COVID-19

Space Assessment

• Assess space allocation in each health office. If current arrangement is not adequate:
  • Can layout of room be changed to better accommodate Social Distancing?
  • Can washable partitions be utilized to create barriers to spread of droplets?
  • Must a larger space be located?
• Locate an isolation room, separate from the Health Office, for use when students or staff members become ill at school. Identify additional staff who will monitor individuals in isolation.
• Assess the need for a treatment room, separate locations for the performance of aerosolized droplet producing procedures such as nebulizer and suctioning that can be quickly cleaned.
  • Update protocols to reflect treatment to be given in a separate location.
  • Communicate with Facilities regarding the need for timely cleaning and include in protocol.
  • Revise Private Duty Nurse Guidelines to reflect the updated protocols.

PPE Assessment

• There will be adequate, appropriate PPE available and secured for agency use.
• Assess unique supply needs in each location:
  • Order and distribute PPE based upon student enrollment and need for special care.
  • Order and distribute other supplies such as thermometers and pillowcases according to anticipated need.
  • Reassess usage of supplies on an ongoing basis. Develop a system for tracking inventory and reporting.
  • Identify a secure, accessible storage area in each location.
• Reassess for supply needs according to inventory tracking and reporting system.

Medication Orders Assessment

• Review all medication orders:
  • Parents and/or prescribers will be contacted prior to orders expiration date to obtain updated, accurate documentation.
  • Parents will be contacted to bring in adequate amounts of medication to cover the student’s time in school. (Ideally the medication would come in before the first day.)
• Hand sanitizer notice should be sent out to parents. A declination of permission to use sanitizer will be noted on the medical alerts list.

Student Treatment Assessment

• Identify those students going to work sites or on educational trips who have a need for additional/special accommodations/treatments while off of school grounds.
• Identify those students who have orders for suctioning and/or oxygen.
• Identify those students who have orders for nebulizer treatment:
  • Parents and prescribers will be contacted to explore the option of giving treatments off of school hours.
  • Parents and prescribers will be contacted to discuss the potential use of valve mask spacers at school instead of nebulizers.

Treatment Room Guidelines

• Programs which have students in need of nebulizer treatments, suctioning, changing and etc. must establish a Treatment Room
• Nurses must use the Treatment Room as well as wear gloves, an N95 facemask, and eye protection when provided treatment(s)
• Staff should be trained on proper donning and doffing procedures and follow the CDC guidance regarding precautions when performing aerosol-generating procedures.
• Nebulizer treatments should be performed in a space that limits exposure to others and with minimal staff present.
• Rooms should be well ventilated
• After the use of the nebulizer, the room should undergo routine cleaning and disinfection.

In-service/Orientation

• Provide orientation to Private Duty nurses on current guidelines and protocols.
• Provide in-services to Health Office staff and substitute nurses regarding current CDC, NYSDOH and NYSED guidance regarding appropriate use of PPE, identification of possible COVID illness, criteria for isolation and for sending students and others home, criteria and protocol for return to school, reporting to building COVID contact person, etc.