Narcan for School Nurses?

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Are you all trained in using Narcan at your school?

I've used it in the hospital, but it looks like the push is to get Narcan at school.

I am going to go to NYSSED and research, but am curious about what you do.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
But, ya know? We are NOT a trauma unit. We are a school.

I don't feel comfortable with the Narcan.

I need to research it more. This will be my project tonight. Last time I had a part in it was over 10 years ago, and a doc administered it.

The FDA just approved the nasal spray for common use. I agree it's not a school issue in 95% of schools. Just like rapid strep tests and clinic services don't belong in most schools.

Would you do more than basic first aid for a heart attack or broken bone? Basic and call EMS. Let the PD & first response units carry the narcan. Many schools can't secure standing orders for EpiPens and albuterol two items more likely needed in a school setting. In my area schools contract with a physician for standing orders and stock epi & albuterol. There is a county contracted physician for smaller districts that consults and signs standing orders. This I know is unique/rare.

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I have given Narcan many times but not in a school setting. Former life in EMS it was used frequently in this area. EMS is fairly close by, less than a mile. I don't foresee the need here but in the middle and high school it might not be a bad thing for the nurses there to be trained to give. According to some of my LEO friends this area is a hub of drug activity due to major intersecting interstates, and the problem is just getting worse.

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Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.

I am not a school nurse, but I am wondering how you will determine that respiratory depression is related to opioid use and not some sort of injury or anything else?

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Specializes in kids.

Have you ever seen an opioid overdose? When they talk about pinpoint pupils, they are not kidding!

There are valid reasons on either side of the spectrum, but when I see our statistics (YRBS) and that kids are stating (2 years ago, 2013 test results) that they are using, it is really scary.

When in the next town over, there have been numerous deaths r/t opioid overdose, I am scared.

This epidemic is not getting any better.

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Specializes in School nursing.

Huge amounts of ODs in my state and area and narcan standing orders are now in a few school districts and it is growing by the day. We are still working on standing order Epi at my school. Narcan...I know it is important, but shudder at the thought that we actually need it in schools. The world we live in...

And word to us NOT being an ED. I swear, the expectations on what I am able to accomplish in my office sometimes...

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

the only bill on the table in my state right now is to urge the FDA make Narcan available otc. No movement on the requiring in schools front, yet.

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I am not a school nurse, but I am wondering how you will determine that respiratory depression is related to opioid use and not some sort of injury or anything else?

THIS.

I've seen OD's, but still.

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Huge amounts of ODs in my state and area and narcan standing orders are now in a few school districts and it is growing by the day. We are still working on standing order Epi at my school. Narcan...I know it is important, but shudder at the thought that we actually need it in schools. The world we live in...

And word to us NOT being an ED. I swear, the expectations on what I am able to accomplish in my office sometimes...

A kid just came in and asked for Nicotine patches, and seemed shocked when I didn't have any at my disposal.

Yes. I keep them right here next to the Saltines.

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I think I'm maybe a bit nervous about this. What if I administer Narcan to a kid and I'm wrong? :blink:

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Specializes in 15 years in ICU, 22 years in PACU.
I think I'm maybe a bit nervous about this. What if I administer Narcan to a kid and I'm wrong? :blink:

Nothing. When you look up Narcan, you'll like what you find. Virtually no side effects. It either helps immediately or nothing. You rule out narcotics and can move on to something else, head injury, low blood sugar etc.

EDs frequently use it as a diagnostic tool to find out what something is not.

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Specializes in School nursing.
A kid just came in and asked for Nicotine patches, and seemed shocked when I didn't have any at my disposal.

Yes. I keep them right here next to the Saltines.

Right next to my x-ray machine.

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Nothing. When you look up Narcan, you'll like what you find. Virtually no side effects. It either helps immediately or nothing. You rule out narcotics and can move on to something else, head injury, low blood sugar etc.

EDs frequently use it as a diagnostic tool to find out what something is not.

I meant to look it up, but you, know, The Blue Side...:blink:

Thanks, Mav.

I'm going to read up tonight.

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