Who is the school nurse, and what does she do?

Hello, my name is Paula Bottecelli. I have been a nurse here for over 20 years. I love this school and community. I am here every day for the children at West University Elementary School. I work with teachers, administrators, parents and students to maintain optimal health for our students.

There are many things that I do at the school, and I am here to help your children stay healthy and do their best in school. Some of my duties include the following:

- I administer medication to children-daily or as needed (I cannot give over-the-counter medication without a special form, signed by a parent and physician)

- I determine students’ possibility of communicable diseases and give recommendations, based on the CDC guidelines.

- I assess children at school that may be sick. If your child has a fever, do not send them to school. I send children home with a fever over 100. If they have a fever over 101.0, they should be fever free for 24 hours before coming back to school.

- I give first aid to children and staff as needed.

- I screen children for vision and hearing. The district requires us to screen Kindergarten, 1st, 3rd and 5th graders.

- I teach classes to the students on handwashing, cold prevention, dental health, sun safety, and human growth and development.