I'm back...with questions

Specialties School

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Hi all-I decided to come back. This year is tough with diabetics/seizures/CF and a variety of other health issues. I still STRUGGLE and question whether or not I made the right choice. I had a possible position that was presented to me which would be a pretty significant increase in pay and no direct patient care that is still awaiting approval from the hospital. I am pretty sure I will take it if it comes to me.

Anyways random question. Do any of you use essential oils for ailments in your office? I have a nurse in my area that does and swears it decreases visits and less OTC meds. I'm on the fence about how I feel about it.

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The placebo effect is a great thing! I use aloe, I call it magic boo-boo cream, it fixes everything. (elementary school) No oils in my office-ever.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

No, never ever. Oils are a pain in my backside.

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Specializes in school nurse.

I give out organic peppermints (higher peppermint oil content, less sugar) as an anti-emetic. Haven't crunched the data yet, but anecdotally kids report some relief.

I went to an inservice last year for our department, given by a speaker from Boston Children's Hospital. They work with oils with some kids for migraines. Our director was open to the idea, but only if someone on staff got more training. (Hard to find reputable training on essential oils...)

Of course, allergies/respiratory irritation is always something to think about when using oils.

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Specializes in school nurse.
The placebo effect is a great thing! I use aloe, I call it magic boo-boo cream, it fixes everything. (elementary school) No oils in my office-ever.

Why use boo-boo cream when saltines are available?

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Specializes in Home Health,Dialysis, MDS, School Nurse.

I don't use EO's for student issues but I do run a diffuser in my office for my personal enjoyment. I also use sparingly on my own kids - lavender for burns is fantastic, and if they are congested - thieves or RC at night. I don't go overboard.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

NO, NO, and NO. Even with a MD order. Medications at school must be approved by the FDA for use with whatever condition it is being prescribed for or intended to be used for. We've had doctors send notes to school for us to apply XYZ oil on the temples at noon for ADHD...NO, NO, and NO!

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No oils at school. We were told if we had an MD order (not a chiropractor) we could use. We have yet to receive an order. They are not FDA approved and we are working under a license. I do diffuse in my own home. Helps with the doggy smell. :)

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I do think most of them smell "purty."

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Specializes in school nurse.
I do think most of them smell "purty."

And that could save your life if you have a third grade boy take off both his shoes and socks in your office...

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I'm working on an EO situation right now as well. A mother wants the oil (to be applied topically) along with GasX available in the Health Office for a tummy issue they've been dealing with. It sounds like our district will allow it if a doctor orders it but I'd prefer not to have it here. The kid is only here for 6 hours so I think the oil is something they should be able to apply at home if they want to and we can use the GasX during the school day. We're just at the beginning of this discussion so we'll see where it goes.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I'm working on an EO situation right now as well. A mother wants the oil (to be applied topically) along with GasX available in the Health Office for a tummy issue they've been dealing with. It sounds like our district will allow it if a doctor orders it but I'd prefer not to have it here. The kid is only here for 6 hours so I think the oil is something they should be able to apply at home if they want to and we can use the GasX during the school day. We're just at the beginning of this discussion so we'll see where it goes.

The MD order doesn't relieve the school, and you, of responsibility that could arise from any wonder of imagination. The parent can come to school and apply it as long as it would not negatively affect another student.

Just say one gets a MD order to "tape AAA battery behind each ear from 10 until 2:00 for ADD." What's the difference in this and an order to apply EOs for a medical condition?

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