Vaseline without parental permission?

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We routinely use vaseline for a variety of reasons, but now one of my colleagues is being questioned for putting vaseline on a child without the parent's permission. She expected a phone call or note that vaseline was applied. Another parent chimed in that lotion shouldn't be used either, without parental permission, and we are talking about basic lotion, no bath and body works stuff. We do not apply aloe, calamine lotion, sunscreen, or neosporin without MD authorization - we don't even keep that stuff in our office. But now lotion and vaseline are an issue???

Do any of you actually have parental permission slips for lotion and/or vaseline???

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Specializes in School Nursing, Ambulatory Care, etc..

Like you, lotion and vaseline (plain, no cocoa butter) are the only things we do have. In the past there was one parent who fussed about lotion being put on her LD, however this is a parent that is well know for her...um...overprotective precautions.

If we needed permission from the parent for vaseline and lotion, then I would start to question why they need an RN at the school at all! (I know there are more serious issues, but the fact that I can't even offer triple ABX or 1% hydrocortisone drives me crazy).

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Specializes in pediatrics, School LVN.

I don't have lotion for students, but we we do give students vaseline for their lips. I have never had a parent complaint. The teachers and secretaries do allow students to use their lotion, again never had a complaint. I guess you could try sending a reverse consent (sign and return if you don't want your student to have access to lotion and or vaseline). It's really getting ridiculous, pretty soon we'll have to get permission to hand out kleenex.

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Specializes in School Nursing.

Our school MD wrote the order. In our handbook it says what is at the Health office (triple abx, hydrocortizone, lotion, tums, vaseline, lotion, cough drops, etc.) and that unless notified directly they've given permission by acknowledging the handbook via whatever they click/sign is their permission.
We do ask for separate permission for Tylenol/Ibuprofen to be given.

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Specializes in Pediatrics Retired.

I routinely apply vaseline to chapped/cracked lips and I have "Sensitive" skin Lubriderm on hand for use as needed...without permission or MD order.

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That's crazy that you've received complaints over that. I've never asked for permission to give lotion (again, plain ol' unscented lotion) or Vaseline. I've never received a complaint either...knock on wood.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

What does your policy say you may do?

Ours implies we may do the following: Lotion, Vaseline, mints. I don't do mints and I hate Vaseline but if it keeps a kid in school - eh.

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Specializes in School Nurse.

Get me off this crazy world. ?

BTW - TAO (triple antibiotic ointment) has sulfa in it and some people are allergic.

Have mom provide what she wants for LD. If you really want to stick it have a medication form filled out by MD "to be allowed to keep in clinic". :cheeky:

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7 minutes ago, ruby_jane said:

What does your policy say you may do?

Ours implies we may do the following: Lotion, Vaseline, mints. I don't do mints and I hate Vaseline but if it keeps a kid in school - eh.

Argh! The mints...if staff doesn't stop handing mints out to students before they get to me, I might go crazy!!!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
15 minutes ago, jess11RN said:

Argh! The mints...if staff doesn't stop handing mints out to students before they get to me, I might go crazy!!!

You know, I don't hand out mints because I don't believe in them. (Folds hands primly). Mints are a choking hazard here in the elementary. And remember...it's YOUR nursing practice. Don't let anyone else tell you you have to give a mint!

But the nurse at RJ Junior's school has 3K kids so the mints are in a basket (along with cups for water, pads, and band aids) and the kids help themselves.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.
18 minutes ago, tining said:

Get me off this crazy world. ?

BTW - TAO (triple antibiotic ointment) has sulfa in it and some people are allergic.

Have mom provide what she wants for LD. If you really want to stick it have a medication form filled out by MD "to be allowed to keep in clinic". :cheeky:

That's exactly why I DON'T! "Nurse do you have TAO?" No, I have soap and water. It's better.

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I wholeheartedly believe that no matter what I do there will be a parent who complains. Our parent body is full of whiners. I give out lotion or Vaseline if I'm asked directly. I keep it in a drawer where the kids can't see it, so I'm not asked often.

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