Do school nurses ever give narcs?

[MTRNlove, BSN]

I'm seeking to work in an area of nursing that never involves giving narcs to people. Is there ever an occasion that you would give them? How about at a high school?

[k1p1ssk, BSN, RN]

We regularly dispense controlled medications such as stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, Vyvanse). Students with seizure disorders may have orders for rectal valium (Diastat).

I think whether or not a narcotic pain medication was to be dispensed in a school would be up to state/district policy, however regardless I would seriously question the need for the med in school and whether or not that student should be IN school if they are needing that level of pain control. I would much rather not have the medication in the building.

With all that said, at my private school job with boarding students, we regularly have students who have been prescribed narcotics, generally after an orthopedic surgery, or controlled anti-anxiolytics. These students are under strict observation when needing to take it, and we do not send them on campus while under the influence of the pain meds. The anxiety kids stay for 2 hours and are then free to go. This is all of course our own health center policy. 

So in general, depending on your definition of "narcs", we do regularly deal with medications that have a potential to become habit-forming, but not so regularly of a pain-relieving variety.

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

7 minutes ago, k1p1ssk said:

 

So in general, depending on your definition of "narcs", we do regularly deal with medications that have a potential to become habit-forming, but not so regularly of a pain-relieving variety.

Agreed. Sometimes a half tablet (especially for the big athletes who had a significant fx) is enough to manage the pain and still be alert in school. Sometimes  their pain is better managed at school than home with no parent around...But mostly ADHD meds and anxiolytics, with occasional diazepam based med for seizure mgt. 

There is a whole lot more to school nursing as a career than not having to give narcs. And if it is allowed by state and or local, you will never know when it may happen. Good Luck!

[BrisketRN, BSN, RN]

I haven't given a narcotic in my 4 years at a private school, but like others have said controlled ADHD meds are very common.  I can give narcotics if prescribed and appropriate.

[MTRNlove, BSN]

Thank you so much for your replies! It will help me make a better decision.

[AdobeRN]

I am in elementary - Like others I give controlled ADHD meds daily.  Narcotics - rare if any, I don't ever remember giving any in my 10+ years at this level. 

I tell parents if kiddos still need that strong of medication to control their pain they should stay home until pain can be controlled with tylenol and/or motrin  - I do realize there are circumstances where it may happen but usually at the elementary level I get parents inquiring about pain medication policy after something like a minor surgery - T&A's, appendectomy, maybe fractures???  

[guest83140]

Not here because of the student's possible drowsiness and the need to watch over narcotics in a school setting that falls under legal consequences to the scholars.