Health Services
- Welcome
- Health Services Guidelines
- Immunization Information
- Medication Administration
- Severe Allergy Information
- Vison and Hearing Screening
- Health Forms
- Head Injury/Concussion Information
- Health Information and Resources
- LSC Nursing Staff
Welcome
Welcome to Health Services
LSC School Nurses: "Keeping students safe, healthy and ready to learn."
Mission Statement:
Our goal is to help students reach their educational potential by working to keep students at optimal physical and mental health. We work to provide individualized care for students with special health conditions as well as provide a safe and healthy learning environment for all staff and students. We value good communication between students, families, school staff and the medical practitioners to create a strong bridge of needed health care between the school and home setting. Each LSC school has a full-time licensed nurse and trained first responders. The health services are organized and developed in accordance with Indiana state laws, school corporation policy and procedure and the school physician.
Duties and Services include:
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Management of acute and chronic health conditions including the
development and implementation of health care plans
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Emergency care for illness and injuries, and referral
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Medication administration and monitoring
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Management and monitoring of communicable diseases
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Health interventions to return students quickly to class
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Health education, formally and informally
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Education about and use of universal precautions
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Support for a non-violent, drug-free environment
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Vision screening and referral
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Identification of health-related barriers and referral for care
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Support of nutritional, comfort and clothing needs
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Compliance with school health state laws
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Immunization compliance
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Resources available for students, staff and parents related to health issues and health education
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Work toward a safe and healthy school environment
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Participation in the multi-disciplinary team for students with special needs
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Liaison between teacher, administrators, parents and community health care providers
Department Head:
Sherry Mazza, BSN, RN
Director of Health Services
1415 Ball Street, Lafayette, IN 47904
765-476-2900 x2400
765-337-5242
Health Services Guidelines
The Health Services program follows the IN State Department of Health laws and recommendations and the Indiana State Department of Education recommendations and is under the direction of the school administration, school physician and the school nurses.
Student Health Conditions
Parents are responsible for informing the school nurse each new school year of any medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, severe allergy that may affect the student’s functioning and welfare at school. The health history is done online during registration. If it is a serious chronic health condition, the school nurse would like a personal visit with the parent to further understand the condition and, when necessary, create a health care plan for that school year. This health care plan is shared with pertinent staff so all involved with the student can provide safe care.
Illness/Injury/surgery
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Students who are ill or seriously injured prior to the school day should be kept home until improved, which would include being fever-free (without the aid of a fever-reducing medication and vomiting free for 24 hours or released by a physician. Please do not send an ill or injured student to school to be diagnosed by the school nurse.
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For students who have had a major injury or major surgery The school nurse needs to have a doctor’s release for the student to return to school that includes directions for activity restrictions and care instructions while in the school environment.
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For students who have been diagnosed with a communicable disease requiring an antibiotic prescription, they must be on the antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school. Proof of medical treatment must be presented to the nurse before the student will be readmitted to school.
A student who is ill or injured during the school day should report to the nurse in the health office for assessment. If students become too ill or seriously injured during the school day to remain in school, a reasonable effort will be made to contact parents. PLEASE BE CERTAIN THAT EMERGENCY INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IN THE OFFICE. Parents are responsible for both transportation and for all follow-up care. If a sudden possibly life-threatening condition should occur, immediate safety of the student is the school first concern. Ambulance transportation to a hospital will be arranged. Parents will be contacted as soon as possible. The parent is responsible for cost of all medical care and other services associated with the accident. The school does not provide health insurance for students.
Conditions usually requiring exclusion from school include:
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Temperature of 100 degrees F or higher
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Severe sore throat
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Persistent cough
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Vomiting and/or diarrhea
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Severe headache
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Undiagnosed rash or skin infection
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Undiagnosed red and/or draining eyes
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Lice (untreated or severe)
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Scabies (untreated or severe)
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Injury making it hazardous to be in school
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Draining bodily fluids that cannot be contained
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Any illness that results in a need for care that is greater than the staff can provide without compromising the health and safety of other children.
