Who should administer meds when nurse not available?

[manjaNurse]

Hi all,

I am the only nurse taking care of a thousand plus students. How do I ensure that medicines are given out when I'm not around?

Currently, I instruct the admin to administer the medicines. It is definitely NOT the right thing to do, but there's nobody else.

Any suggestions?

Regards, manjanurse

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

check your state laws - in my state meds can only be given by a RN or a parent in schools. Some states may allow for a non medical employee after a med administration instruction or course is given.

[schooldistrictnurse]

Flare is absolutely right. In my district, I don't give any meds. Those who do are required to take a Department of Public Instruction approved training course. (on-line) I do a skills check for diastat and epi pen. I do a separate training for insulin and diabetes management since it is so individualized. I would also be involved if there was something out of the ordinary like meds via g-tube.

[manjaNurse]

thanks for the reply...

My country will not allow medcines to be handled by non-medical staffs. That is why I am not sure how to handle this issue.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

If that's the case their choices when you are not there are:

a. Hire a sub nurse

b. Have the child's parent come in to medicate

c. have the parent consent to the child not receiving meds in school that day (for scheduled meds)

d. have a nurse from another school in district (if there is one) come by to give meds

[manjaNurse]

thanks flare!! i like the consent part! I already told my principal the idea of hiring a sub nurse as well!