Below are excerpts from an article in today’s Los Angeles Times.
More than 30 states allow nonmedical school employees to administer insulin to students, said a representative of the American Diabetes Assn.
Several nursing organizations filed suit, arguing that only medical professionals should be entrusted with such a responsibility. On Nov. 14, a Sacramento County judge ruled in the nurses' favor.
It's hard not to see it as little more than a ploy to protect nursing jobs… If teachers and counselors were allowed to manage diabetic children, it might be a license for public education to further deplete the ranks of school nurses.
Jeffrey Ehrlich [A parent, states]… “the idea that nurses are the only ones that can help diabetic kids manage their health is ridiculous…It's not rocket science." (Emphasis added).
Dr. Francine Kaufman... “Nurses are preferable… but not allowing a vice principal or teacher to pinch hit is holding diabetic children back and imperiling their health… We have taught completely illiterate people how to technically deliver insulin …. It takes about four hours to train an adult.”
Lopez, S. (November 23, 2008). Young diabetics at heart of school nurse dispute in Los Angeles Times.
Retrieved November 23, 2008 from
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lopez23-2008nov23,0,7760757.column?page=1
I am curious about your opinions on this one. Here we are in 2008 still trying to prove our value. Anyone know of any recent studies that demonstrate the value of having a school nurse?