Field Trip!!

Specialties School

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Specializes in LDRP/Nursery/Peds/Gyn, school nursing.

My middle school was planning an overnight trip for band/choir. This has always been done, but this is my first full year in the school. I thought that, for the first time ever, we should take charge of the medications that students don't normally take at school, but need daily-- I didn't want little Adderalls or Midols in baggies tucked into their suitcases.

I found a great health/ medication form that a neighboring school uses, adapted it, and sent it to my superintendent to check over for the legalities. He decided that being in charge of these meds was too great of a responsibility to put on the teachers in-charge. SO, I quipped-- "Well maybe I need to go along!"

AND HE BOUGHT IT!!

So, tomorrow I'm taking a trip to a wonderful museum, spending the night in a hotel, and Saturday going to a theme park! I get to hand out my pills at bedtime and at the breakfast buffet!

Silly, yes. But still quite amusing!!

Wish me luck-- I hope the 130+ 7th and 8th graders don't eat me alive!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

hey girl, hope you have a wonderful time ! enjoy :yeah: !!

praiser :heartbeat

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Specializes in School Nurse, Maternal Newborn.

That sounds SUPER! Have a great time!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

If you need proof that a school nurse needs to be giving meds, here is some for you. I have been out sick for 2 days with gastroenteritis, and I did not have a sub for the first day. One of my kids on ADD meds recently had his dosage upped to 2 pills with lunch. I had all the documentation in order and a new med permit, etc. but the staff member still only gave him one because that was the dosage on the bottle (they have not needed a refill yet so the bottle still says 1 with lunch). I did not even think to give a heads up on this because my paperwork is in order!

Needless to say, mom was not happy and today I get to call and smooth it over. So, just one more really good reason why we need a NURSE in every school, every day!

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Specializes in Community Health,Pediatric, School nursi.

I am very lucky to be in a district that has a nurse in every building every day. I cant imagine having to be responsible for more than the 530 students I already have. God love all you nurses running from building to building!

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Specializes in school nursing.
If you need proof that a school nurse needs to be giving meds, here is some for you. I have been out sick for 2 days with gastroenteritis, and I did not have a sub for the first day. One of my kids on ADD meds recently had his dosage upped to 2 pills with lunch. I had all the documentation in order and a new med permit, etc. but the staff member still only gave him one because that was the dosage on the bottle (they have not needed a refill yet so the bottle still says 1 with lunch). I did not even think to give a heads up on this because my paperwork is in order!

Needless to say, mom was not happy and today I get to call and smooth it over. So, just one more really good reason why we need a NURSE in every school, every day!

I was out for training yesterday. The clerk who covers in my absence refused to give meds to my students. I was livid. Now, this person has gone to multiple training classes and has been covering for me for 3 years plus, several years before for the nurse before me. She said she does not feel comfortable passing meds..........Well, could you have mentioned that like 6 years ago, please???????

I went to the principal and told him we need to get someone else trained next year because this was unacceptable!

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Specializes in med surg, geriatrics, peds.

I have been on many field trips for this reason. Both day trips and overnight. I got to spend a week in Washington DC Twice! Both trips were great but the second one I was able to go with my Daughter. I also went to Atlanta this year.

We have now trained a teacher in every grade so I do not get to go on as many day trips.

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Specializes in LDRP/Nursery/Peds/Gyn, school nursing.

I'm back-- what an experience!

Yes, they did send me along, but the downside is that the remaining 3 schools in my district were without a nurse for the day. I have no subs-- just a handful of volunteers at one school and the secretaries at the other two.

I can't imagine having one of the teachers who was in charge of all of the trip details passing all of the meds that I gave on the trip-- I was busy! But, we do need a game plan for these overnight trips in the future.

And yes, the teenagers let me go on some rides with them!! :)

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I can understand your frustration that meds weren't passed. However, no one but an RN should be passing meds. The school needs an RN substitute on the days you are in a training.

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