So, the season begins, "I have asthma and no inhaler at school."

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Specializes in School Nurse.

This happened to me last year about this time, and I was new to the school. I was shocked that a student could have a medical condition and no medication at school. Well a year later, and a year more jaded, allergy/asthma season is upon us again. I have had at least 5 students this week come in complaining about difficulty breathing, check my meds, and nope no inhaler. Luckily, O2-99%, HR

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

ah yes... gotta love that... almost as much as i love when the middle schoolers come into my office complaining that they can't breathe and then tell me they have an inhaler in their bag - but of course no order... yes, of course... why would you need an order?

Last week I had 3rd grade student come in saying, "I CANT BREATHE AND I LEFT ALL MY ASTHMA STUFF AT HOME" after several questions then she told me she really didn't have asthma but had a hard time breathing while there was no signs of distress.

Specializes in school nursing.

I go through this yearly as well. Some parents even go as far to say that their child doesn't really have asthma & are not sure why the Dr filled out the Care Plan I faxed over...REALLY?:confused: I've actually had to call 911 for transport for one asthma attack. Makes me sad, I make sure my son has anything and everything he needs, even if that means sacrificing things for myself. I don't understand some parents :no:

I go through this yearly as well. Some parents even go as far to say that their child doesn't really have asthma & are not sure why the Dr filled out the Care Plan I faxed over...REALLY?:confused: I've actually had to call 911 for transport for one asthma attack. Makes me sad, I make sure my son has anything and everything he needs, even if that means sacrificing things for myself. I don't understand some parents :no:

Wow, I had the same set of parents.

Their son came in at least twice a week with an asthma attack. They refused to bring an inhaler.

We called 911. They were not happy about that and insisted on a meeting. They refused to bring an inhaler to school and our plan must be to call 911 then.

I do not understand these parents. They have medical insurance and are not poor.

:no: Is it a pissing contest?

Specializes in school nursing.
Wow, I had the same set of parents.

Their son came in at least twice a week with an asthma attack. They refused to bring an inhaler.

We called 911. They were not happy about that and insisted on a meeting. They refused to bring an inhaler to school and our plan must be to call 911 then.

I do not understand these parents. They have medical insurance and are not poor.

:no: Is it a pissing contest?

I think sometimes it is :(

Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

I sent generic texts saying that per history, your child has asthma and uses an inhaler as needed, I do not have an available inhaler and EMS is 10 minutes away. I had parents who couldn't read upset that they thought I had called 911 on their kids. I did have inhalers within a few days. Sometimes drama works.

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

On one occasion a few years ago I kept hounding a parent to come pick a kid up from school who would exhibit significant signs of respiratory distress/asthma. I repeatedly requested a rescue inhaler at school in hopes to prevent him from going home. So, one day here he comes to school with a PRIMATENE MIST inhaler. AHHHH!! :banghead:

Specializes in School Nurse.

At the beginning of this school year, I did have a student who had a severe asthma attack, unable to contact Mom (contact number did not work...go figure), had to call 911, she ended up in the hospital for 3 days. With the backing of the admin, the student was not allowed back in school until we had doctor's orders and an inhaler.

I had one today who has all paperwork signed to be a self carry. Where was his inhaler at? Well, at home of course!

This after 15 discussions with student and dad of importance of having it on his body at all times. Dad did not want to have it in clinic because "it needs to be readily accessible." C'mon Now!!!

Specializes in Outpatient Surgery, PACU, Home Health.

Omg!!!

I had a student with an asthma attack, O2 in the low 90s, audible wheezing, obviously in distress. No inhaler. Called mom because I know she lives about 5 minutes away. Mom didn't want to come! I told her my fingers were on 911 if she didn't get here in the next few minutes. Mom was not happy. And honestly, sometimes I second guess not calling 911 right away anyway. Mom then proceeded to get angry at the student when she picked her up! While she was still wheezing!

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