Epipens and field trips

Farawyn · Apr 24, 2015

Epioens are designed for self use and should be carried on the person at all time if allergies are severe and life threatening. My son learned to use his when he was three. That's the whole point of epi-pens. Still if this child does not know how to use his he should be with the teacher or a responsible adult at all times. A nurse is not required to be present so whoever the adult chaperone for his group is should be taught its use.
The same is true for rectal Valium for seizure's Any anybody can be trained to use one and parents and siblings administer these drugs at home all the time with just a two hours training.

Actually, no on the Valium, at least in NYS. I just spoke to Albany about this and an RN (not even an LPN) is a MINIMUM degree required to administer rectal valium. Or the parent, of course.

I get a sub RN go on field trips with "the guys" whenever they leave the building. It's in my students' care plans.

I think there is some sort of loophole that there can be a trained individual to administer the valium, but there is actual formal training that would have to be approved, and it is costly, and none of the staff wanted to do it anyway.

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · Apr 24, 2015

In my state epipens and MDI's can be student carry or delegated to a trained, responsible adult with parental and physician approval. School nurse can be the trainer for designee. For stock epipens and MDI/albuterol school MD can sign off (all districts must contract with a licensed MD or DO to sign off on treatment protocols and medical decisions and delegations).

Rectal diazepam or nasal midazolam is limited to parent, school nurse, substitute school nurse, district staff LPN or RN, or agency/PDN RN or LPN.

lvnforschool · Apr 24, 2015

The disabilites act states, that students cannot be denied going on a fieldtrip. The school has to provide someone with training to go. It was a end of the year field trip to a waterpark, but I still had to go. It was horrible last year cause we did not have a RN-School nurse for the last 3 months of the school year. No sub for me, just a health aid if she was needed. This year is better so far, but the RN has been stay at home last 15 years, so she has alot of catching up on the new rules/laws since then.

Farawyn · Apr 24, 2015

The disabilites act states, that students cannot be denied going on a fieldtrip. The school has to provide someone with training to go. It was a end of the year field trip to a waterpark, but I still had to go. It was horrible last year cause we did not have a RN-School nurse for the last 3 months of the school year. No sub for me, just a health aid if she was needed. This year is better so far, but the RN has been stay at home last 15 years, so she has alot of catching up on the new rules/laws since then.

That's why OP's school had better get their act together!

100kids, BSN, RN · Apr 24, 2015

The same is true for rectal Valium for seizure's Any anybody can be trained to use one and parents and siblings administer these drugs at home all the time with just a two hours training.

In some states this is not true and an RN is the only one in a school who can administer rectal seizure medications. A child's parent or a nurse must accompany children who need this medication on a field trip.

DeeAngel · Apr 24, 2015

He needs to stay with his teacher in her group, his mother, or not attend. I would in no way take on this responsibility.

allnurses Guide · Apr 24, 2015

Let me Clarify - Epi pens and rectal Valium for epileptics are used in the home all the time and for sure there is no LVN or RN standing by in those homes. There has been a big issue here in California between parent advocacy groups and the State Nurses Union. Physicians have testified that having these items locked away in the nurses office actually poses risk if significant harm or death due to delays in treatment. In the case of anaphylaxis seconds count. Diastat (rectal valium) delivers a pre-measured dose that can stop a seizure in it's tracks. The state (California) allows unlicensed caregivers in intermediate care facilities to give both meds with the required training. But a teacher who takes the training is prevented from giving possibly life saving treatment in the classroom while they wait for the nurse (who may or may not be on campus) or ems. Critics say that this is just a ploy by the union to insure job security. I am not sure either way but when I was a consultant for ICF facilities I trained people all the time on the use of both.

I pulled my son out of public school because they would not let him carry his Asthma inhaler on his person. He has very good asthma control after working with a martial arts instructor on how to breath while running - but I wouldn't want him to wait for the nurse if he had an attack in the middle of a cross country event.

Hppy

Windchaser22 · Apr 24, 2015

In NJ there needs to be a sub RN, the regular school nurse or the child's parent. No exception. The nurse or parent has primary responsibility. Asthma meds and epi may be self admin based on orders. Teachers can volunteer to be delegates for epi and glucagon but not asthma, diastat, or any other meds.

Farawyn · Apr 24, 2015

Hppy- I am not allowed to leave campus because of my Diastat students. We are looking to get paid through lunch, since we are there and therefore on call.

allnurses Guide · Apr 25, 2015

In some school districts in California 1 or 2 nurses cover 3 or more schools and have to attend IDT meetings as well so there are times when there is no nurse in the office - At least that's what my sister (a teacher) has told me. If I am wrong on this please correct me.

Hppy

ariesnursern · Apr 25, 2015

Train another staff member who can go on the trip

Farawyn · Apr 25, 2015

Train another staff member who can go on the trip

In NY and some other states another staff member won't suffice for certain meds.

If you can sub an school nurse with another staff member at the drop of a hat then what's the point of a school nurse?