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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.

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Specializes in Community and Public Health, Addictions Nursing.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]27844[/ATTACH]

I actually googled "pigeon inhaler" and found artwork for it on the internet.

But seriously...where was the common sense this morning? I mean, it's not even Friday yet! Gotta keep it together for at least 24 more hours, folks.

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This teacher needs to be counseled by the administration. I would not expect anything less than that she be written up. That is extremely poor judgement on so many levels.

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I agree with halohg. Administration needs to deal with this. This is a medical crisis and horrible lawsuit waiting to happen. Who in their right mind thinks they can give a kid medication all willy nilly? I think the teacher needs a one-on-one explanation of state laws and school policy.

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[ATTACH=CONFIG]27844[/ATTACH]

I actually googled "pigeon inhaler" and found artwork for it on the internet.

But seriously...where was the common sense this morning? I mean, it's not even Friday yet! Gotta keep it together for at least 24 more hours, folks.

Hahaha oh my gosh!! I'm still trying to figure out WHY this image exists!!! I'm dying over here :roflmao:

I'm not entirely sure common sense is part of this teacher's orificenal. I mean. C'mon now! WHO DOES THIS?!

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Specializes in School Nursing, Pediatrics.

OMG, I cant even with one! REALLY??? She thought THAT was a good idea!! WHAT AN IDIOT!:banghead::banghead::banghead:

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This teacher needs to be counseled by the administration. I would not expect anything less than that she be written up. That is extremely poor judgement on so many levels.

Admin was IMMEDIATELY notified on my end. The video is their response to it. Now, that doesn't mean they won't, or haven't, pulled this teacher aside yet. My admin doesn't play when it comes to student safety so I'd be willing to bet something will come of it. I'm just not privy to that info.

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Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..
[ATTACH=CONFIG]27844[/ATTACH]

I actually googled "pigeon inhaler" and found artwork for it on the internet.

But seriously...where was the common sense this morning? I mean, it's not even Friday yet! Gotta keep it together for at least 24 more hours, folks.

I kinda want to get that blown up to poster size and hang in it my health room!

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Specializes in Community and Public Health, Addictions Nursing.

Glad the picture made you laugh! But yeah, on a more serious note Keeper- I agree with the others posting. That's a serious lapse in the teacher's judgement and also shows some pretty hefty disregard for your role at school. I would make sure my supervisor and other appropriate individuals know.

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Specializes in kids.

That is a true #WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot

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I have student with long QT syndrome and a congenital heart defect, her albuterol inhaler could kill him. I cannot believe an adult would offer their own personal inhaler to a student. Even without considering contraindications, do you really want another person's mouth on your inhaler? Ew.

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Specializes in Community and Public Health, Addictions Nursing.
I kinda want to get that blown up to poster size and hang in it my health room!

This picture plus your turkey door are sure going to make for one heck of a health room!

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