The school nurse helps children to maintain physical and emotional well being and tries to effect healthful changes in the student's lifestyle. The following is a guideline to help you understand the duties of the school nurse and the responsibilities of the parents or guardians.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT: A medical file of each child is kept in the nurse's office. This file contains immunizations, heights and weights, vision, hearing, physical exam results and any medical information needed to properly care for each child such as allergies, asthma or medical conditions. This file follows your child through high school. Please inform the nurse of any illnesses, hospitalizations, shots or medications occurring during a student's time in the Linden School District so records remain up to date and accurate.

IMMUNIZATIONS: If your child needs to update their immunizations you will be notified through the mail. Please have the shots done over the summer and in September bring a record of the shots to the nurse. Your child will not be able to attend school if their shots are not up to date.

MEDICATIONS: Medications may be given in school ONLY with a written doctor's prescription and written permission from the parent or guardian. The medication must be in a labeled container from the pharmacy. The medication must be brought to school by an adult, please do not send it with the child. No over-the-counter medication, including cough drops, will be allowed.

ILLNESS OR INJURY: The nurse is available full time for any child who becomes ill or injured at school. Please do not send your child to school ill. The following are some guidelines to help you know when your child should be kept home and when to return to school after an illness:

--Fever of 100°F or above: May return if fever free for 24 hours.
--Loose stool/diarrhea: May return if symptom free for 24 hours.
--Vomiting: May return when vomiting has stopped for 24 hours.
--Rash: May return when rash is gone or with a doctor's note.
--Ring Worm: May return with a doctor's note and/or appropriate treatment. Must be
  covered while attending school.
--Inflamed Eye/Irritation: May return only with effective treatment for a minimum of 24
  hours or with a doctor's note.

                             szatko@linden.k12.nj.us