Home Visits

Published

Specializes in School Nursing.

Has anyone ever done a home visit as a school nurse? I have been asked to do 2 visits in the spring in preparation for a medically complicated child to begin attending preschool next year. The little bit of background that I have is that the child just turned 2 and is deaf. He is also trached, vented and has a NJ tube. He is currently being weaned off his ventilator in the hopes that he will be decannulated. At that point it is very likely that he will lose his private home health nurse so we cannot expect that a nurse will accompany him to school. Our district PT has worked with this child weekly for a long time and she approached me about going to the home with her in February and again in May so we can work on a smooth transition to school about which, understandably, his parents are very nervous.

I have been given HUNDREDS of pages of medical records for this child so I am currently reading them and piecing together his health history. I plan on bringing my standard health assessment/history form that I use for all of my students. I also plan to ask about eating and toileting routines and equipment he'll need at school such as his feeding pump, etc. What other information would you want to know in preparation for a child like this? THANKS!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

Too many "what ifs" at this point in time but I would take of every opportunity to get involved and offer input you can instead of letting some dufus decide for you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

I have had a lot of contact with parents prior to the student's arrival, but never a home visit. On the plus side...you can really see what's going on, and Old Dude is right: you could call the shots. On the minus side - even when I was a public health nurse, home visits were not my favorite.

Surely this student qualifies for SPED services? And if the student is so medically fragile, wouldn't it be the school's responsibility to provide a one-on-one nurse so the kid can get his/her free and appropriate public education?

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.
I have had a lot of contact with parents prior to the student's arrival, but never a home visit. On the plus side...you can really see what's going on, and Old Dude is right: you could call the shots. On the minus side - even when I was a public health nurse, home visits were not my favorite.

Surely this student qualifies for SPED services? And if the student is so medically fragile, wouldn't it be the school's responsibility to provide a one-on-one nurse so the kid can get his/her free and appropriate public education?

Good luck!

Oh I'm sure they will qualify also. And if they don't have their own nurse than we provide one if the need is there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion