Pissed!!!!!!!

[keanna's momma]

I just got a phone call from my daugher. The office at school would not allow her access to her insulin at lunch because the nurse was not there today. Um don't you think someone should have called and told me? I am beyond upset right now. They are going to get an earful from me at the 504 meeting wednesday. Let alone her dad is at the school now!!!

[Butterfly Betty]

*smh* they just don't get it. Give them hell for me, too!

[keanna's momma]

It's not like my daughter is in junior high or elementary school. Its high school come on they are close to being "adults" so why would they not just unlock the office and let her do her thing. URGH:mad:

[Christopher]

Sorry that happened. But from their point of view, they were probably worried that if something went wrong, they would be held responsible. I don't know. Hopefully by the time you have the meeting you will have calmed down and can approach it in a manner that doesn't cause friction between the school and you. But I do understand why you would be upset. A phone call should absolutely have been made. Good luck

[Butterfly Betty]

It's not like my daughter is in junior high or elementary school. Its high school come on they are close to being "adults" so why would they not just unlock the office and let her do her thing. URGH:mad:

I completely agree!! There is no excuse for not allowing her in.

[caspi]

I just got a phone call from my daugher. The office at school would not allow her access to her insulin at lunch because the nurse was not there today. Um don't you think someone should have called and told me? I am beyond upset right now. They are going to get an earful from me at the 504 meeting wednesday. Let alone her dad is at the school now!!!

So using this logic, what would they have done if your daughter needed a glucagon or another child needed an epi-pen?? It is totally irresponsible for the school and equally irresponsible for the school nurse that should have a protocol in place should she not be there! :mad::mad:

[kiwimum]

There is no excuse as far as I am concerned. I would be beyond pissed.:mad:

[keanna's momma]

So using this logic, what would they have done if your daughter needed a glucagon or another child needed an epi-pen?? It is totally irresponsible for the school and equally irresponsible for the school nurse that should have a protocol in place should she not be there! :mad::mad:

I sent a text message to the nurse. She said that she was in a class over an hour away and had a nurse covering her. She said that as soon as she gets in monday morning she will be dealing with it and find out where the break down with her coverage happened. She is just as upset as I am which I find to be a good thing. :o

[Mommy For Life]

I am in California, our state policy is only the nurse, child or parent can administer insulin. Why didn't the school call another nurse to come in? I get a call any time the nurse can't be there. You may want to see if someone besides yourself could go too. I asked that my neighbor or another mom of "D" kid can go. Their names are on a list and emergency contact list too. This is just B.S!!! :mad:

When did they call you? After lunch? Did they call you to tell you to come in at lunch? So frustrating!! Hang in there! Sadly if you blow up at them at the 504 meeting they may not be the most supportive in the coming years while your daughter is at school. Sometimes you have to use honey to catch the stinging bee. As Christopher mention...take the weekend to calm down collect your thoughts then go in there in "mild" mama cave bear mode! (;

Good luck!

If you live in California here is a PDF link that describes how we can change the law so volunteers or school employees can administer insulin: http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/know-your-rights/for-lawyers/education/CA-parent-message-10-7-10.pdf

[keanna's momma]

I am in California, our state policy is only the nurse, child or parent can administer insulin. Why didn't the school call another nurse to come in? I get a call any time the nurse can't be there. You may want to see if someone besides yourself could go too. I asked that my neighbor or another mom of "D" kid can go. Their names are on a list and emergency contact list too. This is just B.S!!! :mad:

When did they call you? After lunch? Did they call you to tell you to come in at lunch? So frustrating!! Hang in there! Sadly if you blow up at them at the 504 meeting they may not be the most supportive in the coming years while your daughter is at school. Sometimes you have to use honey to catch the stinging bee. As Christopher mention...take the weekend to calm down collect your thoughts then go in there in "mild" mama cave bear mode! (;

Good luck!

If you live in California here is a PDF link that describes how we can change the law so volunteers or school employees can administer insulin: http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/know-your-rights/for-lawyers/education/CA-parent-message-10-7-10.pdf

That's the thing she does not need help with the medication at all. She can test and give herself a shot. She just needed to be let into the office. I am going to request at the 504 meeting that she be allowed to carry the insulin on her. She stays after school for band till 8pm 3 nights a week and has no access after 3 to her medication. From what the band director said he is not allowed to store her medication after the nurse has left :confused:

[obtainedmist]

At my daughter's high school, the nurse just had the glucagon and a bag of extra supplies in case she ran out of testing strips, infusion sets, etc. I can't imagine that a high school wouldn't let a student carry their own insulin with them. If you have a school letter from your endo's office saying that she is independent in her own care, I can't imagine they would question that.

