$$ to spend

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Well, this is a 'problem' that I bet not many of you have. I am a new school nurse at a Catholic school ages pk-8 and recently got an email from my VP stated we got a $2000 grant for health and fitness stuff and asking what we need. Honestly, it seems to me we have most of the basics to get by and I'm so new I just don't know where the $$ would be best spent. What would you all do if you were in my position? Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

I would LOVE an AED, have students with potential for sudden death.

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Specializes in School health, pediatrics.

It's my first year too. I would want stock epi and albuterol if you dont already have it. And then if there is any left of if I only got a small amount because the gym had needs I would want pads, tampons, and deoderant for boys and girls. Also heavy duty soap and a nail brush.

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Specializes in IMC, school nursing.

Epi is free with Epipens4schools.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

How many diabetics do you have and are they compliant in bringing all their supplies? When I have extra money I spend it on a new glucometer (I'd rather buy one every other year than calibrate), test strips (that's where the real expense is), ketone test strips and glucose tabs. Last year when I had to spend down I also bought a bunch of contact lens cases, a few travel-sized deodorants (which are gone now), a lot of girls' underwear in different sizes, and socks. These are luxury items but I have been glad to have them.

Your $2K won't get you a physician's signature on a standing order for Epi or albuterol but if you could find a very generous doc to write those orders, you could buy albuterol, a nebulizer, some masks, and get the Epi free from Mylan.

Good luck!

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Oh man, what a great problem to have! I would also get an AED if I had that kind of money to spend!

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I would LOVE an AED, have students with potential for sudden death.

I know I've seen a program that helps get AEDs for schools, but I can't remember the name right now. I'll do some Googling.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.
I would LOVE an AED, have students with potential for sudden death.

If you don't have one, definitely spend your money on this.

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.

Don't think this was it, but you can try Greg W. Moyer Fund -- Defibrillators save lives — Let the beat go on!

Looking quick it may only be Pennsylvania??

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Specializes in kids.

Also check with the local fire department or state fire board. They may be aware of grant money to lower the cost of a purchase.

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Specializes in School Nurse, past Med Surge.
I know I've seen a program that helps get AEDs for schools, but I can't remember the name right now. I'll do some Googling.

Funding Sources for Schools | Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

definite yes on the AED if you don't have one. If that's not a need for your school then think of other overall ways that your office can be improved that will benefit all students - if your office air conditioned? If not and you live in an area that may be beneficial, perhaps an a/c unit for your office - 2k probably won't install a central system - but may get you one of those floor units that won't create a security concern should it be installed improperly. Perhaps an air purifyer is more appropriate.

If you need to spend the money on a "get healthy" type initiative you can try to collaborate with the PE teachers to purchase pedometers or (or i'll be there's even an app) and go to a site like toe tokens to purchase the cute little feet and have kids earn little feet for the miles / steps they walk.

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