June 5, 2017
Dear Colleagues,
This is such a hectic time of the year! With field days and field trips and other activities planned for the school day that often disrupt our daily health office routines, medication errors seem to occur more frequently when these disruptions occur. Most reports of medication errors are of a benign nature (thank goodness!) but the feelings of remorse and anxiety are often difficult for nurses who make these errors. Our studies indicate that most of these medication errors often demonstrate that they are “systems errors” due to the interruptions that occur while the school nurse is administering medications – especially when multiple students are in the office or other duties are expected of the nurse during these time. Multiple interruptions during the delivery of any nursing care, but particularly during the critical task of administering controlled medications, can be a risk to the proper administration of medication and other complex healthcare interventions. Research has demonstrated that as number of distractions increases, so do the number of medication errors and the risk to patient safety (Executive Health, 2010). We support the concept of “uninterrupted time” for whenever any medication must be administered. This is also true for the unlicensed personnel to whom the nurse may be delegating this responsibility.
Please also remember that an important resource to utilize when a student receives the wrong medication, or the wrong dose of a medication, is the Regional Center For Poison Control And Prevention at (800) 222-1222 (Available 24 hours every day). These trained professionals can assist nurses in determining the appropriate intervention depending on the drug that was given in error.
Please see the attached flyer for information related to the SHIELD/ BCH Summer Institute. This program is sponsored by MDPH School Health Services and we encourage you to attend these exciting three days! Registration is now open on www.SHIELD-BU.org(click on Live Programs).
Thank you for all you do….and all the activities that ensure that students are healthy and safe in order to participate!
Mary Ann, Janet and Carol
“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” — Stephen R. Covey, educator, writer and speaker
From the Massachusetts School Nurse Research Network (MASNRN):
Middle School Nurses!!
Are you interested in School Nurse Based Research?
MASNRN will be conducting a pilot study this Fall. We are looking for school nurse volunteers to provide data on vaccination rates for the Human Papilloma Virus for students in grade 7 only. We are lining up volunteer participants now in preparation for this study. Beginning in August of 2017, we will send additional details about specific data collection needs. If you are able to gather this vaccination data and are interested in participating in this study, please contact MASNRN via email to confirm your name, School and interest. Thank you. http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?ca=e5d89a2d-6207-474c-8269-3cb51d4bea19&preview=true&m=1102665899791&id=preview
From the MDPH Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS):
For School Nurses, Health Educators and Teams: Effectively Preventing Prescription Drug Misuse and Other Drug Use – Evidence-Based Middle School Prevention Training
Three 1-day Level 1 Training Options (only one day required)
8:30 (Registration) 9:00 AM-4:30PM
CERTIFICATION IS GRANTED AFTER ATTENDING ONE OF THESE DAYS. Prior registration is required.Although not required, teams from schools/districts are encouraged to attend. Level 1 is for 6th or 7th grade. Free Curricula and Student Materials will be provided. 6.0 hours per day of training will be awarded: the CEUs can be used for nurses; PDPs for other educators; and 6.5 hours for Certified Prevention Specialists (CPS) Credits
Locations for free trainings:
o August 16th, 2017 – Holiday Inn Taunton; 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton
o August 17th, 2017 – Courtyard Marriott; 75 Felton Street, Marlborough
o August 18th, 2017 – Holiday Inn Peabody; 1 Newbury Street, Peabody
Materials and Parking are free. Lunch is provided.
Registration: Please Visit http://www.cvent.com/d/74q78p/6T for information and to complete the required registration. Thank you for helping to keep Massachusetts youth healthy.
Brief Training Program Description: Life Skills Training Program Certification Training Description:
Life Skills Training Program (LST) is an interactive program based on the science of preventing substance use. Over 30 years of research have documented its’ ability to affect youth rates of substance use when used with middle school youth. Recent literature has documented decreases in prescription drug misuse when it is implemented with fidelity. LST consists of a series of Sessions in the 6th or 7th grade followed by a shorter series of Booster Sessions in the two subsequent grades. It can be implemented by adults who attend a one-day Certification Training that consistently receives positive reviews. The training and curriculum supplies are offered at no charge by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. More information will be available at the training.
From the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE):
ESE invites you to join Gender Spectrum’s Inclusive Schools Network (ISN), by participating in a 2-day Professional Development in Southbridge, MA this July 27-28th, from 8-4pm (see flyer attached and registration form for more details). Participants will also gain access to ongoing follow-up support and resources for the school year ahead from the ISN’s cohort of school leaders and educators committed to ensuring that ‘every student’s gender is seen, understood and respected.’
Please register now to reserve your space as well as request lodging at the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center, where the event will take place. PDP credits will be available for all content hours for the 2-day event. We hope you will join us at the July Institute in teams of two or more in order to maximize your impact upon return to your district.