School Nurse

ILLNESS: For the well-being and health consideration of all our students and staff, parents are asked to keep home any student with fevers and contagious illnesses. Students need a signed note from the parent stating the reason for missing school. It is a policy that a student must stay home with a fever (24 hours fever free without the use of medication like Motrin, Aspirin, Tylenol, etc.), vomiting (24 hours free), flu symptoms, diarrhea, colored nasal discharge, persistent cough, strep throat (24 hours on medication), or pinkeye (24 hours on medication).

The needs of children who require medication during school hours should be met in a safe and prudent manner. It is the responsibility of NRCA and the school nurse to ensure that medications are administered according to state laws, local written policies, and procedures and professional standards.

Standard
All medications administered by school personnel during school hours must be prescribed by a licensed health care provider and have physician’s signature. (General Statutes of North Carolina Chapter 115C-307)

All medication administered by school personnel must have a written request permission signed by the parent or legal guardian. (General Statutes of North Carolina Chapter 115-307)

Parents Responsibility

• Provide a written request for school personnel to administered the doctor prescribed medication, including over the counter medication.
• Complete the authorization form, which includes the following:
  • Name of Child
  • Name of medication
  • Date it was prescribed
  • Dosage
  • How the medication is to be given
  • When the medicine is to be given
  • Special instructions
  • Expiration date
  • Possible side effects
  • Possible adverse reactions
  • Name of the health care provider and how to locate or communicate with him or he if necessary
• Provide each medication in a separate pharmacy-labeled container that includes the child’s name, name of medication, the exact does to be given, the number of doses in the container, the time the medication is to be given, and how it is to be administered. NOTE: Parents should request that the pharmacist provide two labeled containers, one for home use and one for school use, if a child needs to be given medication both at home and at school.
• Provide the school with new, labeled containers when dosage or medication changes are prescribed.
• Remove all unused medication from school when medication are discontinued or at end of school year. Any medication left after the last day of school will be discarded.
• Maintain communication with the school nurse regarding any changes in the medical treatment and child’s needs at school.
• All over the counter medication must be in the original unopened container with the child’s name.

Backpacks are everyday piece of equipment for students that can be harmful. The weight you carry on your back should never exceed 15% of your body weight. Students typically carry 25-35% of their body weight. This becomes a very important health issue because your bones are still growing and adding too much weight puts stress on you body and can cause permanent damage.

What is MRSA? Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a staph infection caused by bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria causing MRSA typically enters the body through cuts or other wounds. MRSA usually causes only minor skin problems but can worsen if not treated.

NOTE: The bacteria does not travel through the air but is contracted through contact with others that have it.

What does MRSA look like? MRSA usually starts as small red bumps that resemble pimples, boils, or spider bites. It can present as one small bump or several bumps clustered together. MRSA can turn into deep, painful sores if not treated.

How can I protect myself?

• Monitor minor skin problems
• Shower before going to bed after any physical activity
• Wash bed linens if you have a draining wound
• Do not walk around without shoes
• Practice good personal hygiene
• Routinely practice effective hand-washing techniques
• WASH PRACTICE or PE CLOTHES AFTER EACH WEARING
• Cover wounds at all times (when at school, participating in physical activity, etc.)
  • Clean wounds with warm water and soap daily
  • If wounds become infected, see your doctor

• DO NOT SHARE PERSONAL ITEMS
  • Razors
  • Towels (even during games)
  • Equipment
  • UNIFORMS or PRACTICE or PE CLOTHES

At North Raleigh Christian Academy, we are taking the proper precautions to protect against MRSA at the school. Treatment tables are cleaned daily and between each patient. The locker rooms and equipment in the weight room are cleaned daily. If you are concerned about a skin problem that develops, please contact your physician. If diagnosed with MRSA, please advise your PE teacher. Please help us in protecting yourself and other students from contracting MRSA.

Ten of the Worst Children’s Foods

Ten of the Best Children’s Foods

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
  (especially carrot sticks, cantaloupe, oranges, watermelon, strawberries)
• Chicken breast and drumstick without skin or breading
• Cheerios, Wheaties, or other whole-grain, low-sugar cereals
• Skim or 1 percent milk
• Extra-lean ground beef
• Or vegetarian burgers (Gardenburgers or Green Giant Harvest Burgers)
• Low-fat hot dogs
  (Yves Veggie Cuisine Fat-Free weiners or Lightlife Fat-Free Smart Dogs)
• Non-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt
• Fat-free corn chips or potato chips
• Seasoned air-popped popcorn
• Whole wheat crackers or Small World Animal Crackers