Transcript What is Medication Administration?

Module Two
Medication Administration
Medication Administration
In the School Setting
How to Safely Meet the Medication
Needs of Our
Students
Who is
responsible?
Parent
Nurse
Student
Trained
Personnel
Physician
What is Medication
Administration?
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It is an important responsibility!
It is impossible to overemphasize the
responsibility assumed when
administering medicine to a child.
What is Medication
Administration?
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This includes medicines prescribed by
a health care provider (such as
antibiotics, medicines for seizures or
behavior problems, or inhalers for
asthma) as well as those purchased
over-the-counter (such as cold pills,
cough syrups, vitamins, Tylenol, or
Advil).
It Is More Complicated Than You
Might Think!
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Each state has specific regulations and
guidelines for the school setting that
address safe administration of medication.
BE SURE YOU KNOW THE REGULATIONS
IN YOUR STATE!
It Is More Complicated Than You
Might Think!
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There may be additional regulations in
areas such as nursing or pharmacy that
affect administration practices in your
state.
This information covers the basics only!
Why is Medication Administration
Important?
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Medications have been developed which
help children combat short and long-term
illnesses and improve their health and life.
Careful and accurate administration of
these drugs is essential to treat illnesses
and prevent health problems.
Why is Medication Administration
Important?
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Each child reacts uniquely to each medication.
In addition to prescriptions from their health
care provider, families may independently
purchase many medicines, herbs, vitamins, and
home remedies.
Since these all affect the body and may interact
with each other, they must ALL be considered as
medications in the school setting.
When Should Medication be Given
in a School Setting?
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Medicines should only be given in a school
setting when it is truly necessary.
It is safest and best for children to
receive their medicines at home
When Should Medication be Given
in a School Setting?
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Doses up to three times a day can often
be given before and after school hours.
When the number of doses, or the action
of the medication requires a dose during
school hours, an agency policy based on
state regulations must be in place.
These requirements must be met before
starting the medication.
Why So Many Forms?
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The multiple forms and signatures required
seem quite "formal" and are sometimes
confusing to both parents and care providers.
It is important to recall that the role of provider
is a professional one and is distinct from the role
of a parent.
The rules and forms exist to protect the child,
the parent, and the provider against harmful
mistakes. Once this is clear, the forms seem
more "friendly".
Who May Give Medications?
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EACH STATE WILL HAVE ITS OWN RULES
ABOUT THIS!
Be sure to understand your state’s nursing
delegation laws.
In Alabama the school nurse in collaboration
with the principal, will select the person to assist
students with medication and provide training
and supervision for this activity.
Who May Give Medications?
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In Alabama the term Medication Assistant
will be used to identify that individual
chosen by the school nurse for training.
According to the State of Alabama Nurse
Practice Act, the Board of Nursing began
working with school nurses, educators and
school administrators to address how, and
who gave medicines in the school.
Who May Give Medications?
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Prior to December 3, 2001, school nurses
could teach unlicensed school employees
or teachers about medicines but could not
delegate a nursing task or function to an
unlicensed person.
Who May Give Medications?
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Delegation is a key issue because the
licensed nurse retains responsibility for
the task that is delegated to someone
else---someone else performs the task but
the nurse retains the responsibility for the
outcome.
The Alabama Board of Nursing’s legal
mandate is the protection of public health,
safety and welfare.
Who May Give Medications?
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Any staff member who administers medication
should receive training (the school nurse
provides this training).
Topics should include categories and actions of
medications, routes of administration, dosages
and measurement, the Six Rights* laws,
documentation, and the specific policies of the
LEA.
How Can Medications be Given
Safely?
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Safety is promoted when staff is well-prepared
and specifically trained in medication
administration.
Having specific staff consistently assigned to
this responsibility increases accuracy and safety.
The *Six RIGHTS must always be respected
when giving medications to a child. These are:
Right CHILD, MEDICINE, DOSE, ROUTE ,
Time & Documentation.
Medication Safety
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Have the written health care provider’s order, the
pharmacy-labeled bottle, and the parent’s written
request BEFORE giving the first dose. Make sure all three
documents agree with each other.
Keep the medicine at the facility!
When medication is sent back and forth from home to
the school, it increases the risk of missed doses, lost
medicine, unsafe storage, and other children accidentally
taking the drug. Most pharmacies will gladly "split" the
prescription at no extra charge.
Medications Safety
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A safe and secure method of medication
storage is essential.
Accurate written documentation of every
dose is crucial. It is also important to
clearly document missed or late doses and
errors! This helps prevent further mistakes
and helps improve the safety and health
of your children.
Thank You for Your Participation!
Please continue with Module 3
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The information for this presentation came from The
National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child
Care. ( http://www.nrc.uchsc.edu )