SCHOOL NURSE SERVICES
The nurse is responsible for administering first aid, maintaining high standards of personal hygiene among students, vision screening, audiometer testing, processing insurance claims, weighing and measuring students and informing teachers regarding unique health needs of pupils.
HEALTH RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS
Here are some handy tips to keep your child healthy during the school year.
PLEASE KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Illness during the night or in the morning before school.
2. Fever is present (100.0 or over) or has been in the previous 24 hours.
3. Complaints of nausea (upset stomach or vomiting) headache or abdominal distress, (stomach ache, cramps or diarrhea) prior to leaving for school.
4. Development of a rash on the face or body.
5. Has severe cold, cough, or sore throat.
6. Has inflamed, red itchy eyes with a discharge.
7. Head lice or nits.
REMEMBER:
An ill child cannot function properly in the classroom. The spread of disease through class or school can be contained if the sick children remain home during the acute stage of an illness. If any of the above is detected by the school nurse, your child will be sent home.
SCHOOL REGULATIONS REGARDING EXCLUSION OF PUPILS:
A) FEVER (oral temp of 100 degrees or more) - child may return 24 hours after temperature has returned to normal without the aid of Tylenol, etc.
B) VOMITING OR DIARRHEA - child may return after 24 hours of the most recent episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
C) STREP THROAT - any child who has been cultured for possible strep throat should not attend school while awaiting the culture report.
- if the results are negative, your child may return as long as no other symptoms are present.
- if the results are positive, your child must be on medication and without fever for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
D) When a child is absent or sent home ill from school, that child is not permitted to participate in any school-related activities for that day or evening.
PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL WHEN:
1. Your child is going to be absent.
2. Symptoms of communicable diseases are present. (rash, swollen glands, etc.)
3. Your child is hospitalized.
4. You need to have your child dismissed early for a doctor's appointment.
OBTAIN A NOTE FROM THE DOCTOR IF:
1. Your child is to take medication in school (prescriptions or over the counter.) Medication cannot be given without written consent from the parent and a written request from the doctor. All medication must be in original containers.
2. Your child has received an examination or vaccine.
3. Your child is absent from school 3 consecutive days or more for an illness or injury.
4. Your child has a communicable disease- child will not be readmitted without release from the doctor.
5. Your child has an unidentified rash or nuisance disease such as impetigo, scabies, poison ivy or head lice.
6. Your child has a medical condition we should be aware of (diabetes, heart disease, asthma, etc.)
7. Your child is unable to participate in certain activities due to injury or illness.
SEND A NOTE TO SCHOOL:
1. Child is returning after an illness (stating reason for absence).
2. When the information on the child's emergency card changes (Telephone number, parents place of employment).
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
All students suspected of having a contagious or infectious disease are excluded from school by the school nurse until such disease is diagnosed and treated by a physician or is completely cleared. When a student returns after a contagious or infectious illness, it is recommended that a certificate from the family physician be presented to the school nurse.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
Prior to entrance to school, children are required to have a physical examination by the family physician.
ACCIDENTS
First aid is administered in case of accident or sudden illness occurring in school. A teacher may do this if a nurse is not immediately available. Parents are contacted if an accident of a serious nature occurs and arrangements made for the child to go to the family physician or the nearest physician.
INSURANCE
There are two optional student accident insurance policies available to all children at a nominal cost:
1. Protection provided for students while in school, for school-sponsored activities, and on the way to and from school
2. Protection 24 hours a day regardless of whether the child is at school or elsewhere
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION DURING SCHOOL TIME
Policy 701A - ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION: the administration of medication in the school should be avoided whenever possible. Medication is not permitted in school unless prescribed by a physician and in accordance with this policy. Medication shall be administered in accordance with the following policy procedures:
1. The parent or guardian shall provide a written request for the administration of the prescribed medication at school.
2. The student's (private) physician shall provide written orders to the school.
3. The medication must be brought to the school in the original container, appropriately labeled by the pharmacy.
4. The school will provide a secure, locked space for the safe storage of medication. Prescription drugs are to be kept locked at all times. Medication is to be administered in school by only: (a) parent or guardian; (b) school nurse; (c) self-administration, with approval
5. A parent/guardian who may prefer to administer medication to his/her child during the school day may do so by reporting to the Principal's office and requesting to meet with the child for that purpose.
6. The school nurse must maintain documentation of the administration of medication to the students.
MINIMAL IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
DISEASE(S)
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MEETS IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
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DTaP
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(AGE 1-6 YEARS):4 doses,with one dose given on or after the 4th birthday,OR any 5 doses.
(AGE 7-9 YEARS):3 doses of Td or any previously administered combination of DTP, DTaP, and DT to equal 3 doses.
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Tdap
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GRADE 6(or comparable age level for special education programs): 1 dose
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POLIO
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(AGE 1-6 YEARS):3 doses,with one dose given on or after the 4th
birthday,OR any 4 doses.
(AGE 7 or OLDER):Any 3 doses.
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MEASLES
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If born before 1-1-90,1 dose of a live Measles- containing vaccine on or after the first birthday. If born on or after 1-1-90, 2 doses of a live Measles-containing vaccine on or after the first birthday.
If entering a college or university after 9-1-95 and previously unvaccinated, 2 doses of a live
Measles-containing vaccine on or after the first birthday.
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RUBELLA and MUMPS
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1 dose of live Mumps-containing vaccine on or after the first birthday.
1 dose of live Rubella-containing vaccine on or after the first birthday.
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VARICELLA
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1 dose on or after the first birthday.
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HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAEB
(Hib)
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(AGE 2-11 MONTHS)(1):2 doses
(AGE 12-59 MONTHS)(2):1 dose
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HEPATITISB
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(K-GRADE 12): 3 doses or 2 doses(1)
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PNEUMO- COCCAL
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(AGE 2-11 MONTHS)(1):2 doses
(AGE 12-59 MONTHS)(2):1 dose
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MENINGO- COCCAL
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(Entering GRADE 6 (or comparable age level for
(1)Special Ed programs): 1 dose
(Entering a four-year college
or University,previously unvaccinated and residing in a campus dormitory):1 dose(2)
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INFLUENZA
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(AGES 6-59 MONTHS):1 dose ANNUALLY
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