The school nurses at LHS want to warn students who carry medication on them that they may be violating the school’s code of conduct as well as state law.
The nurses have found everything from antihistamines, ADD/ADHD medications, Advil, and Tylenol on the stairs and in the hallways throughout LHS, suggesting that students are bringing unauthorized meds to school.
“A lot of girls carry Midol for cramps without realizing that they shouldn’t have it on them,” said Nurse Lee Skinitis.
In the LHS handbook, it states that students are not allowed to have medications on them in school, including over-the-counter pain medications. If students need medication, they must contact the nurses.Contrary to popular belief and rumors, the nurses can give out Advil and Tylenol. They also hold “special needs” medications for those who need them and have a doctor’s notes.
“However, kids can have Epi-Pens and inhalers on them, as long as they have a doctor’s note,” says Nurse Stephanie Chmura. Epinephrine injections, or Epi-Pens are used to treat life-threatening allergic reactions caused by insect bites, foods, medications, latex, and other causes.
One concern with carrying medications is that the schools all use the same buses. If a high school student drops some Tylenol on the bus, a kindergarten student may mistake it for a piece of candy.
If a student is caught with a medication in his or her possession, he or she will be disciplined. There’s a possibility for suspension, depending on what the student had and their intentions with it.
The handbook states that “Students cannot carry any medication, without prior approval from the school nurse and the child’s physician. Any student found carrying an over-the-counter medication or prescription medication will be sent to administration for disciplinary action.”
The nurses want to remind students of these issues because they don’t want to see students get in trouble, or worse, take medication that could possibly harm them.
“It’s not our intention to be mean; this is a legal and a safety issue and we just want to make sure all the students are safe,” says Chmura.
The nurses would also like to inform staff of a CPR certification/ recertification. It will be held Thursday Oct 20, 2011, 3:00-5:30 p.m. at Baird Middle School. The materials will be sent to you after you register and it’s $5 for the card. The nurse leader’s phone number is 589-1768.