High School Sports Physicals

NurseBeans, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Sep 17, 2019

I feel like if you are asked to keep track, then you should absolutely be checking rosters. Otherwise they need to keep you out of it.

Best believe it would come back to the person tracking things if something went wrong. I would either start pulling kids or get rid of the responsibility since they aren't allowing you to do what needs to be done.

NutmeggeRN, BSN · Sep 17, 2019

Oh that stinks. You just need to keep coming at them, and remind them of the state law, which I am SURE requires proof they are physically fit. And the legal issues that may come if there is an injury. We now use FamilyID #Lifesaver Because there is a digital trail.

They cannot be out there if they are not registered and approved (by having a current physical and concussion testing), by me!!!!

All it takes is ONE kid hurt out there, and there will be a multimillion dollar law suit.

Document your concerns all the way to the top and continue to remind them of their legal liablility.

Good Luck!!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2019

We just cracked own on this. I have a Google spreadsheet tracking every kid and me and the AD and a higher admin are cracking down. I only have to track physicals; AD tracks rest of paperwork and concussion training. But, we are in this together, so that helps A LOT.

Also, we won't allow a student to TRY OUT if they don't have paperwork, physical, concussion training. We have allowed some flexibility this Fall since this is the first time we have been firm. However, I will say that taking kids they can't play without it means I have been getting physicals I have been asking for FOREVER in my hands so quickly now.

CrazySchoolNurse, LPN · Sep 17, 2019

That is the biggest issue I have when it comes to this, I have no support from any where. The problem is that I am the first licensed nurse they have had in over 10 years and since it is a "private school" they haven't enforced the policies that they wrote.

I have heard time and time again we don't have to we are private.. that doesn't apply to us because we are private...

I recently found out that we do follow under certain state laws and regulations cause I simply asked a question, so know I am getting push back because I am changing things and trying my hardest to bring the school into a compliance status.

BettyGirard, BSN · Sep 17, 2019

I'm not involved at our school. The forms gets submitted to the athletic directors office and I presume get stored in his files. I think he gets audited by the intermural league offices.

BrisketRN, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2019

6 hours ago, msilcox said:
I have heard time and time again we don't have to we are private.. that doesn't apply to us because we are private...
I recently found out that we do follow under certain state laws and regulations cause I simply asked a question, so know I am getting push back because I am changing things and trying my hardest to bring the school into a compliance status.

I'm at a private school and my admin does this ALL the time. We're supposed to be following the laws but we never get audited by the state so admin couldn't care less. I feel your frustration!

SaltineQueen · Sep 18, 2019

Why isn't the athletic trainer in charge of keeping up on physicals? Instead of emailing the AD, I'd walk to his office and tell him to get you the roster. Then, I'd email both the AD and principal with the names of students who need to be pulled (but like it will ever happen) so you have your butt covered. Then, it's up to them.

CanIcallmymom, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2019

Our athletic trainer handles it all here.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Sep 18, 2019

sports physicals are the bane of my career. There is such a rush on them. The packet is huge and i tend to get it handed back to me one page at a time - it's an organizational nightmare. Parents call up fuming that their children can't try-out or play when in reality, they haven't handed in all of their paperwork. I get screamed at every year because i haven't processed all of them by the 4th day of school because i am still tending to matters i feel are of higher priority (vaccine compliance, inputting med orders, med concerns, oh.. and still seeing 45-50 kids per day).

I make a google spreadsheet which i share with the coaches and AD and update it throughout the day as paperwork comes in. The main office secretary has taken to scanning their physicals as well, as generally, someone will insist that I have something that i don't have. it's good to have a backup.

iggywench, BSN, RN · Sep 18, 2019

I guess I'm lucky, being at a large high school in TX. Our licensed athletic trainers are in charge of sports physicals, and will exclude students from participation in athletics if a form is not on file on the first day of practice. Physicals are offered at the school in the spring, and parents have to fill out all of their information online as of this year. I work closely with the trainers to ensure all students with asthma, seizures, severe allergies, etc, have action plans and medication on file. They use a program called Sportswear to manage all of the athletes, as well as the visits the athletes make to them for injuries. I have access to their software, so I can go in and print action plans to have on file in the clinic. This is mainly for the students who self-carry their inhalers.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Sep 19, 2019

I work at a private. Thankfully it is unconventional in terms of educational model, so the Principals (two owners) allow all medical issues to our discretion. They realize the legal implications of what you are going through. Remind them that one lawsuit could close their doors, all to keep parents "happy" for not being pressured to do what is required of them.Parents seem to run privates, especially those who have pockets a little more generously sewn than others. Keep reminding them of the precarious position they are placing everyone in.