Cleanliness
During the school year, the school nurse may speak to students regarding cleanliness and healthful hygiene habits. Student may be checked for pestilence and skin disorders. Students are to be clean when sent to school and may be excluded under State Department of Health regulations if good hygiene is disregarded.
Attendance, absences and medical excuse
For an absence to be “exempt” due to medical reasons, documentation from a currently licensed medical or dental doctor is required. Such documentation must be presented to the school office upon return to school.
Severe allergy conditions
LSC recognizes the needs of the growing number of LSC students with potentially life-threatening food allergies and harmful food intolerances. To address these needs, the following processes have been established:
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An emergency health plan is written for the student with a diagnosed severe allergy.
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Parents are asked to provide an EpiPen if their child has been diagnosed with a severe allergy.
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An allergy-free food table is offered in the cafeteria if parents choose this option.
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A doctor's signature is required stating foods that should be avoided so the student is not served foods that could potentially cause a reaction.
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A stock EpiPen is available in each health office to be used per our LSC physician standing order if an unknown food allergic reaction arises.
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Pertinent cafeteria staff, teachers and bus drivers are made aware of students with specific allergies.
Immunization Information
Indiana law requires that all students in grades K-12 are up to date with the state immunization requirements for that school year. Students may enroll but not attend school without documentation of required immunizations or verified medical or religious exemptions. All exemptions must be renewed every year. It is the parents' responsibility to provide verified records of immunizations. Students may be excluded if the immunizations are not up to date.
- 2023-24 Immunization Requirements
- Religious Exemption Form
- Medical Exemption Form
- Meningococcal Letter to Parents
- Pertussis Letter to Parents
2023-24 Immunization Requirements
2023-24 Immunization Requirements from the
Tippecanoe County Health Department
2023-24 Immunization Requirements PDF
2023-24 Immunization Requirements Spanish PDF
Religious Exemption Form
This form can be printed. Please return the completed form to your school nurse.
Religious Exemption Form.pdf
Medical Exemption Form
This form can be printed and taken to your student's doctor. Please return the completed form to your school nurse.
Medical exemption for vaccines - form 2011 from IDOH.pdf
Meningococcal Letter to Parents
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As the Director of Health Services for Lafayette School Corporation, I am writing to inform you about the dangers of meningococcal disease, commonly known as meningitis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection that can strike teenagers and college students. The disease can come on quickly and may cause death or permanent disability within hours of the first symptoms; although rare, the disease may be prevented through vaccination.
The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends routine meningococcal disease immunization at the preadolescent doctor’s visit (11 to 12 years old). For those teenagers who have not previously been vaccinated, immunization also is recommended at high school entry and for all incoming college freshmen who will live in a dormitory (only one shot required).
Teenagers and college students have an increased rate of meningococcal infection compared to the general population, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all U. S. cases annually. Of those who survive, up to 20 percent suffer long-term disabilities, including brain damage, loss of hearing, organ failure and limb amputations.
Meningococcal disease can be misdiagnosed as something less serious, because early symptoms are similar to those of influenza or other common viral illnesses, including high fever, headache, nausea and stiff neck. That is why immunization is so important. A conjugate meningococcal vaccine is now available that public health officials anticipate will provide longer protection against four of the five strains of bacteria that cause meningococcal disease. Although teenagers and college students are at increased risk for contracting the disease, up to 83 percent of cases in this population may be prevented through immunization.
As your child’s school corporation’s nursing coordinator, I encourage you to speak to your child’s physician about meningococcal disease and to consider immunization. For more information about meningococcal disease and immunization, please feel free to contact your student’s school nurse or your child’s physician.
Sincerely,
Sherry Mazza, RN, BSN
Director of Health Services
Lafayette School Corporation
Pertussis Letter to Parents
Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
The Indiana State Department of Health and the Indiana Department of Education have asked that school systems provide important information to parents and guardians of students about pertussis (whooping cough) and the vaccines available to prevent this serious illness.
Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Pertussis is spread by infectious airborne droplets created when a person who is infected coughs or sneezes. Infants and young children are typically vaccinated against pertussis, but the vaccine loses effectiveness as children get older, and vaccinated children can become infected.
Pertussis causes severe coughing fits. During the fits, the affected person may be short of breath and appear distressed. The coughing fit may be followed by vomiting and exhaustion. Young infants are at highest risk for developing complications like pneumonia and seizures from the disease.
Adolescents and adults who have been previously vaccinated may have milder disease, but they can still spread pertussis to others. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a routine pertussis booster for all 11 to 12-year-old children, and for anyone older who did not have a booster at 11-12 years of age. The pertussis booster (Tdap) is combined with tetanus toxoid and takes the place of one tetanus booster shot. The Tdap vaccine can be given as soon as one year after a regular tetanus booster.
Please talk with your child's healthcare provider about the Tdap vaccine. Additional resources for families to obtain information about pertussis disease include the following website:
The Indiana State Department of Health
Medication Administration
- Overview
- LSC School Medication Policy
- Parent / Prescriber Permission Form
- Permission to carry emergency medication form
Overview
MEDICATION POLICY MAJOR POINTS
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All over-the-counter medications given at school must be accompanied by a signed and dated parent permission stating the name of the medication, dose, days, time and route to be given. The permission is good for only the current school year.
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All prescription medication to be administered at school must also have a signed and dated medical provider permission and a signed parent permission to give at school including name of medication, dose, days, time and route to be given. The permission is good for only the current school year.
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All medications sent to school must be in the original container in which it was purchased and have the most current date.
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All medications must be FDA approved.
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Any medication that is possessed by the school must be picked up by the parent or a parent-designated responsible adult who is 18 years or older. A student in grades nine-12 may take the medication home if the parent provides written permission for the student to do so.
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Only emergency medications such as an asthma inhaler or EpiPen may be possessed by the student if the following conditions are met:
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The nature of the disease or medical condition requires emergency administration of the medication.
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The student’s physician states in writing that the student has an acute or chronic condition for which the medication was prescribed for.
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The physician has instructed the student in self-administration of the medication.
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The student’s parent has given written permission for the student to possess the medication on their person.
LSC School Medication Policy
LAFAYETTE SCHOOL CORPORATION
Health Services
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
No medication shall be administered to a student without the written and dated consent of the student’s parent or guardian. The consent of the parent or guardian shall be valid only for the period specified on the consent form and in no case longer than the current school or program year. All nonprescription medicine to be administered to a student must be accompanied by a statement describing the medicine, the dosage, and the time for it to be administered to the student. All prescription medicine including injectable medicine and all blood glucose tests by finger prick to be administered to a student must be accompanied by a physician’s prescription, a copy of the original prescription and the pharmacy label. If the medication is to be terminated prior to the date on the prescription, the written and dated consent or withdrawal of consent of the parent or guardian is required. The written consent of the parent or guardian and the written order of the physician shall be kept on file. All prescription and non-prescription medications to be administered at school or school functions must be FDA approved.
Medication shall be administered in accordance with the parent’s statement (in the case of nonprescription medicine) or the physician’s order (in the case of prescription medicine) only by a school nurse or other employs (s) designated in writing by the school principal unless the medical condition requires the student to self-administer the medication. All administration of medicine shall be documented in writing. Any designated employee who is responsible for administering injectable insulin or a blood glucose test by finger prick shall receive proper training and such training shall be documented in writing.
Students may possess and self administer medication if the following conditions are met:
1. The student’s parent has filed an authorization with the student’s principal for the
student to possess and self administer the medication. The authorization must
include the statement described in part (2).
2. A physician states in writing that:
a. the student has an acute or chronic disease or medical condition for which
the physician has prescribed medication.
b. the student has been instructed in how to self administer the
medication
c. the nature of the disease or medical condition requires
emergency administration of the medication
The authorization and statement described in (1) and (2) above must be filed with the student’s principal annually.
