Health Service

HEALTH SERVICES A qualified Licensed Practical Nurse is on duty each day that the school is in session. The LPN will be supervised by a Registered Nurse. The RN will be available at the Boone County Health Center or on a beeper during the hours that school is in session. In the event of a severe injury or illness, parents will be notified and the child transported to the Boone County Health Center emergency room for RN assessment. A physician will be consulted concerning the child's condition and the hospital will obtain permission from the family to administer care at the family's expense. When a student is absent, a parent or guardian should call the school before 8:30 a.m. to report the reason for the student's absence. A completed health examination form is required when a student first enrolls in school, when entering seventh grade, and if transferring from another state. Special health problems should be brought to the attention of the school nurse; allergies, etc.

MEDICATION Whenever possible, medication should be taken at home. If and when a student is required to take medication during the regular school day, they must comply with school regulations as follows: Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled with the child's name, name of the medication, dosage, time of administration and physician's name. The medications should be administered by the school nurse, or appropriately trained person according to the Medication Aid Act, and kept in a locked cabinet. The physician, student and their parent or guardian may obtain permission for a student to self-administer medication at school, such as the need to carry inhalers. This will be done through the school nurse and will need notification of the building principal. Non-aspirin, ibuprofen, antacid tablets, and throat discs will be provided by the health office to students when the school nurse, according to her professional judgment, believes one of these minor medications are necessary. The above medications will only be given if a written permission statement has been signed by a parent or guardian of the student at the beginning of each year allowing the administration of these medications. If a student has not eaten prior to requesting a specific medication, the school nurse will not administer the medication.

SCHOOL NURSE The school nurse holds a Nebraska license to practice Licensed Practical Nursing and will be experienced in working with children/adolescents in a teaching or counseling capacity.
Duties of the school nurse may include the following:
1. Obtaining medical history at the time of initial enrollment of student, updating yearly.
2. Establishing cumulative health records.
3. Gather and maintain immunization records, reporting totals to the Nebraska State Department of Health.
4. Develop individualized emergency action plans and individual health care plans as needed.
5. Contacting a parent or guardian concerning illness, injury, personal hygiene, etc.
6. Administering medications prescribed by a physician or authorized by parent or guardian.
7. Screenings through out the school year including but not limited to vision, dental, and hearing.
8. Referring students, per written guidelines, for appropriate medical, dental and eye care.
9. Providing basic first aid and arranging for transportation of student to the hospital or home as needed.
10. Instruct individuals and groups in areas concerning health.