Enquiry need an answer fast please

[greatshakes]

Hi everyone

Are there any school nurses in the aussie section?. My concern is that where I work, one of the dorm masters says he will not be giving any medications at all. Some of our students require these late at night and early morning. Is there anywhere I can find out if there is some sort of regulation that allows a dorm master to administer medications at times when school nurses are not available? I don't think it has come up before? They are working as parents in the absence of parents and therefore wouldn't it be reasonable to assume this issue was covered. I will search other areas outside all nurses but any tips or info much appreciated. Thanks in advance

[Grace Oz]

Perhaps you could contact the state education department and find out what their policy is on this. I would have thought, as you do, that since he/she is in a parental replacement role, that administering medications would fall within their job description.

Sorry can't offer more on this. hope you have success in obtaining the answer.

Cheers...........

[jax]

I don't know the answer to your question, but would it be worth ringing the school nurses at other boarding schools to see what they do? Or you could work a 24 hour day. Good luck.

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

You HAVE to check the drug administration act which here is known as the

Health(Drugs and Poisons Regulation 1996)

http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/LEGISLTN/CURRENT/H/HealDrAPoR96.pdf

I am no expert - you should contact the union for legal advise but it is my understanding of this act that no-one who is not endorsed or authorised under the act can ADMINISTER a medication.