OVERVIEW

School Nurses
Gina Sharman, RN
Joel Saint Martin, RN - French Speaker

Our mission is to provide direct nursing services to students and staff members to maximize health and wellness in the school community. All duties are performed in accordance with district/state board of education policies and procedures and state law regarding nurse practice.

The role of the clinic staff is not to diagnose diseases or illnesses, but to report signs and symptoms of health problems and encourage the individuals to contact their own family health care providers for diagnosis and treatment. Please remember, the school clinic is not meant to be used in place of your family health care provider.

CLINIC LOCATION AND HOURS 

Awty's Health Clinic is located in the Levant Foundation Building, formerly known as Big Blue. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on regular school days.

CLINIC REQUIREMENTS  

All medications to be given at the school require a note of permission Administration_of_Medicine_Authorization from the parent/guardian.  Students requiring inhalers are not allowed to carry them unless their physician's order states they are allowed to do so. An Asthma_Action_Plan must be on file in the clinic. Students with food allergies requiring the use of an Epi-pen or Benadryl must have a Food_Allergy_Action_Plan on file in the clinic prior to the start of school. Students with diabetes are required to have an Individualized Action Plan on file with the clinic. The parent/guardian is responsible for providing all the necessary testing supplies and medications.

Accidents and sudden illness do occur, and having current parental information is essential in providing care for your child.  Please update your child's Emergency_Medical_Release as information changes to the clinic as soon as possible.

New students four years or older entering grades PK4-12 and returning students to grades PK4, 1st, 3rd, 5th 6th and 9th must have a 2008-2009_Medical_Record form on file in the clinic

All Middle and Upper School students participating in athletics must have an Athletic_Participation_Form on file in the clinic . This requires a yearly physical prior to practice or competing in any sport(s).

HEALTH WEBSITE LINKS  

Helpful Links for news on immunizations and disease control and prevention:

Texas Department of Health
Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Medline Plus

COMMUNICABLE ILLNESS  

DISEASES
First, please let us assure you that communicable diseases are very common occurrences among children. There is neither shame nor guilt if your child should contract one of these illnesses. It is all part of having children and growing up. Take this opportunity to stress the importance of hand washing. 

FEVER
If your child has a fever of 100º or higher, please keep him/her at home. Also, a good rule of thumb is to keep your child home for at least 24 hours fever free. This is very important to help prevent the transfer of disease.

HEAD LICE
The school nurse checks a student or a classroom if the need arises. Every effort is made for confidentiality. If head lice are found at the school, the child will be dismissed from school to a parent or guardian. The child will be readmitted after the inspection by the school nurse for the absence of lice and nits or a note from the physician. If head lice were found while at home, please inform the school nurse.

CONJUNCTIVITIS
Your child may be sent to school with conjunctivitis the day after treatment. Conjunctivitis has several different causes and if your health provider decides not to prescribe medication, a note should be provided. If conjunctivitis is suspected while at school, you may be asked to pick up your child for further evaluation.

STREP THROAT
Students who are only mildly ill can continue to attend school while awaiting strep culture. If the culture is positive, they must be sent home. To return to school, students must have at least 24 hours of antibiotic medicine and the absence of fever.

IMPETIGO
Your child will be allowed to attend school as long as the impetigo is covered. Impetigo often breaks out around the nose and mouth and cannot be covered. In those cases keep your child at home until they have received treatment medication for at least 24 hours. In all instances your child should have treatment for the impetigo.

FIFTH DISEASE
Youngsters are usually contagious only during the first stage of the disease. Once the disease is identifiable, the student is no longer contagious and may attend school. Please notify the school nurse if your child has fifth disease, as all pregnant staff members need to be notified.

PINWORM
The most common symptom of pinworms is itching in the rectal area, most intensely at night. Nighttime is the best time to check them also. While your child is sleeping, you can use a flashlight to check the rectal area. The pinworms may be right around the rectal opening. Eggs are tiny, white elongated, oval-shaped with embryonic worm inside. The common remedy is taking one chewable pill (Vermox) that your physician will give you by prescription.

PLEASE CONSULT YOUR SCHOOL NURSE FOR INFORMATION ON ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES FOR OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES