OTC meds....... and a few other questions <3

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Hey yall!!! I am SO excited!!! :heartbeat tmw I am going to set up my office at school!! :heartbeat

I do have a question... I know that we don't give any OTC's w/o a dr's order but what about topical ointments like TAO? If a kid skins his knee would I just cleanse and apply a band-aid? or can I apply TAO before I put the band-aid on? Coming from the hospital enviroment where I could easily call and get the order or in some cases we had standing orders, I am wondering how that works.

Also... does everyone have their vision and hearing certification?? I didnt even know that exsisted lol, until today when I was talking to a school nurse friend... I registered for vision, but the hearing class doesnt start until after school starts :(

Im getting a little nervous lol... its going to be SO different!! But thats also why I am so excited!!!

And if yall can think of any silly mistakes that youve seen other new school nurses make or if there are any frustrating things youve seen done my other nurses.... I'm open for some advice!!!

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Specializes in School Nursing.

We have standing orders for all OTC meds we give. In the high school where I work it includes antibiotic ointment, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, Visene, Epi-Pen and maybe a few other things I can't think of right now. I know our elementary schools have a more limited list. We do not have standing orders for tylenol or ibuprofen-parents must get a physicians order for those.

I am unaware of vision/hearing certification. I know I learned that while getting my school nurse certification, so maybe in Pennsylvania it is part of that.

Enjoy your new job!!

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Check with your local school nurse association and see if there is a school nurse orientation.

http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=60

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Specializes in school nursing.

Every district is different as far as standing orders / OTC meds. In my district - we do not administer anything OTC without a Dr. order. Good old soap and water is my standby as well as teaching wound care to the student.

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We have protocols written by our Medical director at our health dept. Each school nurse has a copy of all of our

protocols. The parent must sign a consent for nursing services at the school if they want me to give the student any medications. (OTC).

BTW, I work for a health dept. not the school system.

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