[keanna's momma]

At my daughter's high school, the nurse just had the glucagon and a bag of extra supplies in case she ran out of testing strips, infusion sets, etc. I can't imagine that a high school wouldn't let a student carry their own insulin with them. If you have a school letter from your endo's office saying that she is independent in her own care, I can't imagine they would question that.

We where just told that we have to have a doctors note when I called the nurse back. I have called the doctors and they refered me to the Endo doctors. So I am awaiting a return call from them.

I hope that all goes well and I will not have to battle with them.

[MommaKat]

I'm glad to hear the nurse was equally upset, and going to help you get it figured out and addressed.

My dd is in middle school and I had papers signed by her endo the district RN consultant to allow her to carry insulin and glucagon with her. That way, they always know where the meds are. She still has to go to the office to have her carb count and insulin dose verified, and gives her shot in the health room or office. If the health para isn't there, we now have someone in the office who's been trained to verify carb count and dose. If this is reasonable for middle school, I see no reason why it couldn't be so for high school, especially since your dd is more independent with care.

[Timmy Mac]

If they do this again, I would almost recommend sneaking some insulin in her backpack and taking a shot anyway. If she knows how to give herself the correct dose, there is almost no need for a nurse anyway.

I know its probably a BAD idea.. but if I had to choose between breaking a few rules or eating, I would definitely choose the food :)

[Amy C.]

I just got a phone call from my daugher. The office at school would not allow her access to her insulin at lunch because the nurse was not there today. Um don't you think someone should have called and told me? I am beyond upset right now. They are going to get an earful from me at the 504 meeting wednesday. Let alone her dad is at the school now!!!
It sounds like anyone who knows anything realizes there was a mistake made. I would imagine that a secretary or clerk told your daughter she couldn't have access to her insulin. Principals would know better.

[MamaC]

Principals would know better.

I wouldn't count on it.

[skimom]

this is mindboggling. Denying someone access to THEIR medication required to treat a chronic, incurable condition is completely unacceptable. WHy on earth wouldn't they have called you and asked you to come in? There were so many balls dropped here...
Glad to hear the nurse is upset so hopefully this is a one time screw-up. As a previous poster said, would they deny access to epipen etc for an anaphylactic reaction? Perhaps they need to see the legal definitions of negligence, gross negligence and failure to provide the necessities of life.....Did someone really think of the ramifications of their lack of action here - if they thought that they would be in trouble for letting her get access to her insuline, can you imagine the fall out there would be if something had happened to your daughter because of their failure to grant her access? I would be tempted to contact a lawyer if there are any further problems.

[LittleGuy'sMom]

I am in California, our state policy is only the nurse, child or parent can administer insulin.If you live in California here is a PDF link that describes how we can change the law so volunteers or school employees can administer insulin: http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/know-your-rights/for-lawyers/education/CA-parent-message-10-7-10.pdf

That ruling is under review by the CA Supreme Court. Until they make a decision, the ruling can't go into effect. This is from the link you posted (first page, towards the bottom, underlined): "California school districts may continue to permit volunteer school staff to administer insulin to students with diabetes when a nurse is not available."

Here is the legal advisory from the CA Dept of Ed. Section IV.C. on reconciliation of state and federal laws states "...the methodology followed by some LEAs of training unlicensed school employees to administer insulin during the school day to a student whose Section 504 Plan or IEP so requires it is a valid practice pursuant to federal law."
http://www.cde.ca.gov/Ls/he/hn/legaladvisory.asp

[Amy C.]

That ruling is under review by the CA Supreme Court. Until they make a decision, the ruling can't go into effect. This is from the link you posted (first page, towards the bottom, underlined): "California school districts may continue to permit volunteer school staff to administer insulin to students with diabetes when a nurse is not available."

Here is the legal advisory from the CA Dept of Ed. Section IV.C. on reconciliation of state and federal laws states "...the methodology followed by some LEAs of training unlicensed school employees to administer insulin during the school day to a student whose Section 504 Plan or IEP so requires it is a valid practice pursuant to federal law."
http://www.cde.ca.gov/Ls/he/hn/legaladvisory.asp
That is well and good, but the OP's daughter is capable of giving herself insulin. Her insulin was locked up and she wasn't allowed access. CA law allows the student to self administer.

[LittleGuy'sMom]

That is well and good, but the OP's daughter is capable of giving herself insulin. Her insulin was locked up and she wasn't allowed access. CA law allows the student to self administer.

My post wasn't actually directed at the OP. It was to clarify California law as referenced in the post that I quoted. I wasn't refuting the fact that the OP's child can self-administer and should have been allowed access to her own insulin.

[tonnia]

OMG! I bet her school nurse was livid! I know I would have been. Denying insuling! I would definately request that she be allowed to carry any and all supplies with her and be allowed to check her sugar in the classroom if she is comfortable doing that. Also, put in place pump information in case she goes on a pump in the school year. Oh Yeah, our school does not allow cell phone use so if her school is the same way you might have in the 504 that she may use her cell phone to contact you for diabetic reasons...

