The major focus of a registered nurse in the school setting is the prevention of illness and disability, and the early detection and correction of health problems. The school nurse is uniquely qualified in preventive health, health assessment, and referral procedures. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the school nurse.
Physical Exams are encouraged for all grade 9 and new students entering Cony Middle and High School. We suggest you keep a copy for your records as well. Immunizations are frequently updated at this visit.
All incoming 7th graders are required to have a Tdap (Tetanus and Pertussis Booster) and Meningococcal (meningitis vaccine) per new state recommendations. There is no grace period to attend school if your child is not up to date, If you have questions, you can call the Cony Health Center for further clarification. You can also contact your pediatrician to find out if your child needs boosters/vaccines to be up to date.
Administering Medicines to Students - The purpose of this policy is to provide a safe procedure for the administration of medications to students in the Augusta Public Schools. The policy provides guidelines based on the limitations of the availability to health professionals within the school department.
The administration of medication in the schools should only occur when it is absolutely necessary that medication be administered while school is in session. The school nurse will have the primary responsibility for administering all medications to students. However, when the nurse is not available, trained, unlicensed personnel will administer all medications. It is the ultimate responsibility of parents to provide for administration of medication for their children.
The School Committee will provide copies of revised and updated policies to all personnel involved in the administration of medication to students. The Augusta School Department looks forward to the cooperation of health professionals in the community to assist those who will be undertaking this responsibility.
Parents/Guardians must give written permission for students to access Expanded Services, such as reproductive health services.
Procedures for receiving and accepting requests for giving medications will be as follows:
1. Medication should be brought to school by a responsible adult (up to a month’s supply).
2. Medication will be properly packaged with original pharmacy labels, including: patient’s name, ordering physician, date, name and dosage of medication, method of administration, quantity.
3. In grades 6-12, students shall be permitted to take prescription medication while at school when such medicine is given to them under the direction of the school nurse who shall act on the specific written request of the parent or guardian with the written direction of the student’s personal physician. Students shall be permitted to take non-prescription medication while at school when such medicine is given to them under the direction of the school nurse who shall act on the specific written request of the parent or guardian. The school nurse will make the final decision as to what is appropriate and safe to administer within the school setting.
4. The physician’s written order and the written parental request should be renewed annually.
5. The student’s health status should be reviewed at frequent intervals by the school nurse.
1. The School Committee will allow self-administration of inhalers for respiratory problems and epi-pens for allergic reactions.
2. Procedures for self-administration of medication are as follows:
a. Medication should be brought to school by a responsible adult.
b. Medication will be properly packaged with the original pharmacy labels, including: patient’s name, ordering physician,
date, name and dosage of medication, method of administration, quantity
c. Medications will be accompanied by an Authorization Form signed by the parent or guardian.
d. The school nurse will develop an individual plan with the student for the use of this medication, taking into consideration
- age, development, understanding and reliability.
Asthma inhalers will be allowed to be carried on the student’s person. The school nurse will be informed in writing by the parent or guardian if a student will be carrying an inhaler, and the student will inform the school nurse when the inhaler has been used. A prescription for use of the asthma inhaler will be brought to the school nurse yearly. A prescription on the box will be acceptable.
Hypodermic Syringes in a School Setting - The method of administration of any medication is a necessary consideration. An oral medication usually presents no difficulties. However, some health situations require the use of hypodermic needles and syringes.
The procedure for administering medication by a hypodermic syringe is as follows:
1. A written parental request for the administration of medication.
2. A written order from the family physician giving: date, medication, dosage, observable symptoms indicating an emergency, duration of the order, patient’s name.
3. Provision by the parent for the supply of medication, syringes, and needles.
4. Certain safeguards must be followed relative to storage and destruction of syringes:
a. Unused hypodermic syringes and needles should be kept in double locked, stationary cabinets or rooms.
b. Disposable hypodermic units will be disposed of in the “sharps” container located in the nurse’s office or secured
area.
For the health and well-being of all, every student is expected to practice personal hygiene. Perfumes, lotions, body spray, and cosmetics shall not be used in the classrooms or hallways due to allergy concerns among the students and staff.
Resources to support student personal hygiene are available in the Health Suite.
Student use of the elevator should only be for those with medical reasons that prevent them from using the stairs. Students’ misuse of the elevator may result in disciplinary action. A student who must use the elevator for health reasons can have ONE friend join them to help.