NY School Nurses Daycare Mandate?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Hello,

Are there any other New York State school nurses, that are being required by their district to work at local daycare facilities during the coronavirus crisis? The state requires that districts assist parents who are first responders, to find daycare for their children.

I recently found out that nurses in my district will be required to work at a local daycare in the morning, and to be on call for the daycare until evening. The details are still very fuzzy at this point, which is increasing our anxiety levels. Several of us are very concerned about the safety, legality, and liability aspects of working for our school district, and being asked to also "work" for the daycare.

Anybody else going through this? Thanks for any thoughts!

(Intentionally being a little bit vague, to try and protect myself!)

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Hi, I haven't heard about mandates, but I was asked if I could work in a care center for children of health care workers, those that are working in hospitals. I start Monday as I'm pleased to be there for them, but for sure I understand your concerns. Legally, it's been described as 'best practices' or something similar. So, I'm confident in adhering to the Nurse Practice Act and work experience.

Personally, my concern is my age bracket, in my 60's, and the reality is we are working with the children of our amazing peers who are 'on the front lines'. But because of that, the issue of one or more of them being a carrier is not lost on me though, so I understand your concerns on a couple of different levels.

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Oh I forgot, I'm from and work in NY : )

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We have not been asked in my area in Virginia, but I can imagine you are having some anxiety over it. I completely understand the need for childcare, but would wonder if that isn't dangerous to have the kids together, in a group. I have asthma, so I have literally been home since March 13th, when the governor shut us down. I have been outside, but not in any store or restaurant. I feel like this is such a scary time. ((hugs)) to you!

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Specializes in M.Ed., BSN, CSN.

I'm confused. In what capacity will you be working at a daycare? Is it a daycare for medically fragile children? Why are nurses being required to work at a daycare?

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I haven't heard or received any notice that nurses are required to work at a daycare.

The best thing to do would probably be to just ask 'your district' more about it since that's where you said it came from. They could best provide the answer for you.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Thank you for your comments! It looks like my district is going in another direction, and I am very relieved. There was so much uncertainty with regard to what exactly our responsibilities would be at the daycare, and we couldn't get any solid answers! It was not for medically fragile children, just a regular daycare...

Stay safe, everyone!

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