[keanna's momma]

OMG! I bet her school nurse was livid! I know I would have been. Denying insuling! I would definately request that she be allowed to carry any and all supplies with her and be allowed to check her sugar in the classroom if she is comfortable doing that. Also, put in place pump information in case she goes on a pump in the school year. Oh Yeah, our school does not allow cell phone use so if her school is the same way you might have in the 504 that she may use her cell phone to contact you for diabetic reasons...

Good point about the cell phone. I will have to add that.

Her dad went to the school this morning because she had a forgetful morning and forgot her pe clothes and meter. When he was in the office the clerk said that the nurse wanted to meet with him and my daughter.

She advised her dad that she went ahead and contacted the district and they are allowing her to carry all supplies and insulin on her and the nurse will bring her a ice pack every few hours to be sure the insulin remains cool. I do not want to start this process until I have the 504 meeting in 2 days just to be sure that we are covered.

[keanna's momma]

My post wasn't actually directed at the OP. It was to clarify California law as referenced in the post that I quoted. I wasn't refuting the fact that the OP's child can self-administer and should have been allowed access to her own insulin.

That is correct she is able to do her own shots. The nurse told her today if she is ever told that again to walk up to every person in that office until she is able to find someone with the key.

It is bad enough our nurse covers all schools in the city but to know that she is just as worried about this as I am is very good!!!

[caspi]

Her dad went to the school this morning because she had a forgetful morning and forgot her pe clothes and meter. When he was in the office the clerk said that the nurse wanted to meet with him and my daughter.

She advised her dad that she went ahead and contacted the district and they are allowing her to carry all supplies and insulin on her and the nurse will bring her a ice pack every few hours to be sure the insulin remains cool. I do not want to start this process until I have the 504 meeting in 2 days just to be sure that we are covered.

Glad to hear this!!! :)

That is correct she is able to do her own shots. The nurse told her today if she is ever told that again to walk up to every person in that office until she is able to find someone with the key. It is bad enough our nurse covers all schools in the city but to know that she is just as worried about this as I am is very good!!!


Perhaps the nurse can print out a letter to this effect for your daughter to carry with her at all times, just in case she runs into this problem again.

[hawkeyegirl]

Good point about the cell phone. I will have to add that.

Her dad went to the school this morning because she had a forgetful morning and forgot her pe clothes and meter. When he was in the office the clerk said that the nurse wanted to meet with him and my daughter.

She advised her dad that she went ahead and contacted the district and they are allowing her to carry all supplies and insulin on her and the nurse will bring her a ice pack every few hours to be sure the insulin remains cool. I do not want to start this process until I have the 504 meeting in 2 days just to be sure that we are covered.

Open insulin doesn't need an ice pack. Room temperature is fine.

[22jules]

My daughter is in 8th grade in a Ca school and although she is on a pump, if she were on shots I would have her carry her insulin with her. Before pumping she would carry her insulin pen with her meter so she would never be without. We have, thankfully, never had to rely on the health aid for anything and I prefer it that way.

We only use the nurse's office as a place to store back-up supplies.

[keanna's momma]

Open insulin doesn't need an ice pack. Room temperature is fine.

Really? We have been told since DX by her Endo and pharmacy to keep it cool.

[Mommy For Life]

they are allowing her to carry all supplies and insulin on her and the nurse will bring her a ice pack every few hours to be sure the insulin remains cool. I do not want to start this process until I have the 504 meeting in 2 days just to be sure that we are covered.

GOOD NEWS! Glad to hear Keanna will be safe on campus! :)

Just a quick note, my mentor from JDRF told me keeping insulin next to an ice pack is a bad idea. It can mess up the insulin. She has had Type 1 for 50 years, so I am guessing she know a thing or two. :rolleyes:

I know that where you it gets hot in the summer, obviously summer is ways off, but you might be interested is this cooling pack when the heat hits your home town: http://www.amazon.com/FRIO-Insulin-Cooling-Wallet-Large/dp/B0002262DA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319486261&sr=8-1 FRIO is the name of the product that our mentor suggested we use if we travel in the heat or she suggested we wrap the blue ice in a wash cloth so it is not SO cold next to insulin. Hope this helps!

[Christopher]

Really? We have been told since DX by her Endo and pharmacy to keep it cool.

Really.

- Opened insulin is fine if kept at room temp.

- Unopened insulin should be kept refrigerated.

Think about those who use a pump, they don't keep their insulin cool, right?

[keanna's momma]

Think about those who use a pump, they don't keep their insulin cool, right?

This is true. I didn't think of it that way. I just always went with what we where told.

This should help I would just need to keep the ice pack for after school during marching band when she is outside for 4 plus hours in the sun.