Medication that is possessed by a school for administration during school hours or at school functions for a student may be released to:
1. The student’s parent; or guardian; or
2. An individual who is:
a. at least eighteen (18) years of age; and
b. designated in writing by the student’s parent to receive the medication.
Medication possessed by the school for administration during school hours or at school functions may be sent home with a student in grades 9-12 if the student’s parent or guardian provides written permission for the student to receive the medication.
Parent / Prescriber Permission Form
Parent and physician must complete form. Please return to your student's school nurse.
Parent and physician permission form for administration of medicine and procedures.pdf
Medication-procedure parent and prescriber permission form in Spanish.pdf
Permission to carry emergency medication form
Form must be signed by prescriber. Please complete and return to your student's school nurse.
Prescriber-parent permission form to carry emergency medication.pdf
Severe Allergy Information
CARE OF THE STUDENT WITH SEVERE ALLERGY
LSC recognizes the needs of the growing number of LSC students with potentially life-threatening food allergies and harmful food intolerances. To safely care for your student during the school day, please provide the school nurse with the following:
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A list of allergens that your student is allergic to
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An EpiPen if it has been prescribed
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A completed dietary form from the physician so the cafeteria staff can accommodate the foods that may be the allergens.
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A signed request form telling us if you do or don’t want your student to sit at an allergy-free table in the cafeteria.
Each health office also has a standing physicians order for a stock EpiPen that can be used in the event of a severe allergic reaction. However, we also want you to provide a personal one for your student if it has been prescribed. If an EpiPen is administered, the parent and 911 will also be called. Also, pertinent cafeteria staff, teachers and bus drivers are made aware of students with specific allergies.
As always, we value good communication with you regarding the health concerns of your student so that they are safe at school.
Standing Orders and Protocol
PROTOCOL FOR ADMINISTRATION OF SCHOOL EPINEPHRINE
AND PHYSICIAN’S ORDER
Rationale: Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening medical emergency. Anaphylaxis is a severe response resulting in cardiovascular collapse (shock) after ingestion of or injection with an antigen. This reaction usually occurs within 1-5 minutes of exposure to an allergen but could be delayed up to 5 hours. Immediate intervention with epinephrine injection and a 911 call is necessary. Common potent allergens include:
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Foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, legumes and shellfish
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Medications
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Insect venom
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Latex
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Pollens or molds
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Animal fur
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Chemical irritants
EMERGENCY PROTOCOL FOR SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION
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Summon school nurse if available. If not, summon designated trained, first responder to implement emergency protocol.
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**Only the school nurse or the designated first responders may assess and administer the EpiPen.
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Assessment: Nurse or first responder will assess the person using the following criteria for anaphylactic reaction and treat per assessed need.
ANAPHYLACTIC SYMPTOMS:
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Skin: warmth, itching, and/or tingling of underarms/groin, flushing, hives
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Abdominal: pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea
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Oral/Respiratory: sneezing, swelling of face (lips, mouth, tongue, throat), lump or tightness in the throat, hoarseness, difficulty inhaling, shortness of breath, wheezing reaction
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Cardiovascular: headache, low blood pressure (shock), lightheadedness, fainting, loss of consciousness, rapid heart rate, ventricular fibrillation (no pulse)
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Mental status: apprehension, anxiety, restlessness, irritability
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Call 911 when assessment determines need for EpiPen and report need for epinephrine due to anaphylaxis
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Administer EpiPen per standing order. (School EpiPen will be kept in the nurse’s office in orange emergency bag)
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Determine cause as quickly as possible and remove source if possible.
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Monitor vital signs (pulse, respirations, blood pressure etc) and provide emergency treatment if necessary.
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Contact parents immediately and physician as soon as possible.
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Any individual treated for symptoms with epinephrine at school will be transported to a medical facility.
