SCHOOLS
A message from Nurse Pam DeJong
Hello! My name is Pamela DeJong and welcome.
Guidelines for keeping sick kids home
I would like to tell you a little bit about myself.
When I am not at Hemenway School, you can often find me at a local gym working out to keep my body healthy. I also spend my spare time in my home art studio, working in clay or paint. In the health room you can see some of the fruits of my labor; I always have some of my paintings hanging. I also love to read and travel. When I am traveling, I especially love to visit museums, especially art museums.
I am a school nurse because I like teaching and working with children. I especially like the opportunity to teach all of you each time you walk in my door, even if you don't realize it. I am teaching you how to take care of cuts and scratches, how to take care of a cold, how to prevent illness, and many other things.
Sometimes you come in because you don't feel well and you will hear me tell you what I think might be wrong and what we need to do about it.
Parents, if you have any questions, anytime, please feel free to contact me at 508-782-6302..
My private nurse dedicated fax number is 508-788-9276.
School nurse services include:
* Providing injury assessments and routine and emergency first aid.
* Providing illness assessment and when students show symptoms of a contagious disease, I help to make them as comfortable as possible and contact a family member. Certain infectious diseases have to be to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
* If a student requires medication during school hours, I am responsible for safe storage, dosage, dispense, and disposal. An adult should bring in all medications to the nurse. Children cannot carry medications to school.
* It is part of my job to enforce the Massachusetts immunization requirements and inform and educate parents, staff, and students about potential threats in the school community.
* Hearing, Vision, and Postural Screening is performed according to state regulations. I advise families if results suggest further evaluation is needed.
* Procedures such as gastrostomy feedings, catheter care, and blood sugar testing are done for students that require them in order to attend school.
* Support and assistance is given to students with diabetes, asthma, allergies, cancer, and many other chronic conditions, enabling them to safely attend school
* A confidential record of health history, immunizations, screening results, and visits to the health office is maintained.
* Nursing Assessment is part of a team evaluation used in the development of Individualized Education Plans for students with special needs
* I will arrange for physical examinations to be done, or refer parents to providers as physical examinations are required to be on file for all new students, kindergarteners, and 4th graders.
* I am available for consultation, illness assessment, and first aid for Hemenway employees.
* Parents are strongly encouraged to communicate health concerns and developments. I can assist the student and consult with the staff to help in maintaining wellness for optimum learning in school
* Collaboration with students, staff, and families is necessary to promote and maintain a healthy environment.
* I am a member of the school's emergency response team.
Sincerely,
Pam DeJong, Nurse