A Training for Hyde County Schools Staff

 Many students have to take medications at school for various health conditions (Asthma, Headaches, ADHD, etc.)  Sometimes the school nurse may not be available to administer these medications.  This training serves to provide staff with the information needed to administer medications to students safely and according to Hyde County Schools Policy and Procedure.

 The complete policy is available for viewing online.  Policy states that administration to students by school staff is allowed if:  Parent/Guardian has made a written request  A Physician has prescribed the medication (even over-the- counter medications)  A Physician has certified that the medication is necessary during the school day  All school personnel administering medications must receive appropriate training.

 The Medication Administration Procedure is found on the Hyde County School’s website under the School Health Section in the folder named “ Medication at School.”  Procedure states:  Medications for Elementary and Middle Grades students must be transported to and from school by a parent/guardian. High School students may transport medications to and from school however medications must be immediately given to the school nurse upon arrival on campus.

 All medications must be checked in by the school nurse.  Parents will be notified if a student refuses to take his/her medication.  All medications will be kept in a secure location and a written log kept showing what, for whom, how much, what time, what route and by whom it was given and when discontinued or completed.  Medications will not be kept over the summer.

 Serves as the Parent/Guardian written request for medication administration as well as the Physician order.  Located on the Hyde County Schools website under the School Health Section in the folder named “ Medication at School.”

 “The Six Rights” of medication administration help to prevent medication errors. Before administering a medication ask yourself…  1. Is this the RIGHT STUDENT? Ask the student his/her name.  2. Is this the RIGHT MEDICATION? Always compare the label on the medication bottle to the Authorization Form and Log.  3. Is this the RIGHT DOSAGE of medication? Always double check the dosage with the prescribing physician’s order.  4. Is this the RIGHT TIME to administer?  5. Is this the RIGHT ROUTE (given by mouth or rubbed on as a lotion)?  6. Lastly…..WRITE – Immediately document in writing that a medication has been given.

 Wash your hands.  Check the expiration date of the medication.  Do not touch the medication itself. Don’t allow the open side of the cap to touch any surface.  Pour the medication into a medication cup or the student’s hand.  Have the student take oral medications with water.  You are responsible to make sure that the student swallowed the medication. You may ask the student to open his/her mouth to make sure that the medication was swallowed.  Document appropriately.

 Wash your hands.  Check the expiration date.  Read the instructions to make sure that the liquid needs to be shaken and if so thoroughly mix the medication.  Do not allow the open side of the cap to touch any surface and do not touch the medication.  Pour the liquid into the medication cup at eye level, filling it to the prescribed dosage level.

 Most inhalers need to be shaken before use.  Remove the cap from the mouthpiece and hold the inhaler upright.  Hold the inhaler’s mouthpiece about one inch from the student’s mouth if the student does not use a spacer.  If using a spacer, connect one end of the spacer to the inhaler and have the child put the other end in his/her mouth between the teeth.  Have the student exhale, then breathe in deeply on the count of three as you press down on the inhaler. The child should breathe in slowly and hold his or her breath for 10 seconds before exhaling. If a second “puff” is ordered, wait 1-2 minutes between uses.

 For any medications that are not oral, or inhaled, please see the school nurse for specific instructions on how to administer.

 If you ever have a question or something is unclear regarding the administration of a medication to a student, please clarify with the school nurse, parent, and/or physician before administering.

 Please report all medication errors to the school nurse including missed doses, medication administered to the wrong student, at the wrong time, at the wrong dosage, by the wrong route, or if the wrong medication is administered.  A medication error can in some cases have serious consequences and should be reported immediately.