Ridiculous things. This is a new one one me.

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Have any of you EVER had dr. orders to give Ritalin 3 times a day at school? To be exact--- before breakfast and lunch (7:45 and 11:45) and at 2:30? I am still shaking my head on this one. :no: :sarcastic: Just to explain a little further-- the 2:30 dose is at motherdearests' request so the kids aren't sooooo wild and crazy when they get home!!! pullleeeeez

Looks like you broke your own rule right in the same post you stated the rule...:laugh:

Hahhahaahahahahahha!!!

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
so she wants you to administer medications 25 minutes before school starts?? When do you get there? Is there a piece that would justify this like a long bus ride or something along those lines? I know that i'd raise cain about giving meds before the school bell even begins. Then again at lunch then LESS than three hours later before the day ends. Does the parent know that there are XR meds?

That was my question... Why not just switch to an XR? Concerta worked wonders for my son, but we did end up adding in a tiny bit of Ritalin at home to help until the other kicked in.

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I would check the daily max mg strength per age/weight as well. Don't want to overdose the sweet child. Doctor and Mother of the year.

Thats ts the other thing. If we were in a hospital setting & gave a medication outside of appropriate parameters, it could come back to bite our butt. I assume the same would apply in a school setting?? Buck stops with the nurse.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
That was my question... Why not just switch to an XR? Concerta worked wonders for my son, but we did end up adding in a tiny bit of Ritalin at home to help until the other kicked in.

I can add there could be a cost element involved, insurance coverage, etc. I know you can buy a bucket full of generic Ritalin for what you pay for a month of Concerta - even now that Concerta's patent ran out and there is generic Concerta available.

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It's crazy what's expected some times. I'm glad you're following up on that dosing schedule.

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I had morning med orders come in this year stating to give medication at 7am. We start at 8:35. Mom could not understand why I needed that clarified BEFORE giving the med. Same mom also asked if i could her kid "an extra dose because I can't have him acting up tonight". No, nope, not happening.

Some parents just don't get it. We are not trying to make their life difficult, we just following policy/procedure/law and trying to stay within our scope of practice.

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I personally have a child with ADHD,LD.... He takes Ritalin at 0630,1030(school) and 1430(school). His 1430 dose isn't for my sanity, it's to get him through the rest of the school day and through homework. It's been his regimen for years, and works well. These doses of Ritalin have a life of about 4 hours

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
That was my question... Why not just switch to an XR? Concerta worked wonders for my son, but we did end up adding in a tiny bit of Ritalin at home to help until the other kicked in.

I absolutely love this idea. IF only I could make it happen.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
Thats ts the other thing. If we were in a hospital setting & gave a medication outside of appropriate parameters, it could come back to bite our butt. I assume the same would apply in a school setting?? Buck stops with the nurse.

I checked that out too. Doesn't exceed the max dose. Dangit...again.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
I can add there could be a cost element involved, insurance coverage, etc. I know you can buy a bucket full of generic Ritalin for what you pay for a month of Concerta - even now that Concerta's patent ran out and there is generic Concerta available.

Well, WE are paying for it with out tax dollars.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.
Well, WE are paying for it with out tax dollars.

Then if it is like here, order anything, it doesn't matter what the cost. My not-child is on medicaid and received a huge tube of bactroban for a staph infection, my kids with insurance were given a tube 1/3 the size and I had to pay $19. Unfortunately our pseudo foster kid got his after our kids.

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..
I had morning med orders come in this year stating to give medication at 7am. We start at 8:35. Mom could not understand why I needed that clarified BEFORE giving the med. Same mom also asked if i could her kid "an extra dose because I can't have him acting up tonight". No, nope, not happening.

Some parents just don't get it. We are not trying to make their life difficult, we just following policy/procedure/law and trying to stay within our scope of practice.

I love you Becky!! Heck, after reading those last 3 sentences...we all love you!! :inlove:

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