Seriously ???

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I had mailed asthma care plan to this particular parent who's daughter has asthma.

This is the care plan that the physician is to fill out and return to the clinic. Parents are supposed to bring an inhaler in so that we have it while kid is in school.

This care plan came in about a month ago, but no inhaler.

I just got off of the phone with the Mother. I told her that the order is here, and we are just awaiting the inhaler.

Mother states: Oh.... I thought the doctor would send you the inhaler too. What ???

Uhhh.....NO !! That's your job !

Specializes in Peds, Oncology.
OK, I'm back. I am not a school nurse. I have more confidence in kids than you do. Inflammatory, not really, just a different perspective. I will just leave at that.

More confidence in kids than we do? Because you get to know them oh so well in those few minutes you spend with them in the office, as you are rushing them out to get to your next patient? Of course all kids are going to sugarcoat and pretend like they understand everything you are telling them in an asthma and allergy appt, I've been there done that, as an asthma parent. And then we get home and I start asking my son things, and realize he captured none of it, because he felt so overwhelmed!

Us school nurses are the ones who see these kids day in and day out, educate them day in a day out, teach them how to use these inhalers day in and day out, how to use a spacer properly day in a day out, how to manage their asthma day in a day out (now Johnny, why didn't you take your Advair this morning... this is why it's SO important.. this is why you should take your ProAir BEFORE gym not after). We have SO much confidence in these kids, that's why we spend so much time INVESTING in HELPING them!

Office nurses haven't been in a position with a kid who is supposed to "self carry" in THIRD grade, but has no inhaler, and is retracting, nasal flaring, o2 at 85%, audible wheezing, and when you ask the kid where their inhaler is, she shrugs her shoulders. It's heartbreaking, because I could help her INSTANTLY if I HAD POSSESSION of the inhaler myself. I have been in that position TWICE this school year with this SAME student, calling EMS each time. Now, explain to me how that is more efficient than the kid self carrying? Mom says she is the "most responsible third grader she knows!" Hmmm...

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Specializes in School Nurse. Having conversations with littles..

Sassy- You get the standing ovation of the day!! Thanks. Good work!!

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Sassy- You get the standing ovation of the day!! Thanks. Good work!!

I second that!! Sassy - so well stated!!!

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Specializes in kids.
I just think that by 9 to 10 year olds.... Many kids are able to recognize symptoms and use an inhaler appropriately . I have served as a camp nurse to this population, and I certainly understand that there are exceptions to that rule..... But I believe in individualizing goals. ( and full disclosure I didn't let kids keep their inhalers due to policy.... But I did give them to their counselors )

And I am sure there was sound reasoning behind their policy. That's why they developed it. No doubt in conjunction with a medical provider who understands.

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I've got a great example here... sixth grader, ideally SHOULD be able to self carry and administer. Everyday comes in and says he forgot it at home so he cannot do PE. Can't get a hold of mom, left messages. Kid is apathetic about it. Frustrating.

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I have a kid allergic to bees. We have an allergy action plan in place for him, just no epi-pen. I, and the previous nurse, have called multiple times to ask her to send one to school. We have "stock" pens to use, but I can't send those on a field trip with him. Parents don't seem concerned. :grumpy:

I know it's sad. I have talked to one mother whose kid is allergic to peanuts, and cannot buy epi-pen. Not because she is not concerned, but because she does not have $1,300 to buy epi-pen

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I know it's sad. I have talked to one mother whose kid is allergic to peanuts, and cannot buy epi-pen. Not because she is not concerned, but because she does not have $1,300 to buy epi-pen

Where are you getting EpiPens for $1300? A two pack is $130 cash and you can get coupons from the manufacturer to reduce the cost. All children are supposed to be insured whether commercial, CHiP, or marketplace which this would be covered at least at a discount. I was uninsured and was able to get w 2 pack at Walmart for less than $90. Costco often has low prices and they can't require membership to access the pharmacy There is no place in the US that 2 EpiPens cost $1300!!!

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Specializes in kids.
Where are you getting EpiPens for $1300? A two pack is $130 cash and you can get coupons from the manufacturer to reduce the cost. All children are supposed to be insured whether commercial, CHiP, or marketplace which this would be covered at least at a discount. I was uninsured and was able to get w 2 pack at Walmart for less than $90. Costco often has low prices and they can't require membership to access the pharmacy There is no place in the US that 2 EpiPens cost $1300!!!

Holy Yeeps! Locally a duopack is $329!!

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