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School Nurse

School Nurse

The Vermont State School Nurses' Association recognizes that at the present time, many students are able to attend regular school because of the effective use of medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities or illnesses.  We believe that it is more desirable for medication to be administered in the home.  However, any student who is required to take medication during the regular school day must comply with the school regulations.

These regulations include:

  • Written orders from a physician including the name of the drug, dosage, reason, and times at which it is to be taken. 
  • Written permission from the parent/guardian of the student requesting that the school district comply with the physician’s orders. 
  • Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician and immediately delivered to the school nurse.
  • A locked cabinet in the health office will be provided for the storage of medications.
  • Students should NOT bring medication to school.  Disciplinary Action may be taken if a student is found in possession of medication, even over the counter medication.
  • Over the counter medication for pain relief and indigestion can only be obtained from the Health Office with written permission of the parent.

Students who need to visit the nurse may only do so with a pass from their teacher.   Should the need arise to visit the nurse between classes, the student must first report to their next scheduled teacher and obtain a pass.

Students becoming ill during the school day may not leave school independently, but must report first to the nurse.  The nurse will decide, following her assessment, the necessity to go home.  The school nurse will first inform the parent/guardian, after which the student will be released from school.

If students are absent for over two days in a row OR if they have been seen by a physician for an illness or an injury, the parent should contact the school nurse so that there will be appropriate follow-up at school.

The nurse does not write passes to miss a gym class. Health concerns, both long term and short term, that may impact a student’s ability to participate must be brought to the attention of the Physical Education teacher(s) as soon as possible, students may be required to provide documentation from a physician.

Vermont Immunization Law (VSA 18, Chapter 23, Subchapter 4) requires new students and transfer students to be immunized before school entry unless exempted from immunization for medical, religious, or moral reasons.  Section 1125 of the law allows local school boards to expand immunization requirements to other grades.  Effective July 1, 1980, the Board of Education, in accordance with the regulations governing the above law, extended immunization requirements to all grades and all students.