School Nurse: Teresa Jolley
School Health Services Questions and Answers for Medications and Health Care at School
1. Does the school provide medications?
No, the school does not provide medication. Medication must be brought to the front office or school clinic by the parent/guardian. An “Authorization to Administer” medication form must be completed.
2. May the parent/guardian bring and give medications to their student?
Yes, a parent/guardian may come to school and give their child medication. Appropriate visitor sign in procedures should be followed.
3. Where can I find authorization forms?
The authorization forms can be found in the school clinic or at the bottom of this page under resources to be downloaded.
4. Why do I need a doctor's note for adult strength over-the-counter medication when my doctor has told me this is appropriate for my student’s weight (or condition)?
The school nurse wants to protect your child and must follow guidelines for dosage recommended by the manufacturer.
5. How do students get their medications at the After School Program (ASP)?
The principal, with input from the licensed school nurse, and the After School Program Director, will determine by whom and how medication will be secured and administered at ASP.
6. Why do medications have to be in the original container?
The original container provides information from the manufacturer about over-the-counter medications, including the name of the medication, the proper dose, how the medication should be given, how often the medication can be given, possible side effects, and when the medication is no longer effective (an expiration date). The original prescription container includes the name of the medication, the patient’s name, the prescribing doctor, the proper dose, how and when it should be given, how long the medication should be given, when the medication expires, and the pharmacy where the medication was purchased. All of this information is necessary for the school nurse to administer medication in a safe manner.
7. What if my child’s medication or dosage changes?
Parents/guardians must inform the school nurse of any medication changes. New medication or different doses will not be given unless the parent completes a new medication form. The information on the prescription bottle label must match the new consent form.
8. Can my child take herbal medication at school?
No. Over-the-counter diet pills, vitamins, dietary supplements, including minerals or herbs will not be given.
9. May my child carry cough drops at school?
All students may carry cough drops and throat lozenges as long as an “Over-The-Counter Medication Permission” form is complete and the school nurse has the original completed form on file. The student should carry a copy of the form with the medication. The medication must be kept in the original container.
10. May my child carry over-the-counter medication at school?
Middle and high school students (grades 6-12) may carry certain over-the counter medications: ibuprofen (i.e.: Advil, Motrin, Midol), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, antacids, cough drops and throat lozenges with a completed “Over-the-Counter Medication Permission Form” on file in the clinic. The student should carry a copy of the form with the medication. The medication must be kept in the original container.
11. Can my child carry his asthma inhaler at school?
Yes, students may carry inhalers, Epipens or insulin with a completed “Authorization for Student to Carry a Prescription Inhaler, Epipen or Insulin” form on file in the clinic.
12. Why is there a place for the health care provider to sign the authorization form for my child to carry their inhaler at school?
The health care provider’s signature indicates that your child has been instructed on the proper use of their inhaler and that your child is responsible for administering it to himself/herself without supervision. The form can be faxed to the doctor and then faxed back to the individual school nurse.
13. Why do I have to have a prescription label on the inhaler?
The prescription on the inhaler includes the child’s name, how often it is to be used and what dose is appropriate for your child. It is difficult to keep the label directly on the inhaler. You can write your child’s name on the inhaler and bring the labeled prescription box to the school nurse.
14. If my child is sick, why can't I bring them medicine and send them back to class?
You can, unless your child has a fever, vomiting, two episodes of diarrhea, a rash that may be contagious, or any other condition that the school nurse or administrator believe may be contagious or disruptive to the class or teacher.
15. If I give my child Tylenol for a fever, can I still send them to school?
If the fever is more than 100.4 degrees F before you give them Tylenol, then your child cannot come to school. Your child may return to school when his/her temperature is below 101.4 degrees F without Tylenol or any other fever reducing medication for 24 hours, if s/he feels well and is not showing any signs of illness.
16. If I give my child Tylenol for aches and pains can I still send them to school?
Your child is welcome at school while taking Tylenol and any other over-the-counter medication for an injury, dental work, etc. However, if the medication is for a sore throat, earache or flu like symptoms, please keep them at home.
17. Why can’t I put medicine in my child’s lunch box if he/she has to take medicine at lunch?
Medication in a lunch box could be lost or taken by another child. If a staff member found the medication it could be considered an illegal drug with consequences according to the Code of Conduct. Medications must be brought to the front office or school clinic by parents/guardians in the original and properly labeled container.
18. If I treat my child for lice can I send them back to school the same day?
Yes. Please bring your child back to the school nurse to be rechecked.
19. Why do I have to bring in a box top to verify lice treatment?
A box top from the product provides the school nurse with the type of treatment that was used and confirms that treatment was provided for the child since a prescription is not necessary for treatment of head lice.
20. How much time do I have to get to the school if the nurse calls me to pick up my child because he's sick?
You, or a person you designate, should arrive within one hour of being called. Most school clinics have an area where your child can rest for a short period of time. You, or a person you designate, must arrive within 15 minutes if your child has a fever of 104 degrees F or higher. Otherwise, 911 will be called.
21. How long will my child’s over-the-counter medication be given at school?
Over-the-counter medication may be given with parent/guardian permission as needed through out the school year. A doctor’s note is required for over-the-counter medication that is given for more than 10 consecutive school days.
22. What happens to my child’s medication at the end of the school year?
All medications not picked-up by parents by the last day of school will be destroyed.
