Health Matters (Nurse)

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A certified school nurse is in the school when it is in session. The school nurses and other school personnel may not treat injuries that occur away from school property.

Communicable Diseases- Parents should inform the nurse of any communicable disease a child may have.

First Aid- If an accident or sudden illness occurs, first aid will be administered and the student’s parents notified. School personnel can give no care beyond first aid, defined as immediate, temporary care given in the case of accident or sudden illness. School personnel cannot treat injuries that are not school connected. When a child must be sent home, the parent or guardian will be requested to pick up the child or arrange transportation for the child. The school nurse should be notified if a child has been injured outside of school and the injury will affect their ability to perform any routine school tasks, including PE.

Health Services - Certified school nurses are in every school. Scoliosis screening is administered for students 10 years or older in grades 5 & 7. Parents are notified if there are any concerns and are requested to check with their own physicians. The school nurse screens height, weight and blood pressure of each student annually with referrals made to parents when necessary. For 3rd grade students, hearing is screened. For 4th grade students, vision is screened. A student may be examined by his/her own physician for any of the above, with copy of the exam results sent to the school nurse.

Medication- School nurses and all other school personnel are not allowed to administer or dispense medicine to students without a doctor’s prescription and permission signed by a parent. This includes prescription, over-the counter medications, inhalers for asthma and all herbal medications and supplements. Forms are available in the health office. Medication shall not be transported by a student unless it is authorized as a “self-medication” and appropriate forms are signed and on file.

Allergies-If a child is allergic to anything, such as bee/insect stings or peanuts, it is essential that the school nurse be notified immediately and supplied with the necessary medication and medical authorization to administer medication.

Providing a healthy and safe environment for your children is the primary goal of the school nurse. This cannot be done without the help of the parents. The following guidelines must be used when determining if your child should be kept home from school or preschool.

1. Common Cold – Your child may return to school when the severity of the symptoms subsides and the temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

2. Ear Infections – Your child may return when pain free and the temperature is normal.

3. Fever – Your child may return when the temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

4. Pink Eye – Your child may return after being on medication for 24 hours.

5. Pneumonia/Bronchitis – Consult your physician.

6. Strep Throat – State Law states that strep is not contagious after 24 hours on appropriate medication. We suggest that you keep your child home for 48 hours as a matter of good health practice. Always replace your child’s toothbrush after a strep infection.

7. Vomiting/Diarrhea/Flu – Your child may return after there has been no vomiting or diarrhea and is fever free for 24 hours.

TO REPORT A CHILD’S ABSENCE OR LATE ARRIVAL, PLEASE CALL THE SCHOOL’S TWENTY FOUR HOUR TAPE: 908-879-5324 We must account for your child. If we cannot obtain information regarding your child’s absence, a home visit may be necessary. Thank you.