FAQs

Can everyone see the nurse?

No. If you do NOT sign YES to the "Permission for Nursing Services", your child will NOT be able to see Nurse Karen. This is a legal document giving your permission to accept Nursing Services here at St.Bartholomew, if not signed and returned they are NOT able to see the nurse. This means ANY minor injury or illness will be a telephone call to you to come to school to take care of your child's needs. NO last minute verbal permissions over the phone will be accepted. SO please take advantage and hand in the correct form. It can easily be printed off the website here under MEDICAL FORMS.

What do I do if my child is going to be sick or absent?

Call the School Nurse at 732-257-6668 any time and leave a message with your child's name, grade, and reason for absence. If you prefer you may also email me at Nurse@stbartseb.com It is also require you submit a note with your child the day they return to school. For your convenience a Standard ABSENCE NOTIFICATION letter is available under forms. If you print one out and make copies, it can be super handy to fill out the morning your child is returning.

Can you medicate my child with just my parental permission?

No I'm sorry. I must have a "Permission to Administer Medication" form which can be found on the MEDICAL FORMS page filled out by your child's doctor. Even if it is just an OTC (over the counter medicine.) Again, I encourage you to have the form filled out to prevent delaying your child's discomfort.

My child has Asthma, do I need to bring in a nebulizer?

No just the nebulizer attachments & a few vials of the medication to be administered. I have nebulizers available in my office.

My child has Exercised Induced Asthma can they carry their own inhaler?

A child is allowed to carry an inhaler only with a signed Dr's Authorization Form. (Available in the Health Office) If your child is having Physical Education class it is recommended they take their inhaler 15 minutes prior to class. Please discuss your child's needs for inhaler usage with Mrs. Gayle Dudra, our Phys.Ed Teacher, as well as myself.

My child was sick with a fever, when can they come back to school?

A child MUST BE FEVER FREE for 24 hours PRIOR to returning to school. There is no exception to this rule. Please do not medicate them with Tylenol or Motrin and send them to school if they had a fever the night before but do not have one in the morning. It is for the protection of your child and their classmates to prevent communicable diseases which can be easily spread during this time period. Child often need the extra time to gain their strength and ability to participate in all school activities.

When it is okay for my child with Asthma to go to school?

Some days it can be hard to decide whether a child with asthma symptoms should go to school or not. Your goal is always zero missed school days due to asthma, but that can be difficult to achieve when your child’s treatment plan is still in development, you’re not sure what environmental factors are causing his asthma symptoms or he’s in a transition period.

Your CAN send your child to school with:

• A stuffy nose but no wheezing (listen to his chest.)

• Peak flow meter readings at or near his target number* after medication.

• The ability to participate in expected daily school activities.

• No difficulty breathing.

KEEP YOU CHILD HOME WITH:

• Evidence of infection, sore throat or swollen, painful neck glands.

• A fever above 100° F; face hot and flushed.

• Peak flow meter readings that are not near his target number after medication.

• Wheezing that continues to be labored 30 minutes after medication.

• Weakness or tiredness that makes it hard to take part in usual daily activities.

• Difficulty breathing.

*Good communication among teachers, parents and students will enable a child to attend school on marginal days. Notify teachers that your child is in pre- or post-asthma flare stages but controlled with medications. If possible or if needed, go to the school to check on your child just before the next dose of medication is due.

I received a notice from the School Nurse that a student in my child's class has Lice, or overheard a student in another class has Lice, what do I do?

Examine your child's head, especially behind the ears, nape of neck & scalp for signs of infestation. There are numerous websites & Youtube videos available on the internet showing what to look for.

The tiny eggs, or nits, may be easier to spot, especially at the nape of the neck or behind the ears, within 1 cm of the scalp. It is important not to confuse nits with dandruff, hair casts, or other hair debris; nits are more difficult to remove because they are “glued” on. It is also important not to confuse live nits with dead or empty egg cases. Nit removal can be difficult and tedious. Fine-toothed “nit combs” are available to make the process easier.

Please view HEALTH LINKS (the link to the left) for further information on diagnosing, treating & preventing Lice.

What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

The flu tends to be worse than the common cold. Its symptoms, such as fever, body aches, fatigue and a dry cough are more debilitating and intense. People with colds tend to have a running or stuffy nose. A flu is an illness caused by a virus that can quickly spread to others. The flu will run its course within 1-2 weeks. The flu can worsen asthma and other chronic health issues. Prevention is the best way to avoid both. Always wash your hands, disinfect areas touched often as sink handles, door knobs and telephones. Use a germ-killing cleaner and instant hand sanitizers to kill germs. Use paper towels instead of cloth towels. Avoid close contact with someone who has a cold. Cough or sneeze into a tissue then throw it away. Cough into your sleeve if a tissue is not available.