FYI

[Nurse2Kids]

I'm a first year school nurse, and this is the first time the district has EVER had a school nurse. They've done without a nurse for years, so tend to do things their own way. We're making strides, but not completely there yet.

I had a situation today where the school secretary (with principal's okay) didn't realize I was in my office, and decided she could give the student a Vitamin C cough drop from her purse. I would never know since I'm not in my office, right? SMH. I didn't have to say anything once I stepped out of my office door. The principal just walked back to his office acting like nothing had happened. The secretary knew I heard what had just taken place, and just exclaimed in a very short tone, "These are not medicine. They're vitamin C drops. I'm sorry, but that's not medicine".

Well, as I'm pulling up the Vit. C cough drops online, I notice they contain soy. So, if you have a child with soy allergy, avoid these. Some cough drops contain gluten as well.

[LikeTheDeadSea, MSN, RN]

In my start-of-year email I mention that cough drops are considered medication. I also review that I have a doctor's order for skin lotion, sunblock, and basically anything topical, so these should also not be given to students due to risk of reaction.

[OldDude]

It's gonna be a learning experience for the staff. Just be patient and firm. You might remind the staff they are personally responsible if something goes sideways under a similar circumstance.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Wow. Old Dude called it but....wow.