I'm a couple of weeks into working at a private school and I noticed the previous nurse gave OTC medications if the parents signed a form giving permission to administer. The form has Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Benadryl (topical and oral) Tums, Hydrocortisone, Antibiotic ointment, cough drops.
New form created before the previous nurse left includes the same meds but adds a line for the physicians sig and that the nurse would follow the dosage instructions on the box.
My previous school nurse position preferred that OTC medications be given outside of school hours unless there was a specific need. We also needed a medication administration form filled out with a PRN order, MD signature and the medication provided with pharmacy label.
I do want to help the kids feel better, and I want to avoid parent uproar, however the thought of following this current school's OTC form makes me nervous. (litigation:unsure:)
Am I being a nervous nelly or do you feel more schools should implement a process like this?