STANDING ORDERS FOR RESPONSE TO LIFE-THREATENING ANAPHYLAXIS:
- Administer EpiPen Jr. 0.15 mg if less than 66 pounds and give Benadryl 1 teaspoon
- Administer EpiPen adult dose of 0.30 mg if 66 pounds or greater and give Benadryl
*1 teaspoon for student from kindergarten – grade 4 and 2 teaspoons for student 5th – 12th grade
The School’s EpiPen is to be used for life-threatening emergencies only and does not replace a child’s own prescribed medication. Students with known allergy should have an individual health care plan and keep prescribed medication at school
Training: The School Nurse will be responsible for training the designated first responders regarding the Protocol for treating anaphylaxis and the EpiPen administration.
Allergy Action Plan
This form can be printed and taken to your student's doctor. Please return the completed form to your school nurse.
Allergy action plan from FAAN for physician and parent signature.pdf
Food Allergy Awareness Cafeteria Tables
This form can be printed. Please return the completed form to your school nurse.
Letter to parents for allergy free table.pdf
Vison and Hearing Screening
“Good vision and hearing is essential for proper physical development and educational progress in growing children.”
Vision Screening
Vision Screenings are given according to Indiana state law to Kindergarten, first-, third-, fifth and eighth-graders, those referred and all students new to the corporation. The school nurse informs parents by written referral if the screening test indicates need for medical follow-up. It is hoped that the parent will follow up with a medical provider and share the results with the school nurse for medical school records. If parents need assistance in finding a medical provider or resources for financial assistance, the school nurse may be contacted.
Hearing Screenings
Hearing Screenings are given according to Indiana state law to students in kindergarten, first, fourth, seventh and 10th grades, new students and those referred. Screenings will be conducted by GLASS speech clinicians. Parents will be notified if hearing problems are suspected. It is hoped that the parent will follow up with a medical provider and share the results with the speech clinician for medical school records.
Health Forms
These forms can be printed and taken to your student's doctor. Please return the completed forms to your school nurse.
ASTHMA
Asthma Management Plan and Authorization for Medication.pdf
ALLERGY
Allergy action plan from FAAN for physician and parent signature.pdf
DIABETES
LSC DMTP non pump student for the physicians to complete.pdf
LSC DMTP for pumper student for the physicians to complete.pdf
RELEASE OF HEALTH INFORMATION
Consent for Release of Info in English.pdf
CONSENT FOR RELEASE OF INFO IN SPANISH HHPA 2 (1).pdf
SEIZURES
Seizure Action plan from Epilepsy foundation 2009.pdf
RECTAL DIAZEPAM MEDICATION ORDERS IN SCHOOL (TO GO WITH SEIZURE hcp WITH RD).pdf
Head Injury/Concussion Information
Forms from the school nurse
HEAD INJURY form for parents REV ON 2-29-2012- Spanish.pdf
HEAD INJURY form for parents REV ON 2-29-2012.pdf
Health Information and Resources
LSC Head Lice Protocol
Best practices regarding the management of pediculosis should not disrupt the education process. Children found with live head lice should be referred to parents for treatment. Research data does not support school exclusion for nits. Because no disease process is associated with head lice, school are not advised to exclude students when nits remain after appropriate lice treatment, although further monitoring for signs of re-infestation is appropriate.
The school nurse’s goals are to contain infestation, provide appropriate health information for treatment and prevention, prevent overexposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, and minimize school absence.
(Position Statement of the National Association of School Nurses)
With this information in mind, the following is the protocol for the Lafayette School Corporation health services:
- A student referred to the nurse for possible head lice, will be assessed by the school nurse for head lice.
- If live bugs are found, the parent will be called and the student sent home for treatment. The nurse will provide information to the parent on treatment and prevention.
- If nits only are found, the parent will be called to treat the child after school hours and the nurse will send information home with the child on treatment and prevention.
- The student and parent should report to the health office the following morning for the nurse to clear the student to return to class.
- If live bugs are found the student will be sent home for further treatment.
- If nits only remain, the student may return to class and the parent will be advised to continue nit removal after school hours.
- The nurse will monitor for further signs of re infestation for several weeks after treatment.
- Parents who are non compliant, may be asked to remove all nits also, in an effort to prevent this chronic condition from continuing.
- A student may only miss two school days for head lice treatment to receive an excused absence for this condition.