[caspi]

Open insulin doesn't need an ice pack. Room temperature is fine.

Really? We have been told since DX by her Endo and pharmacy to keep it cool.

No, it doesn't need to be kept cool. It doesn't surprise me that they didn't tell you this. Our endo never told us that it expires 28 days after opening. :rolleyes:

[keanna's momma]

No, it doesn't need to be kept cool. It doesn't surprise me that they didn't tell you this. Our endo never told us that it expires 28 days after opening. :rolleyes:

28? We where told 30.

[caspi]

No, it's 28. Check the insert that comes with your insulin.

[Christopher]

28? We where told 30.

Insulin expiration is one of those things that each person handles differently. Christina is correct in that most package inserts say that, once opened, insulin is good for 28 days. However, it does not automatically stop working at Midnight on the 28th day. :o

Some people use it well past that date. Others stop right at 28 days and open a new container. It really is a personal preference. And for some people it is not an issue because they use all the insulin up before the 28 day mark (thank you, Puberty).

I think what normally happens is that each day past that 28th day, the insulin slowly begins to lose its effectiveness. So if you want to keep using it, just make sure you are checking often as you will probably begin to see bg numbers start to rise.

[hawkeyegirl]

Insulin expiration is one of those things that each person handles differently. Christina is correct in that most package inserts say that, once opened, insulin is good for 28 days. However, it does not automatically stop working at Midnight on the 28th day. :o

Yep. We change once a month on the same day of the month just because it's easy to remember. So some months we use a bottle for 28 days, some 30 days and some 31 days. We've never seen a difference.

[Lisa P.]

Thrilled you got a good outcome! Blessing in disguise, maybe, so that she can now keep it on her for practice. Too bad you had to come to it the hard way, but so glad you're in a good place now!


We actually change at 28 days and still often see that it is less effective towards the end of that time, like past day 24 or 25.

We also had a lot of confusion at first about keeping insulin cool, I'm not sure why but this seems to be one of those points that comes up a lot here, I thought insulin had to be kept cold, too. I remember buying a traveling fridge and a bunch of frio packs soon after diagnosis -- haven't used them since! :o

[sisterbeth43]

This is just totally irresponsible on the school's part. I can't believe that they thought it was okay to deny life saving meds to a student. We were lucky--from day one Reann could carry her insulin with her and also any other supplies she needed.

[Mom2Will]

This is just totally irresponsible on the school's part. I can't believe that they thought it was okay to deny life saving meds to a student. We were lucky--from day one Reann could carry her insulin with her and also any other supplies she needed.

Totally agree, Will has been able to carry anything pertaining to diabetes he needs. Never goes anywhere without his meter that has a key chain attached with glucose in it and, well, his insulin is in his pump but he does have syringes in the outside pocket of the meter just in case. (he knows how to get the reservoir out and extract insulin if needed and so do his teachers) I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this, should not have happened.

[wilf]

That's the thing she does not need help with the medication at all. She can test and give herself a shot. She just needed to be let into the office. I am going to request at the 504 meeting that she be allowed to carry the insulin on her. She stays after school for band till 8pm 3 nights a week and has no access after 3 to her medication. From what the band director said he is not allowed to store her medication after the nurse has left :confused:

I'm not understanding why she doesn't just carry her insulin with her in her purse. DD has been doing this for years..

[Lee]

I'm not understanding why she doesn't just carry her insulin with her in her purse. DD has been doing this for years..

Because some schools, like Coco's, do not let them...

[wilf]

Because some schools, like Coco's, do not let them...

That seems so very, very strange.

[swellman]

That seems so very, very strange.

Really? Every school that I looked into has very strict policies on possession of medication as well as self medicating.

[wilf]

Really? Every school that I looked into has very strict policies on possession of medication as well as self medicating.

Not in my part of the Great White North.. :cwds:

[Amy C.]

Really? Every school that I looked into has very strict policies on possession of medication as well as self medicating.
This is not the case in several states. Texas is one such state, as is California and Illinois -- and there are other I am sure.

Students with diabetes can treat themselves anywhere on campus -- testing, giving insulin, and eating.

This may not be true in your state.

[caspi]

My son (7th grade) still has to go to the nurse once a day to "check in" with her. :rolleyes: He does it right before lunch, writes down his # and boluses with his pump right there. It's a total waste of time IMO but we're taking baby steps. He is the first student that is allowed to test in class, if you can believe that.

[keanna's momma]

I'm not understanding why she doesn't just carry her insulin with her in her purse. DD has been doing this for years..

Her school never gave me the option for this.

[keanna's momma]

I just got back from her 504 meeting and they are allowing her to carry everything with her from now on. I am so happy this all worked out!!!!!:D

[LittleGuy'sMom]

Yay! I'm so glad everything turned out well! :D

[caspi]

That's great news! :)