money to spend!

SaltineQueen

913 Posts

Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I would LOVE an AED, have students with potential for sudden death.

I know I've seen a program that helps get AEDs for schools, but I can't remember the name right now. I'll do some Googling.

OldDude

1 Article; 4,787 Posts

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I would LOVE an AED, have students with potential for sudden death.

If you don't have one, definitely spend your money on this.

SaltineQueen

913 Posts

Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Don't think this was it, but you can try Greg W. Moyer Fund -- Defibrillators save lives — Let the beat go on!

Looking quick it may only be Pennsylvania??

NutmeggeRN, BSN

2 Articles; 4,620 Posts

Specializes in kids.

Also check with the local fire department or state fire board. They may be aware of grant money to lower the cost of a purchase.

SaltineQueen

913 Posts

Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I know I've seen a program that helps get AEDs for schools, but I can't remember the name right now. I'll do some Googling.

Funding Sources for Schools | Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

Flare, ASN, BSN

4,431 Posts

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

definite yes on the AED if you don't have one. If that's not a need for your school then think of other overall ways that your office can be improved that will benefit all students - if your office air conditioned? If not and you live in an area that may be beneficial, perhaps an a/c unit for your office - 2k probably won't install a central system - but may get you one of those floor units that won't create a security concern should it be installed improperly. Perhaps an air purifyer is more appropriate.

If you need to spend the money on a "get healthy" type initiative you can try to collaborate with the PE teachers to purchase pedometers or (or i'll be there's even an app) and go to a site like toe tokens to purchase the cute little feet and have kids earn little feet for the miles / steps they walk.

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