Health Office Q & A
For your convenience, the answers to the most frequently asked questions of the nurse are listed below. Please check the district handbook for further details.
Q) My child needs to take prescription and non-prescription medication during school hours. What must I do so the nurse will be able to give the medicine?
A) These are the steps to follow:
1. The medicine must be in its original container. (no baggies or envelopes)
2. We must have a doctor’s written order for prescription and nonprescription medication. The orders may be faxed to the school office.
3. We must have written parent permission that includes a waiver of liability.
Q) My child was sick last night, when can he return to school?
A) Your child must be fever free (without the use of medicine), vomit free and/or diarrhea free for 24 hours before returning to school.
Q) My child was diagnosed with Strep throat. How long must she stay out of school?
A) Your child must be taking the prescribed medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school, and be fever free for 24 hours.
Q) The doctor prescribed eye drops for pink eye. When may my child return to school?
A) If Bacterial, antibiotic treatment for 24 hours and the eye must be clear before the child returns to school. If viral, the child may return to school with a note from the physician stating the condition is not contagious.
Q) My child has a rash on his face and arms, ect... May he come to school?
A) If we have a note from the doctor stating the rash is not contagious, the child may return to school.
Q) My child a) broke her arm on Saturday b) had surgery last week c) is recovering from pneumonia d) has a sprained wrist. Does she need a note to excuse her from gym and recess?
A) Yes, we need a note from the doctor stating the length of time that your child’s activity must be limited.
Q) If my child has a communicable disease such as Strep throat, pink eye, chicken pox, or Fifth disease, should I notify the school office?
A) Yes, please tell us the reason for your child’s absence. The nurses keep records of reported communicable diseases and notify parents when a contagious disease is in their child’s elementary school classroom.
Q) My child has lice, should I notify the health office?
A) Yes, please notify the health office with any case of lice (live lice or nits). Before your child returns to school a lice treatment must be given and lice/nits must be taken out of his/her hair. Check with your family doctor/pediatrician with preferred treatment. After treatment you may bring your child to school but he/she must be checked by the school nurse and approved to start back.
Q) Should I inform the health office if my child was diagnosed with a concussion?
A) Yes, please notify the health office; pertinent forms will be needed regarding your child from the physician who diagnosed the concussion.
Thank you for your help with this!
Any Questions? Please contact the Health Office.
Kim Finnerty, RN | District 57 Nurse | Email: kfinnerty@d57.org
Julie Tworek, RN | Westbrook School Nurse| Email: jtworek@d57.org
Phone: 847.394.7340 Option 2 or extension 2003