This really happened.

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Y'ALL.

Teacher got me all riled up this morning! Good grief!

Had a student come to my office asking if I had something for asthma. Told the student I didn't. Called home. Mom brought inhaler and went home with paperwork for medication on campus. NBD.

BUT! While we were waiting for mom to arrive, this student tells me their teacher offered them their PERSONAL inhaler but told the student they needed to ask their mom first. :eek::eek::eek: I told the student this is never, ever, EVER ok and to always come to me or the front office if they need something. Student agreed, we went about our conversation waiting for mom to arrive.

During our wait, the teacher in question came to check on the student. Teacher then states "yeah, I offered them my inhaler but I told them they needed to ask their mom first" :bored: I informed said teacher that this is never ok and teachers, staff, non-custodial adults, pigeons, WHOEVER cannot offer students medications. EVER. Teacher responds with "well I just figured it was ok because when I was in school, several friends and I had the same inhaler so our school nurse and my parents said it was ok if I used their inhalers". :banghead: Again, told teacher this isn't an option; even inhalers have different dosages and there are different types and not everyone needs the same treatment. Her response?? "yeah, I know. I've had asthma since I was 5."

Y'all. At this point it is taking every ounce of my being to not come across my desk and scream in this teacher's face WE CANNOT OFFER PERSONAL MEDICATION TO ANY STUDENT!!!!!

I quickly calm my inner rage and, AGAIN, reiterate that this is not an option. EVER. Teacher then asks "but, what about in an emergent situation?" :mad::mad::mad::mad:

My first thought? I'm about to SHOW you an emergent situation!!!!

My actual response? "NO. Students who are experiencing any kind of emergency need to be assessed by me. If they can walk, they need to be assisted to my office. If they're unable to walk, I need to be called so that I can come to them. At that point, I will notify 911 if I feel the situation warrants it."

I'm now in the process of making a video that will be posted to the online faculty meeting next week to discuss WHY WE CAN'T GIVE PERSONAL MEDICATION TO A STUDENT.

I agree with halohg. Administration needs to deal with this. This is a medical crisis and horrible lawsuit waiting to happen. Who in their right mind thinks they can give a kid medication all willy nilly? I think the teacher needs a one-on-one explanation of state laws and school policy.

YEP! Lawsuit was exactly what crossed my mind as well!!

I have student with long QT syndrome and a congenital heart defect, her albuterol inhaler could kill him. I cannot believe an adult would offer their own personal inhaler to a student. Even without considering contraindications, do you really want another person's mouth on your inhaler? Ew.

EXACTLY!! I tried sooooo hard to explain that not everyone can use albuterol but it just went WOOOOSH right over her head! I mean, she HAS had asthma since she was 5, so I guess you could say she is an expert in it! :sarcastic: But let's NOT forget infection control. Have you ever heard of "flu season". It's kinda a big deal.

OMG, I cant even with one! REALLY??? She thought THAT was a good idea!! WHAT AN IDIOT!:banghead::banghead::banghead:

Ha! I couldn't help but picture Hermione Granger from Harry Potter...

Specializes in School Nursing.

Best Oprah Voice:

YOU GET A PUFF, YOU GET A PUFF, AND YOU GET A PUFF

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

These are the ones shaping and molding the future of America...It was a funny story to read Keeper cuz I think we all can relate, thank you!

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I actually googled "pigeon inhaler" and found artwork for it on the internet.

But seriously...where was the common sense this morning? I mean, it's not even Friday yet! Gotta keep it together for at least 24 more hours, folks.

That's one aggressive inhaler. "I will bronchodilate you!!!!"

That is a true #WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot

#WhatTheFocalin

Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
"I will bronchodilate you!!!!"

Sweet Petunia is going to be so happy you gave me this idea.

Another one in agreement - report this teacher to your Principal. What she was doing is against the law. But arguing with you (the medical professional and in front of a student) is inexcusable.

These are the ones shaping and molding the future of America...It was a funny story to read Keeper cuz I think we all can relate, thank you!

Man oh man. Common sense is a dying trait. I seriously over estimate how many people actually have it!!

"I will bronchodilate you!!!!"

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

Specializes in school nurse.

Here's a thought:

If you were waiting for 911 for an asthmatic who (had no inhaler) and was going rapidly downhill, would you dose them from another student's MDI? (Mind you, you know it's the same med and strength.)

Honestly, if the kid was turning blue before my eyes, I probably would...

Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

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