Page 43 - MMP-N-NJ CCN 21st Century School Nurse Leadership Book

IDEA #1: POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION:
OPIOID/NALOXONE POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Idea:

Chronic disease management: The student will have an attendance rate of less than
10 days absence (less than 6% - measurement of attendance based upon New Jersey
State ESSA measure) or better related to the chronic disease. Enhances understanding
of complexity of attendance when associated with a chronic disease. Contributes to
awareness of relationship between school attendance and student health and learning
outcomes. Adds to student-centered care and student self-empowerment.

The Story:

School nurse Mayur believes there is a need for the life-saving medication, Narcan
(naloxone), in schools. This medication can potentially save the lives of individuals who
may overdose on opioids. The school nurse identifies through a needs assessment that
substance abuse in the community is increasing, and a need to improve knowledge about
substance abuse prevention and treatment in both students and community members.

Objectives:

• Study the requirements. (What does your policy need to address, be specific. How do the federal and
state laws, codes and regulations impact the policy? Utilize school attorney).
• Consider the results of your risk assessment. (Community needs assessment).
• Optimize and align your document(s). (Check policies from other districts in NJ).
• Structure your document.
• Write your document. (In collaboration with all stakeholders, including school attorney. Revise as
necessary)
• Get your document approved. (Sent to school board).

• (Adapted from http://www.oecd.org/unitedstates/)
• Develop systematic approach to community awareness and education of substance abuse.
• Implement targeted interventions and learning opportunities for students and the school community.

• Promote awareness and screening for substance abuse and referral to appropriate resources when
necessary.
• Enhance collaboration between school/district student support services and community support. For
example: health, access to resources, addressing other issues that may be present.
• Contribute to needs assessment of school community regarding resources required in the school
and community.

38