Mrs. Nicole Pacchini, RN, MSN, CSN

Preschool Nurse

npacchini@nutleyschools.org

(973) 320-8333

 

About me:

My role as the preschool nurse is to provide health services to students in the preschool classes throughout our district. I conduct health screenings (vision, hearing, dental, height, and weight screenings),  provide health-related training to staff, parents, and children, as well as monitor and follow up on individual child health records and needs. I also assist parents in locating appropriate medical and health resources, as needed.

I have been a school nurse for over 20 years and have more than 25 years of nursing experience. I have obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, a School Nurse Certification, and a Master's Degree in School Nursing from Seton Hall University.  While working as a school nurse, I also maintained my position as an operating room nurse at Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, NJ, for over 20 years. I was born, raised and reside in Nutley and proud to have raised my two sons here as well.

I am very passionate about my role as the preschool nurse and promise to do all that I can do to maintain the health and wellness of your child, your family, and our school community. The healthy habits that your child develops during preschool are important and are directly related to their future academic success.

 

Quick Links to Important Medical Forms: 

Allergy Care Plan: /sites/default/files/users/user86/AllergyCarePlanFARE32017.pdf

Asthma Treatment Plan: /sites/default/files/users/user86/Asthma-Treatment-Plan-MAY-2017.pdf

Medication Form: /sites/default/files/users/user86/Medication%20Forms_Nutley%20(1).pdf

Universal Child Health Form/Physical Exam Form: /sites/default/files/users/user86/ch-14.pdf

 

When to Keep Your Child Home from School

Deciding when a child is too sick to go to school can be difficult. In order for your child to be healthy and alert for learning, and to control communicable diseases in the school, it is important to keep your child home for the following reasons:

· Fever above 100.4 degrees - Your child should be fever free, and off all fever reducing medication for at least 24 hours before he/she returns to school. A student who returns to school before he/she is well is more susceptible to illness and may infect others. Please do not give your child medication to treat a fever and then send him/her to school.

· Sore throat or tonsillitis - A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be a symptom of a more serious illness. Keep your child home from school and contact your health care provider. If your child is diagnosed with Strep Throat, he/she may return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.

· Spots/Rash - Do not send your child to school with a rash until your healthcare provider has said that it is safe to do so.

· Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms - Children with bad coughs/colds need to stay home, and possibly see their health care provider. When the cough improves and the child is feeling better, he/she may return to school. It can take well over a week for a bad cough to completely go away.

· Eye Inflammation or Discharge - If your child’s eye is red with a cloudy or yellow/green drainage; eyelids matted or crusted after sleep; eye pain and/or redness, you should keep your child home, and contact your child’s healthcare provider.

· Vomiting and/or Diarrhea - Your child should stay home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode (without medication).

· Ear Pain - Consult with your healthcare provider. Untreated ear infections can cause problems with hearing loss.

· Head Lice - Child must be treated with a special preparation for killing head lice (available over-the-counter). After the treatment is completed, the child accompanied by the parent or guardian must report to the school nurse, with treatment box, to be re-examined and ensure there is no sign of lice.

· Acute Pain – Students who have pain that requires narcotic medication for relief should not attend school.

Your child may attend school if he/she has:

· Mild Cold Symptoms - If your child feels well, and there is no fever, it is usually OK to send your child to school.

· Allergic Conjunctivitis – known allergy diagnosed by a physician.

· Vague complaints of aches, pains or fatigue.

· Single episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea – that happens at home without any other symptoms.

· Diagnosed skin condition.

 Final Notes:

Remember to call the school every day that your child is absent.  Make sure the school office has your current contact information in case your child becomes ill or is injured at school. Have a plan in place for childcare issues for when your child is ill.

If your child has a communicable disease, please notify the school. If your child is absent for 3 or more consecutive days, it will be necessary for your physician to provide the school with a medical release note upon your child's return to school.

Medications should be given at home if at all possible.  If a medication is required during school hours, the procedures for medication administration must be followed:

• Submit to the nurse a written consent signed by the parent or legal guardian.
• Submit to the nurse written orders from the MD including:

1. medication dose, time, and length of administration.
2. diagnosis/purpose for medication.

• Bring the medication in the original bottle, properly labeled by a registered pharmacist.
• Medication must be brought in by a parent or guardian.