Members are discussing the role of non-nursing staff in giving medications in schools, with some expressing concerns about misrepresentation of titles and responsibilities. There is also a conversation about the importance of clarifying job titles and roles to ensure transparency and proper training for staff members providing medical care in educational settings. Additionally, there is a discussion about the challenges and responsibilities faced by school nurses, with some members expressing support for the OP and highlighting the need for clear distinctions in job roles within the healthcare field.
I am a Certified Medical Assistant who is currently being working as the school nurse at a charter school for 6th-12th grade. I just started this position a few months ago. The previous 'School nurse' was not at all experienced in the medical field and I feel a bit overwhelmed at times because I do not have prior training in this area. I was thrown to the lions. The kids are thankfully well behaved but it can still be frustrating some times. I would appreciate any pointers or tips on anything really.
I apologize if I ever seemed like I was attacking OP with nasty comments...no way my intent. I have great respect that she cares about her job the way she does. My contention is with any school that would put her in this position, or the kids in her care. I watch my boss (RN, LSN) having to deal with care plans, IEP, 504 along with all else she has to contend with and I help her in any way I am allowed within my scope. I am lucky that I can deal with hands on care without the minutia of said responsibilities. I do not like that OP's district benefiting from misrepresentation and gaining a financial benefit to OP's detriment. Sounds like she is taking a heck of a lot of responsibilities. It upsets me. I am sorry, OP, if I offended. I do have a lot of respect. A school nurse job, as my boss described, takes a lot of criticism on a daily basis. You have a full plate, and I appreciate all you do.
I apologize if I ever seemed like I was attacking OP with nasty comments...no way my intent. I have great respect that she cares about her job the way she does. My contention is with any school that would put her in this position, or the kids in her care. I watch my boss (RN, LSN) having to deal with care plans, IEP, 504 along with all else she has to contend with and I help her in any way I am allowed within my scope. I am lucky that I can deal with hands on care without the minutia of said responsibilities. I do not like that OP's district benefiting from misrepresentation and gaining a financial benefit to OP's detriment. Sounds like she is taking a heck of a lot of responsibilities. It upsets me. I am sorry, OP, if I offended. I do have a lot of respect. A school nurse job, as my boss described, takes a lot of criticism on a daily basis. You have a full plate, and I appreciate all you do.
The private elementary school my kids attended had no nurse. The school secretary and Principal gave meds, handled emergencies. I didn't think it was right, but it was legal.
It troubled me to see a teacher checking for lice and nits without changing gloves between kids. She got mad when I asked her to change gloves before checking my kids, told me she was experienced and knew the right way. Right. I reported the situation to the County Health Dept. and they sent someone over to provide guidance and assistance. How to make friends...
The middle and high school (in same building as each other, el school far away) did have an RN eventually.
In my state (AZ) a charter school or private school can hire a CNA (certified nurses aid), PCT (patient care technician), MA (medical assistant), LPN or an RN for the health center. Most people think you are a nurse when your working in the health center. Our "public schools" state specifically, you have to be an RN preferably with a BSN. Charter & private schools can skirt around the state mandates. In my opinion all the above could do a fantastic job for basic school day situations. My charter school has several nurses employed as well as CNA,s doing the same thing, of course in their scope of practice. My advice is if someone calls you a nurse (example: your the best school nurse ever...response: I'm a MA but thank you, anyway). just state the fact that your an CNA, MA, etc...and keep doing what your doing.
This site is full information and most of us are here to help each other. Good luck and enjoy!
My friends sister attended a two day cna course with me and she is now the "nurse" for a middle school with no RN or Lpn on site and allowed to administer medications. I think they labeled her a different title like health aide which allows her to administer meds and injections. At first, I didn't think it was legal to have a school "nurse" that didn't actually go to nursing school but it seems like a vey common practice around here. Honestly, I don't agree with having lay people hired as the "school nurse" though.
Is this a public, private or charter school? In my humble opinion......No, she's not the nurse, she's a "health assistant/CNA" who works in the health office at a school. Until she goes to nursing school and passes the state board then she can be called a "nurse". Parents might think she's a nurse and mistakenly call her a nurse, but in reality no nurse credentials = no nurse. Sorry, I know she works hard and went to a 2 day training, but what about diabetic children etc...to many to list...
I was still nervous to give injections at the end of fundentals! I can't imagine being let loose to give meds and insulin unsupervised with no assessment skills whatsoever!
Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.
I was still nervous to give injections at the end of fundentals! I can't imagine being let loose to give meds and insulin unsupervised with no assessment skills whatsoever!
You're nervous because you already know what can go wrong. When you take someone off the street and teach him to do the bare tasks, he doesn't know much more about it. That's why he doesn't understand why he shouldn't call himself a nurse. Sadly, the general public doesn't understand this, either.
The biggest issue to me is parents may mistakenly think there is a registered nurse at their school when instead there is only a trained pill passer. Giving scheduled or even prn home meds doesn't alarm me. Having nobody who can assess, recognize, and react appropriately to health emergencies is an issue.
:roflmao:
DFLPN
10 Posts
I apologize if I ever seemed like I was attacking OP with nasty comments...no way my intent. I have great respect that she cares about her job the way she does. My contention is with any school that would put her in this position, or the kids in her care. I watch my boss (RN, LSN) having to deal with care plans, IEP, 504 along with all else she has to contend with and I help her in any way I am allowed within my scope. I am lucky that I can deal with hands on care without the minutia of said responsibilities. I do not like that OP's district benefiting from misrepresentation and gaining a financial benefit to OP's detriment. Sounds like she is taking a heck of a lot of responsibilities. It upsets me. I am sorry, OP, if I offended. I do have a lot of respect. A school nurse job, as my boss described, takes a lot of criticism on a daily basis. You have a full plate, and I appreciate all you do.