Staying home day after fever?

[nyy2]

Just wondering what you all do with the kids who come in the day after having a fever? They are supposed to be staying home for 24 hours after the fever, but of course that rule is not frequently followed by parents.

I had a kiddo go home with a 101 fever at lunch time yesterday - and teacher is freaking out because he is here today. His temp this AM was 98.0 - I told her he is fever free and feels totally fine, so I can't force him to go home. It was already like pulling teeth yesterday to get someone to pick him up yesterday!

[nursetlm, ADN]

I am firm with the 24 hour rule- must be fever free without the aid of medication. Last year I let alot of things slide, but this year- I am on top of things. lol

[AdobeRN]

We are firm with the 24 hour policy. When a parent picks up their fever kid I hand them a little note I typed up stating the policy and I verbally tell them student is to stay home tomorrow and tell them the policy that way they can't come back and say they didn't know :)

Since it is district policy the absences are excused - sometimes that eases the parents minds a bit knowing that their kid can't be penalized for school policy if they should end up with truancy issues later on.

[tining, BSN, RN]

I also document in my notes 'fever rule gone over with parent' Busted every time

[NutmeggeRN, BSN]

And then there are those who are home for a week with the sniffles...

[tech1000]

If the child is fine, I feel like 24 hours is a lot. The germs spread long before the kid got a fever, so does it really matter? And some parents could face losing their jobs if they call out every time their kid gets sick. If their kid is feeling well enough to go to school, fine.