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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.

Specializes in Psychiatry, Community, Nurse Manager, hospice.

Several years ago I personally knew a teacher who was fired for giving a student an antacid. Fired.

Several years ago I personally knew a teacher who was fired for giving a student an antacid. Fired.

Can we not find a middle ground?

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

This wins the internets, people.

Teachers have a certification to uphold, just like I have a license. Preeeeety sure that sharing medication with a student puts your cert at risk.

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
Can we not find a middle ground?

Sadly, in this litigious society - no I don't think we can.

Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
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Julius, you are the best. You and Davey Do.

Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

sooo...i had to print the pigeon inhaler first and foremost. it's going on my wall.

Next - I have a little confession to make - I make a really good threat, but I don't throw out inhalers that aren't picked up - i mean not all of them. Especially sealed ones that are far from expiring. I have even been known to keep an open one that's been replaced if it has a long shelf life for this exact scenario.

Outrageous! God bless you!

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