H1N1inPA:

 

For more information on the H1N1 flu virus, visit Pennsylvania’s online resource: www.H1N1inPA.com.

 

MRSA Prevention Tips:

 

Staphylococcus, often referred to as “staph”, is commonly carried on the skin or in the nose and throat of healthy people.  Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and related antibiotics.   Staph and MRSA are mainly spread by the hands and skin-to skin contact, crowded conditions, and poor hygiene.

The best way to prevent staph and MRSA is by practicing good hygiene. Some tips include:

• Keeping your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
• Avoiding contact with other people’s wounds and bandages
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors
• Disinfecting athletic equipment between users
• Taking daily showers with soap and water
• Laundering sheets, towels, sports clothing, and underclothing with hot water and detergent, and drying on the hottest setting

For more information about MRSA, visit:

• Pennsylvania Department of Health http://www.health.state.pa.us
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CA-MRSA Information for Providers http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca.html

Asthma Inhaler Information:

 

 

Students

Elementary and Secondary

Welfare and Health

Asthma Inhalers

Authority

Notwithstanding any provision of Policy No. 5127.1.3.1, the Board shall permit students to possess asthma inhalers and to self-administer the prescribed medication used to treat asthma when such is parent-authorized. Possession and use of asthma inhalers by students shall be in accordance with state law and Board policy.

 

Definitions

"Asthma inhaler" shall mean a prescribed device used for self-administration of short-acting, metered doses of prescribed medication to treat an acute asthma attack.

"Self-administration" shall mean a student's use of medication in accordance with a prescription or written instructions from a physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

 

Guidelines

Before a student may possess or use an asthma inhaler during school hours, the Board shall require the following:

1.A written request from the parent/guardian that the school complies with the order of the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

2.A statement from the parent/guardian acknowledging that the school is not responsible for ensuring the medication is taken and relieving the district and its employees of responsibility for the benefits or consequences of the prescribed medication.

3.A written statement from the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that states:

a.Name of the drug.

b.Prescribed dosage.

c.Times medication is to be taken.

d.Length of time medication is prescribed.

e.Diagnosis or reason medication is needed, unless confidential.

f.Potential serious reaction or side effects of medication.

g.Emergency response.

h.If child is qualified and able to self-administer the medication.

The student shall be made aware that the asthma inhaler is intended for his/her use only and may not be shared with other students.

The student shall notify the school nurse immediately following each use of an asthma inhaler.

Violations of this policy by a student shall result in immediate confiscation of the asthma inhaler and medication and loss of privileges.

The district reserves the right to require a statement from the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant for the continued use of a medication beyond the specified time period. Permission for possession and use of an asthma inhaler by a student shall be effective for the school year for which it is granted and shall be renewed each subsequent school year.

A student whose parent/guardian completes the written requirements for the student to possess an asthma inhaler and self-administer the prescribed medication in the school setting shall demonstrate to the school nurse the capability for self-administration and responsible behavior in use of the medication.

To self-administer medication, the student must be able to:

1.Respond to and visually recognize his/her name.

2.Identify his/her medication.

3.Demonstrate the proper technique for self-administering medication.

4.Sign his/her medication sheet to acknowledge having taken the medication.

5.Demonstrate a cooperative attitude in all aspects of self-administration.

 

Delegation of Responsibility

The Superintendent or designee, in conjunction with the school nurse(s), shall develop procedures for student possession of asthma inhalers and self-administration of prescribed medication.

The district shall annually inform staff, students and parents/guardians about the policy and procedures governing student possession and use of asthma inhalers.

When an asthma inhaler is initially brought to school by a student, the school nurse shall be responsible to complete the following:

1.Obtain the required written request and statements from the parent/guardian and physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, which shall be kept on file in the office of the school nurse.

2.Review pertinent information with the student and/or parent/guardian, specifically theinformation contained on the statement submitted by the physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

3.Determine the student's ability to self-administer medication and the need for care and supervision.

4.Maintain an individual medication log for all students possessing asthma inhalers.

References:

School Code – 24 P.S. Sec. 1401, 1414.1

State Board of Education Regulations – 22 PA Code Sec. 7.13

 

Nurse: Lisa Zarger, MSN, NP-C

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Certified School Nurse

Master of Science in Nursing. Family Nurse Practitioner

Phone: (814) 824-3400 ext. 4121

Email: lzarger@wasd.iu5.org

Personal website: http://www.wattsburg.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=552

 

Nurses Aid: Brenda Nowakowski

Phone: (814) 824-3400 ext. 4556

Email: bnowakowski@wasd.iu5.org