HEALTH SERVICES
While parents have primary responsibility for their children’s health, the school is also responsible for the safety and well-being of students while they are in the school setting. There is a registered nurse on duty daily in the high school’s health room located next to the central office. The role of the nurse is to facilitate health and wellness so each student has the opportunity for academic success. We encourage parental communication, questions and concerns. Some of the responsibilities of the nurse include the following:
· Provides first aid for injuries
· Nursing assessment for illness
· Nursing interventions for chronic health concerns
· Referrals for medical intervention
· Dismissals for illness will be handled by the school nurse who will contact parent or guardian and make arrangements for the dismissal
· Dismissals for medical appointments. A written note or telephone call, to the nurse, from the parent or guardian is necessary
· Individualized Health Care Plans (IHCP). When a student has a specialized medical need or diagnosis which must be assessed, managed and monitored in school, such as a life-threatening allergy or diabetes, the nurse in collaboration with the student, the student’s parent or guardian, and primary care provider’s orders, a IHCP is developed.
· Medication Administration: No student may be in possession of ANY medication on school grounds
-Prescription medications: may be distributed to students by the school nurse when a signed consent by the parent or guardian form is completed and signed prescription medication orders are signed by the medical prescriber and are on file in the nurse’s office. This order MUST be renewed as needed and at the beginning of each academic year
See attched forms:
Parent/Guardian Authorization For Prescription Medication
Medication Order Form (licensed prescriber)
-Medication must be delivered to the school nurse in a pharmacy labeled container by the student’s parent or guardian. No more than a thirty-day supply can be accepted by the nurse.
-The first initial dose of a medication cannot be given in school. After a student has been observed to tolerate a medication without side effects or problems at home, subsequent does may be given at school if necessary.
-Following consultation with the school nurse, students who fall into the following:
EXCEPTIONS may self-administer prescription medications:
1. Students with asthma or other respiratory diseases may possess and administer prescription inhalers.
2. Students with medical conditions requiring enzyme supplements may possess and administer them.
3. Students with diabetes may possess and administer glucoses monitoring tests and insulin delivery systems.
4. Students with life threatening allergies may possess and administer prescription Epinephrine.
Over the counter medications: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Anti-Itch Gel, Antacid and First Aid Ointment are available in school and may be given ONLY after parent or guardian permission is obtained. Please refer to the emergency procedure card.
· Access to Local Health Care: The school nurse is a vital link for identifying health resources and community services.
· Nurse as an Educator: The school nurse teaches students, parents and staff about health and wellness issues and strives to promote understanding of students’ health needs.
· Communicable Disease Control: Ensures adherence to Massachusetts immunization requirements and monitors infections and other diseases. Students entering MVRHS for the first time are required upon admittance to present a physician’s certificate verifying updated immunizations in accordance with the Department of Public Health.
· State Mandated Screenings: Students will receive the following screening tests. Please contact the nurse’s office if you have any questions or concerns. All students who fail the initial screenings will be retested before being considered a candidate for a notice to the parent
- Scoliosis - 9th Grade Only
- Height and Weight – 9th-12th
- Vision & Hearing – 9th-12th, Yearly
· Physical Exams: Regulations require physical examinations of students, by a physician, within six months before entry into school or during the first year after entrance.
· Sports Physical Exams: All physicals must be given to the school nurse by the student, parent or guardian. All physicals must be on file in the nurse’s office before any student will be allowed to participate in any sport activity. Students may not participate until cleared by the school nurse. MVRHS follows the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletics Association recommendations: All students must pass a physical examination within thirteen months of the start of each season. (Fall, Winter and Spring). Students who meet these criteria at the start of the season will remain eligible for that season. Physical exams must be performed by a duly registered Physician, Physician’s Assistant, or Nurse Practitioner.
see attached form MIAA SPORTS MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
|
|