Nurses also screen students from PreK onwards for hearing and vision problems, notifying parents of problems. Parents are generally notified about testing via school newsletters. Parents can opt out of the mandated testing by sending in a note with their child. High doses can cause hallucinations, coma and brain damage. Students don t always know what s a safe dose for medicines like Tylenol, which can cause permanent liver damage in large doses.
Nurses monitor health problems specific to the school building, such as head lice.
During recent problems with air quality at Center School, the nurse there gathered epidemiological data - that is, information about which students, teachers, and other staff were sick, what their medical problems were, and which classrooms they worked in. If a child appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a faculty or staff member may ask the nurse to evaluate the student. Nurses work as part of the Student Assistance Team at the High School, composed of representatives from the Lymes Youth Service Bureau, administration, guidance, and school psychologist. They meet regularly to confidentially discuss the needs for assistance of individual students, who may come to the attention of only one team member. Nurses can coordinate with these and other community sources in a confidential manner to get students the help they may need.