Delegation question

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I am pretty sure I know the answer to this but just tossing it out there for the fun of it. I have a Type 1 kiddo whose mom has always been able to go on field trips with him. She just started a new job and can't go on the next one. They aren't taking any chaperones, but the teacher has proposed that she ask one parent to go: she is the nurse who subs for me when I am out. Can this nurse, if she is willing, take care of this student and administer his lunch insulin as a volunteer, or does she need to be on the clock in order to do so? I really don't think I want to even go there but wanted some input before I go talk to the boss. Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in NCSN.

I think it depends on your state's BON rules. Here in MO, as long as the parent gives permission to administer to that adult and that adult is properly trained, then it's ok, but back in IL I'm pretty sure that wouldn't fly.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

Public school? I believe you must cover that child with someone who is trained, not a nurse per se. She should be paid if she must function in this role, as she is working under her license. I would be hesitant to take that liability in a volunteer position (unless I had won the lottery). Private school? Anything goes there.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

honestly, i think your admins should run it all by the lawyers before setting out on this trip. I am sure everything would run ship shape, but i would think she would need to be on the clock to need to use her nurse muscles to provide care.

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honestly, i think your admins should run it all by the lawyers before setting out on this trip. I am sure everything would run ship shape, but i would think she would need to be on the clock to need to use her nurse muscles to provide care.

Agreed. Thanks.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I would say she needs to be on the clock. That way she is acting in the capacity of nurse and not parent chaperone.

That's typically how we do nurse chaperones. One of our subs goes. She just accompanied my 2nd grade T1DM kiddo for 6 weeks of swimming for gym class at our local YMCA so I didn't have to. And she's going with him next week for an all day field trip.

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Are you able to train the teacher as an UDCA? Our teachers are trained as UDCA's for the purpose of field trips if parents are unable to attend - district cracking down budget wise on subs.

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

plus -i was just thinking about this - she usually gets paid for her services by the school. While this may be a trip that she is going on with her child (from what i gather) - she is still providing her professional services to the school.

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plus -i was just thinking about this - she usually gets paid for her services by the school. While this may be a trip that she is going on with her child (from what i gather) - she is still providing her professional services to the school.

And truly, the only reason she would be going is to provide the services. No other parent chaperones.

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plus -i was just thinking about this - she usually gets paid for her services by the school. While this may be a trip that she is going on with her child (from what i gather) - she is still providing her professional services to the school.

^^this

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How old is the student? Does he/she take care of injections, etc? Our kids do, they go on the field trips, but teacher or student calls back to us if there is any question about dosages, calculations, etc. We will calculate and give them the numbers. This is junior high though...

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Can you go, as nurse/chaperone, and have your sub cover you in the office?

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