School Nurse

Students who need to take medications during school hours, either for anticipated emergencies such as an asthma attack, or anaphylaxis, or for other life threatening illnesses or for short intervals such as antibiotics, are required to abide by the following regulations:

1. Submit a written statement by the student’s physician identifying the type, dosage, time, and purpose of medication.
2. Medication, both prescription and Over-The-Counter (OTC) must be presented, in its original container, to the school nurse. The properly labeled prescription bottle will be kept in a locked medicine cabinet in the Health Office. In certain limited instances, a student may be permitted to carry: an inhaler to self-administer asthma medication, or an EpiPen for anaphylaxis, or medication for other life- threatening illnesses, only upon prior written approval by the school district. For such permission, contact the school nurse.
3. As per state law, No medication, including Over-The-Counter (OTC) may be carried by the student. This includes eye drops, nasal sprays, aspirin, Tylenol, cough preparations, diet aids, or stimulants.
4. The student is expected to report to the Health Office at the appropriate time for medication administration.
5. The school physician will be informed periodically of all medication administered during school hours.
6. Only the school nurse is permitted to administer medication in the school building, and then only in compliance with Bergenfield Board of Education Policy and NJ state law. In certain instances, a parent/guardian may be permitted to administer medication to his/her child in the Health Office when the need arises. No OTC medication, such as aspirin, SAT Tylenol, cough preparations, diet aids or stimulants will be given to a student by the Health Service Department, or other school staff or another student.

A student becoming ill after arriving at school must report to the nurse even if this occurs before that student’s first period. Generally, the nurse, under the auspices of the Principal, administrative designee, or the Medical Inspector, is authorized to send students home due to illness. The student’s medical history and chief complaints will be evaluated and investigated. If the student has a fever of 100.2 or greater and/or appears acutely ill, he/she will be given an excused absence for the remainder of the school day. If the student is not acutely ill and/or does not have a fever of 100.2 or greater, he/she, after consultation with the parent or guardian, has the choice of an absence for the remainder of the school day that will count towards the absence limits or to remain in school. Students may leave the school building only with expressed consent of an administrator/ or administrative designee and his/her parent/guardian. Students leaving school ill will be signed out through the Health Office. Extenuating circumstances will be addressed by the administration or designee.

It is imperative that the nurse have on record accurate and current home and business telephone numbers for all parents/guardians. A Health History which provides space for this information is issued to each ninth grader and newly enrolled transfer student. This data can be updated at any time during the school year by written notification to the registrar.

When severe accidents occur, every effort will be made to contact the parent/ guardian immediately and the student will be transported to the hospital by the Bergenfield Ambulance Corps.

Elective medical/surgical procedures should be scheduled during vacation time. Days missed will not be excused. The determination of the difference between elective and emergency procedures must be determined by the school physicians.

Physical examinations are required for all tenth grade students and students new to BHS. All tenth grade students will be scheduled for a physical examination by the school doctor unless their parent/guardian has indicated a preference for a private examination at their own expense. Completed private examination cards are due by November 15th.

Each candidate for a school athletic team shall be examined within 365 days prior to the first practice by either the school physician or physician chosen by the parent or guardian. However, if the medical exam is completed more than 90 days prior to the first practice session, the student must provide a health history update of medical problems since the last medical examination. This written history shall be signed by the parent or guardian and include the following information: (a) hospitalization/operations, (b) illnesses; (c) injuries; (d) care administered by a physician, advanced practice nurse or physician’s assistant; and (e) medications.

A completed state mandated sport physical form must be completed by the parent and the physician and returned to the school nurse. Do NOT give this to the coach. Advance schedules concerning school sport physical examinations are provided to students through the Athletic and School Health Service Departments.

Medical/dental appointments are to be scheduled after school hours. Parents are advised to schedule medical/dental appointments outside of school hours. Please be advised that the New Jersey Chiropractic Statue defines Chiropractic as a system of adjusting the articulations of the spinal column by manipulation. Therefore, based on that statutory reference, Bergenfield school system will accept Chiropractic medical excuses which relate only to that area of expertise.

In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of communicable diseases, the Board of Education requires the immunization of pupils against certain diseases in accordance with State statute and law.

No child shall be admitted to school unless he/she has completed required immunizations. The Board shall not require the immunization of any pupil for whom such immunization is medically contraindicated or any pupil for whom administration of immunizing agents conflicts with bona fide religious tenets or practices.

All student medical notes requesting an excuse from P.E., either from a physician or parent, must be processed through the nurse’s office. Please note that extended absences from physical education warrant medical documentation.