Field Middle School Nursing Office Frequently Asked Questions

What are the reasons that the school nurse will call a parent while a child is at school?
The school nurse will call you if your child:

• is injured at school and needs follow up at home.
• has a fever, vomits, or has diarrhea.
• has an injury involving the neck or head no matter how minor it seems.
• requests for the school nurse to call you.

Can the school nurse give my child Tylenol or ibuprofen if he/she needs it during the school day?
Yes, but only if there is a Medication Authorization Form signed by a parent and physician on file.  This form can be found on the district website.  After the nurse receives the form, the parent/guardian will need to bring in an unopened package of medicine.  Then the nurse can give the medication whenever the student needs it.

My child needs to be excused from PE class. Can I write an excuse note?
If a student cannot participate in PE a parent/guardian may write a note for a student to sit out of PE for up to three days.  Please indicate the reason why.  After three days a physician’s note is required.

My child has been home sick with a fever.  When can he/she return to school?
Your child may return to school after he/she has been fever free (99.6 degrees or lower) for 24 hours.  Also, a student must remain home until 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting OR diarrhea. Your child may be feeling better, but they are still contagious and risk spreading the illness throughout the school if you do not follow these guidelines.

My pediatrician said my child has a communicable disease.  Should I report that to the nurse?
Yes. The nurse may decide to notify other parents in the school (without giving out your child’s name) so that they will be aware. Also, it helps the nurse when your child comes into the health office if she knows what illnesses are going around the school.

My child is taking a medication at home but will never need it at school.  Does the nurse need to know about it?
Yes, the nurse does need to know about ALL medications in case your child has a medical emergency at school.

I am going out of town. Who needs to know? 
The nurse needs a written note or email stating who to contact in case your child gets sick or injured while you are away.

My child has an inhaler for asthma that he/she can carry with her while at school.  Does the nurse need to know about that?
The nurse needs a prescription medication authorization form signed by both the doctor and parent.  The student can then carry his/her own inhaler at school and use it when necessary.  It is important that the nurse has a spare inhaler in the nurse’s office in case your child loses or forgets his/her inhaler.