Health Services - WHS
NURSE OFFICE/HEALTH SERVICES DEPARTMENT
1. IMMUNIZATIONS
Every student must be current to the Indiana State Health Department Immunization Guidelines. An Indiana law requires each year that parents/guardians be informed about meningococcal disease and its vaccine. (IC 20-30-5-18)
- Meningococcal disease is a dangerous disease that can strike children and youth. The disease can progress rapidly and within hours of the first symptoms, may result in death or permanent disability including loss of hearing, brain damage, and limb amputations.
- Symptoms of meningococcal disease often resemble the flu and can include fever, headache, nausea, and stiff neck, making the disease difficult to diagnose. The bacteria that cause meningococcal diseases are transmitted through air droplets and by direct contact with an infected person. Please talk with your child’s health care provider about meningococcal disease and vaccination. All STUDENTS 9th-12th MUST BE IMMUNIZED.
2. HEALTH SCREENINGS
Mandated by state law will be done on students as follows:
a. Visual Screening: Kindergarten, 1st , 3rd , and 8th grade
b. Hearing Screening: 1st , 4th , 7th , and 10th grade
c. Screenings will also be done on any student new to the corporation.
d. In addition, height, weight, and head lice screenings may be performed on students.
3. ILLNESS
a. Students should not be sent to school if he or she has a fever of 100 degrees or more or presents signs or symptoms of a contagious condition in the last 24 hours. If a student becomes ill while at school, the student must get a pass from the teacher to see the nurse. Students will be assessed by the nurse, and if the nurse feels it necessary for the student to go home, arrangements will be made. While it is understood accidents occur, bodily fluid must be contained. All health issues need to be updated in Skyward yearly to ensure the health and safety of each student.
b. Students should NOT call home to be picked up at school for illness until they have checked at the nurse’s office. Proper sign in and sign out procedures must be followed.
4. MEDICATION
a. All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office unless a student has written physician permission to possess and self-administer the medication according to IC 20-8.1-5.1-7.5. The parent/guardian of a student requiring medication during school hours should contact the school nurse for information pertaining to the administration of such. If the student has an allergy or disease such as asthma and needs to carry medication and self-administer medication in school or at a school sponsored activity written physician’s order and parent/guardian permission forms must be completed.
b. Prescription medication taken at school must be brought in by parent in the original prescription bottle and parent/guardian permission forms completed. Non-prescription medication must be in the original container with written parent permission, reason for medication, dose and time to be given. The forms may be picked up and returned to the nurse’s office. Indiana Law, along with individual safety factors, will also be followed regarding the release of medication.
5. HEAD LICE POLICY
a. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
The WHS registered nurse is a health care professional who will communicate with and act as consultants for the staff, family, and student. The nurse will provide instruction and support to the student and family.
b. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL
i. Any student within the school corporation suspected of having head lice may be examined.
ii. Any sibling or close contact of the infected student who is within the school corporation may be examined.
iii. Confidentiality must be maintained.
iv. An individual will be sent home upon evidence of living lice.
v. Instruction in treatment will be provided to the caregiver for any student sent home. An FDA approved product must be used.
vi. When the individual returns to the school after a substantiated case of head lice, and proper treatment has been given, he or she should be examined by the school nurse.
6. ACCIDENTS
Every accident or injury in the school building, on the school grounds, at practice sessions, or any other event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the principal’s office.
7. ELEVATOR KEY POLICY
Elevator keys are the property of Washington High School. When needed they will be signed out in the nurse’s office. Any keys not returned will have a $25.00 replacement fee.
8. WHEELCHAIR POLICY
Washington High School will not provide wheelchair access except in emergency situations.