School Nurse
As school starts, so do the viruses, illnesses, allergies, and injuries that keep students out of valuable class time. Illnesses are transferred easily in a school setting, normally by students who come to school ill. This is where your assistance is needed! Parents, please check your child’s temperature when he or she is not feeling well. If the temperature is over 100 degrees, your child needs to stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours. Students also need to stay home if they are vomiting or having diarrhea. Following these steps is important to promoting your child’s health and preventing the spread of diseases.
If your child phones you from school stating that he or she feels sick, please have the student come to the nurse with a pass from the teacher. We will discuss the symptoms with your child, check their health status, and provide the appropriate care. The student may call his or her parent from the office. We will provide a pass to go home once we speak with the parent giving consent and mode of transportation.
When students become injured at school or elsewhere, we need written information from their parent and physician (if under medical care). We especially need to know diagnosis, activity restrictions, and any other care required at school. We share this information with your child’s counselor and teacher to accommodate their school needs. We can provide an elevator key and a five-minute pass to assist students who have problems walking, for example, when using crutches. Please call the nurse regarding any further information you may need.
The nurse DOES NOT keep or give any over-the-counter medication to students. Your child may carry over-the-counter medication in high school. These must be in their original containers and have a consent note signed and dated by a parent or guardian. This medication must not be shared between students.
Prescription medications MUST be kept in the nurse’s office in the original container which has a pharmacy label attached. A parental consent note must accompany the medication giving diagnosis and time of administration.
Emergency medications such as inhalers and Epi-pens may be carried by students in their original containers with a pharmacy label attached. Please provide a parental note of consent and give emergency symptoms/precautions to watch for.
When your child gets an immunization at a physician's office, please provide a copy to the school nurse. The tetanus/diphtheria booster comes due sometime during high school and a copy should be provided to the school. All immunizations must be up to date in order for the student to remain in school.
Please call or visit with me or my assistant, Mrs. Karen DeVeydt. Our phone numbers are 415-7629 and 415-7630. Our fax: 415-7673.
Krista Stephan, RN, BSN
School Nurse