Breaking the Rules to Save a Life

Specialties School

Published

I think about this scenario literally every single day. Same in regards to EpiPens

1 Votes
Specializes in school nursing/ maternal/child hospital based.
On 5/15/2019 at 10:20 AM, EnoughWithTheIce said:

I think it all comes down to "what would a reasonable and prudent nurse do?"

In this case, I think use the glucagon and save the girls life!!! Would I break policy for an advil? Never!! But being able to step in and save someone based on your nursing knowledge and judgement?? Well, that is our job!

Completely agree. If I faced discipline, at least I could look in the mirror and know I saved the kid.

5 Votes

Bravo. Well done. ?

2 Votes
Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I've always said if I'm ever put in a situation where it's my licence or a life that I will choose the life. Hope I never have to test this theory but I think this nurse did the right thing, for sure.

5 Votes
On 5/16/2019 at 2:01 PM, Cas1in72 said:

Completely agree. If I faced discipline, at least I could look in the mirror and know I saved the kid.

And sue the doodle out of the parent who did not supply the glucagon and Admin who did not force the parent to supply it or suspend the student and who caused the nurse to be put in this position. And if the nurse didn't do everything possible to force the parent to supply the glucagon, well...

The situation makes me angry.

On 5/16/2019 at 12:59 PM, TLS9544 said:

I think about this scenario literally every single day. Same in regards to EpiPens

Why don't you have any? Have you personally done everything you can to get them?

I think the example in this article should be a lesson to all about being much more militant about getting rules, policies, and laws changed, also about getting students suspended until their parents provide necessary meds and doctor's orders.

It is ridiculous that nurses have to be put in situations like this.

I think the parents who did not supply the glucagon should be reported to CPS for neglect, endangerment.

1 Votes
Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.
Quote

Nurse Who Saved A Student Also Changes Law

By DUSTY RHODES • MAY 27, 2019

The Illinois legislature has approved a measure that would allow public school nurses to provide the life-saving medication glucagon to diabetic students in emergency situations.

As we recently reported, Jennifer Jacobs saved a 7th grader who was experiencing a severe hypoglycemic episode by using another student's supply of glucagon — a hormone that triggers the body to release stored glucose.

The decision could have cost Jacobs her nursing license, but she got immediate confirmation from Heather Wengler, the licensed practical nurse who assists her at Glenview Middle School in East Moline.

"Obviously, two heads together are better than one, even if it's just for that look of acknowledgement in each other's eyes that says this is the right thing," Jacobs says. "We each looked at each other and in our eyes, we knew what the answer was. But we also understood what the repercussions were of making that decision. And together... it just seemed like a no-brainer."

Their decision inspired the legislation to allow schools to supply emergency glucagon. Schools already have legal authority to provide emergency medications to address asthma, food allergies, and opioid overdoses...

https://www.peoriapublicradio.org/post/nurse-who-saved-student-also-changes-law#stream/0

I think the Illinois legislature did the right thing. ?

1 Votes
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