Allergy shots for teacher

[tictac]

Today, a teacher asked if I would mind administering her allergy shots because she is too squeamish to do it herself. She hasn't started them yet. My initial reaction was "sure, I don't mind", but now that I'm thinking about it, I'm having second thoughts. I've given immunizations before, but I have no experience with allergy shots and the potential reactions, not to mention the liability. Forgive my ignorance on the topic, but do any of you do this? Am I an idiot for even considering it?

[Jolie, BSN]

In our district, the nurses are expected to take care of the needs of staff, just as they would the needs of students, under the same circumsances.

This involves providing medication/treatments that are necessary for attendance that can not be scheduled outside of school hours, and for which the nurse has appropriate physician orders, permission, training and supplies.

So my questions are these: Are the shots necessary for the teacher's attendance at school? Can they be administered outside of school hours? Do you have written instructions/orders from the physician's office? Has the teacher signed a "consent to be treated" form? Has the teacher arranged for you to be trained by staff from her allergist's office? Has the teacher provided all the necessary supplies and medication, including emergency drugs in the event of an adverse reaction? Does YOUR district allow nurses to attend to staff members?

I would base my answer to you on the answers to these questions.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I would not under any circumstances administer allergy shots to a teacher. This is not something that needs to be or should be done at school. The risk in doing this greatly out weighs the benefit.

[mycsm]

I guess if I needed to do it DURING the hours of school, I would. However, I would strongly encourage her to complete at home with a family member. But I would insist on a physicians note, just as i would with a student

[tictac]

Yeah, I'm responsible for our staff's needs as well, that's why I though it might be ok. I went ahead and just asked my lead nurse about it and I got an emphatic "ABSOLUTELY NOT". I guess that answers that! And now I don't have to be the bad guy when I tell her I can't do it. Thanks for your responses!

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

i have given a staff member injections before - epoetin while on chemo. I had her bring me a written order and the original packaging, also had her sign a form stating that she was authorizing me to give her the injections. Granted, I think allergy shots may carry more of a risk of reaction - so i may be hesitant even with an order.