LSC MRSA Protocol
Be assured that our school corporation follows a strict protocol to ensure the safety of our students and staff. It is important to keep in mind that we are required to maintain as much confidentiality as possible, notifying only personnel that are essential to know.
The following protocol is followed when a case of MRSA is suspected:
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The school nurse will refer the student to the student’s personal physician.
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If MRSA is diagnosed, the student may return to school only after a doctor has written permission and the site of the MRSA is able to be well covered.
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The custodial services are following corporation policy that is based on the recommendations from the Indiana State Board of Health
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Good student and staff hand washing will be carried out in the classroom
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The school corporation nursing supervisor and the building nurse will monitor the student closely and will refer the student for medical attention if needed.
To learn more about MRSA, you may find the following links very helpful.
Sherry Mazza, RN, BSN
Director of Health Services for the Lafayette School Corporation
LSC Bed Bug Protocol
Best practices regarding the management of bed bugs should not disrupt the education process. Children found with suspected bed bug bites should be referred to parents for diagnosis and treatment from their medical provider. Parents will be encouraged to seek professional treatment by an exterminator to eradicate the bed bugs in the home. Further monitoring for signs and symptoms of re-infestation is appropriate. Bed bugs are not known to cause spread of disease.
The school nurse’s goals are to contain infestation, provide appropriate health information for treatment and prevention, and minimize school absence.
Indiana State Department of Health
With this information in mind, the following is the protocol for the Lafayette School Corporation health services:
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A student referred to the nurse for possible bed bug bites, will be assessed by the school nurse.
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If the nurse suspects bed bug bites, the nurse will call parents to discuss the possibility and have student taken to doctor for diagnosis and treatment after the school day ends.
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Students should not be excluded from school for bed bugs.
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If a live bug is found on the student’s clothes, book bag etc, the bug will be collected and double bagged. It will be taken for positive identification to an exterminator.
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If a live bug is found on the student, the student should have a fresh change of clothing to finish the school day and original clothes should be bagged and sent home.
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The school nurse will provide education to the parents on best practice to eliminate the bed bugs from their home environment.
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The nurse will monitor for further signs of re-infestation for several weeks after treatment.
Websites
Bed Bugs |
https://secure.in.gov/isdh/files/school_guidance_on_bed_bugs.pdf |
Center for Disease Control | |
Flu/Influenza | |
Head Lice | |
Ticks | |
Sun Safety | |
MRSA | |
American Diabetes Association | |
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation | |
Children with Diabetes Association | |
Asthma Allergy Foundation | |
National Epilepsy Foundation | |
American Academy of Pediatrics |
LSC Nursing Staff
Director of Health Services Sherry Mazza, RN, BSN 476-2906/337-5242 | |||
SCHOOL | NURSE | PHONE | FAX |
Earhart: | Yvonne Swanke, RN | 772-4740 | 772-4744 |
Edgelea: | Ashley Sainer, LPN | 772-4780 | 772-4786 |
Glen Acres: | Danielle Brown, RN | 771-6150 | 771-6154 |
Miami: | Becky Holladay ,LPN | 772-4800 | 772-4804 |
Miller: | Diana Kincade Stanley, RN | 476-2930 | 476-2934 |
Murdock: | Vickie Hewes, LPN | 771-6120 | 771-6126 |
Oakland: | Julie Brouillette, LPN | 771-6130 | 771-6134 |
Vinton: | Melanie Perkins, RN | 771-6140 | 771-6144 |
Sunnyside: | Chris Bunn, RN | 771-6100 | 771-6113 |
Tecumseh: | Dianna Hinesley, RN | 772-4750 | 772-4763 |
Oakland Academy/Jefferson | Abby Garelli, RN | 807-8550 | 807-8551 |
Jefferson High: | Beth McAuliffe, RN | 772-4700 ex 2599 | 772-4713 |
Jefferson High: | Beth Casto, RN (head nurse) | 772-4700 ex 2598 | 772-4713 |
Permanent Subs: Rebecca Long, LPN Jean Wright, LPN |