Topical meds at school

[bourget_4]

Hi There!

I was just wondering can a LVN/LPN apply any topical medication to a student (ie.. Benadryl or calamine) while they are at school without doctors orders?

[Cattz, ADN]

Check with your State on that, I would start by asking the State School Nurse Consultant.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

What does your policy say? Ours has a box that says that unless the parent declines, permission is given for first aid including but not limited to topical anti-itch meds, contact solution, saline for eyes, etc.

Other than that, if it's not provided by a parent, I don't do it.

[nmr79]

Our district has a permit that needs to specify what meds (including cough drops-which is a whole other issue- and Neosporin) are allowed. A parent and the student's pediatrician have to sign it.

[JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN]

What does your policy say? Ours has a box that says that unless the parent declines, permission is given for first aid including but not limited to topical anti-itch meds, contact solution, saline for eyes, etc.

Other than that, if it's not provided by a parent, I don't do it.

Mine does as well, but hydrocortisone and bacitracin are also accounted for under our standing orders from our school physician so there is a doctor's order. I would not apply it without those, to be honest.

[aprilmoss]

We have a district policy on OTC topical stuff that permits it. Don't know if that rises to the level of a medical standing order, but it probably does. We do have MD oversight.