What is the school nurse role with disaster preparedness? Is it necessary to make sure that all students who take medication at home have an extra supply at school?
Since disaster preparedness is usually a health related issue, the school nurse is critical in planning for safety should a disaster occur. Districts handle disaster preparedness in different ways. Every school should have a plan in place (check with you state laws regarding disaster preparedness) with alternatives for students who have health needs. If the parent chooses NOT to send in extra supplies or medication for a student with diabetes alternatives can be provided. For example, if insulin is not available during a disaster, all efforts to get the student medical attention would be made. In the meantime, the student can be provided sugar-free fluids and foods that have no or little carbohydrate (foods that are high in fat and/or protein like peanut butter, nuts, beef jerky, meat sticks, etc.). Whatever decisions and/or provisions are made for all students with health care needs should be documented in their Individual School Health Care Plan and a copy of this plan included in th
