Implementing an Over-the-Counter Medication Administration Policy in an Elementary School

Abstract

A major focus of school nursing interventions is to improve school attendance. In many schools, parents are required to leave work and/or to arrange transportation to bring their children over-the-counter medicines. Many times these children went home, missing class and making it difficult to keep up with class work. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a new policy and procedure allowing school nurses to administer certain over-the-counter medications in elementary schools in a southern New Mexico public school district. "Sent home" rates before implementation of the new policy were compared with sent home rates for 2 years following implementation. Although not statistically significant, findings indicated that over-the-counter medication administration by school nurses does show a trend toward sending fewer students home and, therefore, keeping them in the learning environment.

Elementary School Nurse Interventions: Attendance and Health Outcomes

“…Allen (2003) and Wyman (2005) demonstrated fewer students left school early due to illness or injury when there was contact with a school nurse (SN). In reporting a trend to keep students in school when the SN was authorized to give over-the-counter (OTC) medications, Foster (2006) established the potential for the SN to have an impact on attendance and academic success. School nurse provision of student handwashing education can reduce illness absenteeism (Kimel, 1995;White, Shinder, Shinder, & Dyer, 2001).…”

“…Through research and a standardized approach to recording data that includes outcome measures, school nurses can identify best practices, including the most effective interventions and the best time to intervene with children and families struggling with attendance. School nurses will then be able to make a case for needed policy change (Foster, 2006;Dosa & Ilardi, 2003).…”

Management of Nursing in Preschool Institutions of Ex-Soviet Countries

“…It aims at promoting children's development and providing educational activities 3 . Pre-school education is the first stage of basic education that focuses on the balanced development of children's potential, giving them the opportunity to develop their autonomy and socialization skills, preparing them for a successful education path, and supporting the families in children's education 4 .…”