Student Nursing Services
School Health Rooms
Every school's health room is managed by a registered nurse. Any student who is not feeling well should obtain a pass from the appropriate staff or faculty member to visit the health room. The health room is designed to assist students with chronic health conditions and is an emergency station to care for minor injuries and illnesses that occur at school. Injuries that occurred outside the school environment should be treated at home or by a health care provider prior to returning back to school. Our school nurses cannot diagnose illnesses. A nurse cannot administer any medications without a medication consent form (see below for form M105) completed by health a care provider and/or parent or guardian.
The health and well-being of all students is of utmost importance. Procedurally, our nurses work towards returning students to the classroom as soon as it is advisable. However, sometimes a student may need to go home due to illness. We will request that you pick up your child if his/her medical condition is unstable, or if he/she is not capable of participating in the daily school activities. This decision is based upon an assessment conducted by the school nurse. In addition, the school must also follow the Department of Public Health School Exclusion List for specific medical conditions to be in compliance with SC State Health guidelines.
General First-Aid and Medication Administration
The school health rooms will supply the following items for first-aid purposes: Vaseline, Saline Eye Wash, Aloe Vera, 1% Hydrocortisone. If you do not wish for your child to be treated with these items, please provide your written response to your school’s nurse.
Medical Emergencies
If medical emergencies arise, the school nurse and school administrator will enact medical care deemed appropriate to the student (i.e., call 911 or transport the student to the hospital). In these cases, the schools will make every attempt to contact the parent/guardian. Please be sure to keep your student's emergency information updated with correct phone numbers. If a parent/guardian is out of town and has left their child in the care of another adult, written documentation should be on file with the school. This documentation will authorize the school to contact the alternate person in case of illness or a medical emergency.
Medical Orders, Documentation, and Devices
To ensure the safety, consistency, and legal compliance of student health services, the following requirements apply:
1. Independent Medical Orders Required
Medical orders must be written, signed, and dated by a licensed healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA) who is not the student’s parent or guardian.
This requirement applies even if the parent/guardian is a licensed healthcare provider. In such cases, medical orders must be completed by another independent licensed provider.
2. Medical Excuses and Documentation
Medical excuses, notes, or documentation cannot be written or signed by a student’s parent or guardian, even if that parent/guardian is a licensed medical professional.
All medical documentation must be issued by the student’s independent healthcare provider (MD, DO, NP, or PA).
3. Medical Devices on Campus
If a student requires the use of a medical device during the school day, a formal medical note from a licensed healthcare provider is required prior to use on campus.
This includes, but is not limited to:
- Boots, slings, or braces
- Crutches or walkers
- Wheelchairs
4. Required Accommodations Documentation
When a medical device is prescribed, the healthcare provider must also include any necessary school-day accommodations. This may include, but is not limited to:
- Activity restrictions (e.g., PE, recess)
- Mobility assistance needs
- Elevator access, extra time between classes, or seating accommodations