New School Nurse: Forgot a medication yesterday

[Finally2008]

I have been a school nurse for 2 months now. I am trying to develop a better organization system when it comes to my medications. I missed this medication yesterday because the child typically comes on his own right after lunch and I totally forgot to call him down when he didn't come. (I definitely want to be accountable, but I forgot because I had another student in the clinic at the time with a head injury with dizziness, N/V, ringing in the ears at that time and couldn't get in touch with parents).

What is your system for keeping on top of your meds? What about those who are supposed to come before PE or recess?

[RNlove17]

we have SNAP here, the computer program, so everything is computerized. I just leave the med admin tab up all day and see if it's highlighted or not.

I'm in a high school though so if they don't come, we don't call them down and after 3 incidents they get a referral. (Except for one ESOL student who never remembers, and I have to call down, he takes INH so he needs it).

[NrsAng]

I have all my daily meds & procedures listed in a spreadsheet. I print a copy each day and highlight the names as they come to see me. A quick glance and I can see who has forgotten to come see me and I will call for them. Makes it easy and simple for me. And my "back-up" medication trained staff also knows my system, so they can jump in and take care care of my meds while I tend to emergencies.

[fetch, BSN, RN]

Here's another method that a lot of nurses in my district use - the flipped bottles. After a student takes their medication, flip their bottle upside down. Then at the end of the day flip them all back up (or be lazy like me and start the next day with all bottles upside down and then flip them right-side up.)

I'm also using the whiteboard method - I like it better than my post-it note, and I like having 2 methods of tracking myself.

[amnesiac1c]

I flip bottles which is a good visual since my office staff help give meds when I am out of the office. I also have reminders put into my Outlook calendar as a reminder to double check.