Xanax in school?

[Flare]

I had a parent come in to bring me a bottle of Xanax for a student and stated that she is going to get an order for him to be able to have one prn during the day in case of anxiety. I haven't had a chance to talk to the school psych about this - but this really doesn't make me comfortable. I know schedule II meds like addarall are not uncommon for a school, but this isn't sitting well with me. Anyone have any experience with this in a school setting?

[MinnieMomRN]

update: The doctor faxed me an order for 0.125 mg at 11 am if needed for anxiety. I had faxed a note to state that I would like to be called, but that didn't happen. Spoke to the school psych about this - she does not necessarily feel that this student is having anxiety that needs to be controlled with Xanax - rather that this student is more so trying to avoid work. Our plan is to phone the doctor together to speak to him about this order. The other concern is that the kid took one 0.25 mg dose in the am and was completely snowed by it and had to be picked up by 10:45.

Ahh - this situation is giving me agita... now I need a xanax :hdvwl:

It's PRN... therefore it's "if needed". In your nursing judgement, it's NOT needed because the kid is already groggy. You are being a good nurse, following your nursing judgement. Just because some doc gets pressured to write the order, does not mean you have to be pressured to administer. Stand your ground Flare. You are totally supported here!! :redbeathe

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

Just wanted to update you. The Xanax order was d/c'd and the student was given different meds to take @ home. :anpom:Thanks to everyone who gave me feedback on this issue

[Kim O'Therapy, BSN, RN]

i spoke to the parent again, who was pretty insistent that since i had an order that i am obligated to give the med. I then placed a call to our school physician who didn't necessarily express my concerns of a 13 y.o. taking this particular drug at school, but rather the vague parameters to give it. I also placed a call to the ordering doc and left a message to set up a call between the doctor, the school psych and me. at this point i have not given the med - and my intention is that should i be forced to, it will certainly not be given if the student seems drowsy to begin with. The fact is that this student usually appears drowsy.

Am I making a big stink out of nothing? Should I just go along with this order, withholding for drowsiness??

No. I agree with your caution. I would do the same thing, especially for a "PRN" anxiety medication. Is it me, or are children handed medication for everything these days? If this child has PTSD or a legitimate reason for the medication, I would prefer it be scheduled or the parent give it "as needed". Just my .