Help me with Health Office Protocols

Specialties School

Published

I copied and revised this from pedi_nurse. What do you think so far? I want to add that I'm gonna stop giving Vaseline for dry lips and lotion for dry skin but how do I phrase it? Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

MANAGE MINOR PROBLEMS IN CLASS:

Please refer to the attached documents to help you manage some minor problems in class. Headaches, stomach aches, old injuries are common issues that can usually be managed in class. I often see students whose has a headache that "just started" or a stomach ache that started after they ate hot chips or cold cuts for lunch. The only thing I do differently for these students than you can do in class is check their temp. I do not give out medications unless the parent has brought some to the Heath Office for the student with a signed Medical Consent. Typically, students are allowed to rest for 15-20 minutes, given water, and sent back to class, which are things you can try first. Another common request is for ice for an injury that happened over 24 hours ago or that happened during athletics. Ice is not administered unless it is a new injury with obvious swelling/significant bruising. Anything other than that can be treated at home. For vomiting x1, have them gargle then send them to me. If no fever and they hold water down (and don't look pale and sick) they go back to class.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this email! Thank you so much for working with me to ensure that we keep students in class learning. And remember, I am here for YOU as well! Please feel free to call or come by anytime if you have a question or concern.

Specializes in Lie detection.

I love it but this would never fly at my school. Teachers do not want to triage(ugh) or even ask the LD what's wrong?!!?? I seriously get kids that don't have a thing wrong but tell me their teacher sent them because they looked sleepy/hot/sick, etc.

Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I love it but this would never fly at my school. Teachers do not want to triage(ugh) or even ask the LD what's wrong?!!?? I seriously get kids that don't have a thing wrong but tell me their teacher sent them because they looked sleepy/hot/sick, etc.

Ditto.

I have let teachers know (and they overwhelmingly agree) that Vaseline for chapped lips and lotion for dry skin will only be given to students during their free time (lunch, recess, or study hall). These are minor issues that can wait to be resolved until class is over.

Specializes in school nursing.

I've drafted a similar email countless times but have never sent it. But I have sent emails such as: "Teachers, You'll notice I placed additional bandaids and paper passes in your mailboxes today. Please be sure to fill out the pass before sending a student so we can safely account for all students in the building."

Also, when students come to me for a bandaid, I ask if their teacher needs more. Usually they say yes!

Specializes in School Nursing.

I think this is too wordy.

I'd honestly address it at a faculty meeting verbally. Framed as a "what the health office looks like."

The day I told the whole staff I see 70+ visits a day and having bandages/tooth envelopes in their class to rule out papercuts and lost teeth really makes a difference for me, their minds EXPLODED. They had no idea. They thought we had time to handle every single little tiny thing. I'd be hesitant to put something so detailed in an e-mail.

I think this stuff gets received better in person. You could even disguise it under a "classroom first aid" mini presentation in the faculty meeting.

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this email! Thank you so much for working with me to ensure that we keep students in class learning. And remember, I am here for YOU as well! Please feel free to call or come by anytime if you have a question or concern.

I love this part the best. Good job!

I love it but this would never fly at my school. Teachers do not want to triage(ugh) or even ask the LD what's wrong?!!?? I seriously get kids that don't have a thing wrong but tell me their teacher sent them because they looked sleepy/hot/sick, etc.

Not in their contract.

1 Votes
I have let teachers know (and they overwhelmingly agree) that Vaseline for chapped lips and lotion for dry skin will only be given to students during their free time (lunch, recess, or study hall). These are minor issues that can wait to be resolved until class is over.

Thanks! Good point

Specializes in School Nursing.

Yes - I remember when a staff member found out how many kids I see in a day and how many ice packs I give out. She thought I had a rotating supply of 5 ice packs (like my TOTAL ice pack inventory was 5). Hahaha!

I also love this email, but as previous have said, this wouldn't fly at my schools either.

Have you seen the 9 Bs? (When to send kids down to the nurse). I can't remember who specifically shared this, but they shared it on the NASN forum. If you can't meet face to face with teachers, sending out an email saying something to the extent of "Sometimes it can be difficult to make the decision on when to send a student to see me, here is my 9Bs rule to help you make that decision."

I think it is appropriate to add that you've been seeing X amount of kids per day, frequently kids have to wait in your office. Also, make sure to reinforce that when they are waiting in your office, they are missing out on valuable class time.

I also love including the Vaseline/lotion/any non-pressing issues at lunch or recess rule.

I haven't had any push back when I have sent something like this out.

THE 9 Bs.docx

Specializes in ICU, ER, Home Health, Corrections, School Nurse.

I guess I'm in the minority but (and will admit to a longstanding chapstick addiction) some of these kiddos have not just chapped lips but that red inflamed line around their mouths and if they want Vaseline cause their lips are burning, I'm more than happy to provide it. If it helps them concentrate on their school work better, why not, and only takes a minute.

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