When to Expect a Call From the Nurse

The school health office can be a busy place, and it is not possible to call home for every minor bump, bruise, and boo-boo — the normal "wear and tear" of childhood. In the event of more serious illness or injury, however, parents/guardians should expect a call from the nurse. Such events include...

• Fever (99.5°F or higher)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Trauma (e.g. broken bones, major bleeding, burns, animal bites)
• Unidentified rashes
• Recurring pain/illness
• Pediculosis infestation

In the event of extremely serious illness or injury it may be necessary to call emergency medical services before calling parents or guardians; in such cases every effort will be made to contact parents/guardians as soon as possible.

The nurse may also contact parents/guardians to notify them that a protocol medication, such as Tylenol, has been administered to their child, especially when the next available dose falls after the end of the school day (example: Jenny is given Tylenol at 2:00 PM for a headache, the school nurse calls home to let her mother know that she cannot have another dose until 6:00 PM).

In cases of less serious illness or injury the nurse will use their best judgment as to whether a call home is warranted. Such calls may be more frequent in the case of younger students as we get to know your children. If you need to make special contact arrangements please let us know.