OTCs, Other "Home Remedies"

schoolnurse/dr · Feb 4, 2004

Our school district does not allow any over the counter meds without a Dr's order. We can't even give cough drops. We have all the other essentials you mentioned. I also carry artificial tears, as we have alot of dry eyes and allergies. I have a minority population, and vaseline and lotion for dry lips and skin are essential. The most used product is an ice bag- it helps ha's, stomachaches, injuries and some times just I need to get out of class for whatever reason. I also give out alot of journals to kids whom are Frequent fliers- just need tlc.

SRobinson · Nov 15, 2004

We have an OTC/Authorization for treatment form that Parents sign. We keep Tylenol, Ibuprofen, cough drops, Benadryl (for Allergic Reactions only), Tums, Calamine lotion, and Sting Kill in stock. Parents may send in meds(rx or otc) in for one week without a Physician note for a temporary condition (Allergies, infection). They may also send in Medicine that we give PRN for conditions such as allergies...Our policy is to always call the parent first so as not to duplicate doses. We have a Medication form for long term (daily) medicine like stimulants which require a Physician signature.

I keep Vaseline, Vaseline lip therapy (like chapstick in a tube), and dry skin lotion.

Home remedies? I do use warm salt water gargles for sore throats, have a hot pot to heat water in to make warm compresses (fold thick papertowels and place in a baggie, pour just enough hot water on towel to moisten, but not dripping and close, make sure all air is expressed, then cover with papertowel....they work wonders on "cricks" in necks & for menstrual cramps). We have contact solution for problems with lens: I pour it into plastic medicine cups for use so the bottle doesn't get contaminated. We keep eyewash in stock and use it more by the drop for getting debris out of eyes than for using the little cup ...and I throw the cup away after single use because I have no way to autoclave/clean properly....

I've kept syrup of Ipecac but have recently read where it's not recommended anymore. I've not had to use it in the 7 years I've been in School Nursing.

Icepacks...can't live without them. I make them out of gloves, covered with a papertowel, quick and inexpensive and don't leak like baggies. I keep a few cold packs on hand for emergency use.

I could go on and on, but...won't.

DDRN4me · Nov 17, 2004

I use sponges instead of ice packs..moisten and put in a baggie..cheap! also just read about using rice in a double baggie instead..but havent tried it yet. I keep candy kisses on hand..medicine for staff in our special needs school!! i also keep a couple of "stress balls " for those that need to vent..and of course the feminine hygeine products..for staff and students..also a blow dryer for "emergencies" like spills

presC. · Feb 4, 2005

i'm learning a lot here. such a great place to be informed. hope will read more tips from you guys, and thanks for sharing. :)

JulzNDuane · Feb 7, 2005

Thanks for the tips, I have never thought about getting something for my frequent flyers.

lifeLONGstudent · Feb 8, 2005

Thanks for the tips, I have never thought about getting something for my frequent flyers.

What good is garleling (spelling???) with salt water? I can remember my mom making us do this (and I HATED it). I am thinking that the salt changes the osmolality of the surface tissue of the mouth (makes it hypotonic) and draws out stuff? My reasoning is that when red cells are in a hypotonic solution, they swell and burst; when they are in a hypertonic solution, they shrink and crenate.

Please tell me how this works - my curiousity is getting to me