Nurses on field trips

Updated:   Published

I'm in NY and having difficulty getting clear-cut answers on when a nurse needs to attend a field trip (middle school students). I had one nurse tell me that if any liquid meds will need to be administered, a nurse must go... another told me that if there are any students with a seizure hx then a nurse must go... another told me a nurse must go if any parent requests it... another told me that a nurse must go if any diabetic students are going. Are there guidelines on this somewhere? What is your policy? I have field trips 3 days next week and not much time to plan for a sub in my office if I have to go along.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
What Members Are Saying (AI-Generated Summary)

Members are discussing the guidelines and policies for when a nurse needs to attend a field trip with middle school students. Some mention specific criteria such as the need for nursing judgment, administration of certain medications, or the presence of emergency medication like insulin or glucagon. Others mention delegating medication administration to teachers or parents, and the importance of having clear protocols in place.

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

i don't know how helpful you'll find this, as i'm not in NY, but our "nurse on field trip" policy was developed by the board of ed here. We send a nurse on all field trips except those that are going to other schools and those that have less than 10 kids AND no meds that would require a nurse. The latter was a recent change due to the inability to find coverage (not due to lack of trying).

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

My district sends a nurse if nursing judgement has to be used. So basically Diabetic and seizure kids WITH emergency medication are the only time we send a nurse. We always off for the parent to go first. Daily medication can be given by a teacher here

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics, school nursing.

Our procedure is that we send a nurse if a student requires nursing judgement for the administration of a medication or special training to administer the medication (i.e. the medication cannot be delegated to unlicensed staff). So, if a student has a seizure disorder and has rectal diastat, a nurse would have to go; Students with diabetes who have insulin/glucagon, a nurse would have to go. Students who require meds via G-tube, a nurse would have to go. If the student in question has a 1:1 nurse or an aide that normally administers the meds, that person would suffice.

We train classroom teachers and specialists in the recognition of anaphylaxis and in the administration of epi-pens so that may be delegated as well.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

We only send a nurse if a student is diabetic or a student has a 504 plan that a nurse must attend with them. I send the inhalers and epi pens in a backpack (filled with bandaids...etc..) with the classroom teacher and they can give as needed.

Also, maybe see if the parent can go with the student as a chaperone as well.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the input! Sounds like I'm thinking along the lines of what most of you are already doing. My diabetic isn't going, and no seizure students who have meds. Mostly inhalers, epipens, and a couple of daily meds which I've already got covered. Thanks for your help!

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion