The Relentless School Nurse: Pediatrics on Call – New Episode with Dr. Mary Beth Miotto on Safe Medication Administration in Schools

Pediatrics on Call, the podcast from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), released its latest episode today, June 18, 2024. This week’s guest is my good friend and colleague, pediatrician, Dr. Mary Beth Miotto, MD, MPH, FAAP. She discusses the new AAP policy statement, Safe Medication Administration in Schools, co-authored with NASN past-president, Laurie Combe, MN, RN, NCSN, FNASN, and Brooke Balchan, DO, FAAP. 

Dr. Miotto delves into the complexities of school health services and addresses the structural challenges of safely administering medication in schools, where school nurse staffing varies widely across the country.  Listen to this engaging and timely podcast by clicking the link below:

Key Highlights

• The new medication administration policy emphasizes the need for trained personnel to administer medications and proper documentation, storage, and disposal protocols.
• It recommends effective collaboration between healthcare providers, families, and school staff for appropriate medication management.
• The statement addresses the role of school nurses in overseeing medication administration, staff training, and developing individualized healthcare plans.

Ensuring safe medication administration at school is crucial for supporting students’ health and academic success. This policy provides a comprehensive framework for schools to implement best practices, from staff training to emergency protocols and communication with families. – Dr. Mary Beth Miotto

The episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies for implementing the AAP’s recommendations, making it a must-listen for healthcare providers, school nurses, administrators, and families.