Preschool student with mild asthma, usually triggered by uri. Mom says she "always knows" when he will need and will send inhaler to school if necessary but she doesn't want to spend $ on getting another one just for school "which he will probably never use". Parents live about 30 mins from school.
What do you think? If I insist, they will probably get. While I'm sure they're not millionaires, this is not the difference between them having food and not having.
I don't have time to chase down 50 kids with Asthma.
How very very true!
As a former pharmacy tech, I can also add that many insurance companies cover 2 inhalers as long as one is designated to be sent to school. Our district has a permission to self-carry program, but it's a privilege that can be revoked if the kids share or lose it, etc.
Can mom get a sample one at MD office? They do not have as many doses. But should be enough to cover issues at school. Only other option is 911 if the kiddo is in trouble.....
"I don't have time to chase down 50 kids with Asthma"
Hear ya...I sent out an email blast in late August with med permission form attached for MDI and Epipens.....And I told them if I got their signature, I will take care of faxing to MD...guess how many I got back.....yup zip zero nada.....so today I used who knows how much postage and paper to mail home the forms......
And just in the past two days I've encountered a similar issue -- a student who has inhalers here but no doctor's orders! Unfortunately we don't have standing orders for asthma, only anaphylaxis. Both days this student has come in and needs it, but all I can do is call her parents to take her home for treatment.
Mom keeps saying "the doctor should have faxed it." Well obviously the doctor didn't!
I did the same thing! As last resort I will always offer to fax paper work myself so they don't have to run around and deal with it. I don't mind doing that at all for them. BUT.....I still do not get a great response.
fetch, BSN, RN
1 Article; 481 Posts
How very very true!
As a former pharmacy tech, I can also add that many insurance companies cover 2 inhalers as long as one is designated to be sent to school. Our district has a permission to self-carry program, but it's a privilege that can be revoked if the kids share or lose it, etc.