Nurse's Corner

Welcome to the Nurse’s Corner. This is the place to find pertinent and up to date information on any health, medical, and safety needs.

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MEDICATIONS 

Medications at school are needed at times and should be sent only when absolutely necessary.  In order for the nurse to comply with the law and stay within her scope of practice, as mandated by the Maryland Nurses Practice Act, all medications and treatments must have the appropriate medication/treatment form signed by parents and a Health Care Provider.  These forms can be printed off from the Prince George’s County Public School website or by clicking the link below.  In addition, the school nurse also has blank medication/treatment forms in her office.

Medication/Treatment Forms
 

To ensure safe handling of medications, parents/caregivers are responsible for:

1. Delivering all medication to the school
2. Ensuring students comply with the PGCPS Code of Student Conduct by not carrying any medication in their possession
3. Maintaining communication with the school nurse regarding student medication needs or changes
4. Retrieving any unused medication at discontinuance and/or at the end of the school year

WHEN TO KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL

Prince George's County Public Schools has a policy for parents concerning children with illnesses and when to keep them home from school.  Resting at home will help them get better more quickly and will prevent them from exposing other children or the staff to their illness. Keep your child home and consult with your child’s Primary Care Provider if he or she has any of the following:

1. A temperature greater than 100.4°F taken with an oral thermometer  
2. Nausea or vomiting 
3. Diarrhea 
4. Stomach pain that is constant.  If vomiting starts after the pain begins (call your healthcare provider that day) 
5. A headache that is interfering with activities 
6. A sore throat that causes difficulty swallowing 
7. Yellow discharge on eyelashes in the morning that comes back after being wiped off lashes and eyes that are red (call your health care provider for an appointment the day this is observed) 
8. A skin rash that causes itching and/or is on most of the body 
9. A constant cough and/or difficulty breathing 
10. Is complaining of feeling ill, has a lack of energy and/or a decrease in activity 

Your child may return to school when your health care provider says he/she can, when symptoms are gone for 24 hours or if your child has taken a prescribed antibiotic for a full 24 hours.

https://www.pgcps.org/offices/school-health/when-to-keep-your-child-home-from-school

IMMUNIZATIONS

Federal and state guidelines mandate age appropriate immunizations. A student without appropriate documentation will have twenty calendar days from the time the lack of documentation is noted to comply with the guidelines for needed age appropriate immunization. It is important for parents to have a copy of their child's immunizations for their own records. There will be times when you may need your own copy, for example, for after care enrollment, summer camp enrollment, and sport activities.

The Health Department has immunization clinics throughout the year.  For further information on immunization requirements, immunization clinics, or flu clinics, please refer to the Prince Georges County Health Department website and type immunization in the search window.

Immunization Requirements and Certificate 
 
Five Tips for Raising Healthy Children

1. Ensure that your child eats nutritious foods on a daily basis. It is essential for children to eat foods rich in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, protein, and good fats. Think of the rainbow when cooking meals as many fruits and vegetables come in different colors. Remember, proper nutrition is essential for your child’s health and overall well-being. 
2. Ensure your child stays physically active and exercises. Get the family involved and go for walks, play outdoor games, or go for a bike ride. The fresh air, the sunshine, and exercise will support your child’s immune system and keep them strong. 
3. Ensure your child gets enough sleep each day. Children need at least 9-12 hours of sleep every night. When your child has a structured bedtime it keeps them energized and less susceptible to illnesses.
4. Support your child’s mental and emotional health by being available to listen to their concerns without being judgmental. Children need to feel secure and loved.
5. Ensure that your child is up to date on their immunizations. Immunizations protect the body from infections. Children deserve to be healthy so ensure your child visits their pediatrician at least once a year for a well-child examination and their dentist at least every 6 months.