Health Room
Welcome to the Hans Herr Health Room!
Mary Vestermark, MSN RN CSN
Mary graduated from Alvernia College, Immaculata University, and Villanova University. Mary knew she wanted to be a nurse when she was in college. She has been in nursing for 27 years. Her first job out of college was working at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center in the Surgical ICU specializing in Neurosurgery, Thoracic, and Open Heart Surgery. She has also worked in the post-recovery unit, short-stay unit, and endoscopy suite as a sedation nurse. She has worked at Hershey Medical Center (ICU). She worked at Wellspan Ephrata Hospital in the (ER) for the course of her career. She presently works at Hans Herr Elementary and began her career as a Certified School Nurse in 2004 at L-S.
Mary has always felt that nursing is a profession where one can explore many interests in the field of medicine. School Nursing is a place where you can do just that! The children make the job enjoyable and fun! Mary loves being able to take care of this age group of children. Industrious and inquisitive, they bring a new perspective to nursing and are always interested in how to take good care of themselves.
Mary and her husband, Neil, live in Denver, PA, returning to the beautiful Commonwealth of PA after being an Army wife and living all over the country. We have grown many plants and raised many pets throughout the years. We have four wonderful children and six beautiful grandchildren. She loves to get the most out of life. She enjoys attending church, gardening, reading, biking, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends.
Medications in School - Procedure
We discourage the administration of medication during school hours or during school events. However, if your medical provider decides it is necessary for your child to receive a medication during the school day or other school event, his/her approval and specific directions must be provided to the school. The PA State Law and the medication policy of Lampeter-Strasburg School District requires the written order of a physician/ dentist/CRNP/PA's and the written authorization of the parent/guardian for a nurse to administer both over the counter (OTC) or prescription medications.
Medications must be in the original container for OTC or in a properly labeled, pharmacy-prepared container with the following information: Name, Address, Telephone, and Federal DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) Number of the Pharmacy; Student’s Name, Directions for Use (dosage, frequency and time of administration, route, special instructions); Name and Registration Number of the Licensed Prescriber; Prescription Serial Number; Date Originally Filled; Name of Medication and Amount Dispensed.
All medication must be dropped off by a parent/guardian or designated adult. Medication may not be transported by students unless a doctor completes a self-administration form and consent to carry is approved by the school nurse.
The nurse may only accept a 30-day supply of the medication that a child is taking.
The authorization is good for the current school year only. Unused medication should be collected from the school. Any uncollected medicine will be destroyed at the end of the school year or at the end of the prescribed duration of administration, whichever is sooner.
School Health Program
Throughout the school year, the school nurse will conduct various health screenings in accordance with state mandates. Immunization and health records are compiled and maintained throughout a student's educational career. The parent has access to the student's most recent screenings through PowerSchool.
The health room personnel will provide basic first aid and care. If a child becomes ill or injured during the school day, the nurse will assess the student, provide appropriate care, and will communicate with a parent or guardian if the child is seriously injured or ill.
The school nurse is not licensed to diagnose. The school nurse welcomes questions from students and parents. However, the health room is not to be used as a replacement for medical care from your family healthcare provider.
Mandated School Health Services:
- Height and weight for all students each year (3-5)
- BMI and BMI percentage for all students each year (3-5)
- Vision screening for all students each year (3-5)
- Hearing screening in grade three and for all learning support students
- Dental exam in grade three. See School Dental Notification Form and School Dental Form
STUDENT ILLNESS
Children may not attend school if they exhibit any of the following:
- Temperature of 100 degrees or higher. Student needs to be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours before school. Students must be vomit-free and free of episodes of diarrhea for 24 hours before returning to school.
- Contagious conditions such as, but not limited to COVID, flu, strep throat, pink eye, impetigo, scabies, or ringworm
If a child is sick with any of the above symptoms or is contagious, it is the responsibility of the parent or other person(s) listed on the emergency form to pick the child up from school without delay.
If you have any questions about your child's health, please feel free to contact the school nurse at your child's school.
Questions:
Please contact Mary Vestermark by email or by phone at 717 464-3311, extension 4012, with questions or concerns.
Fax: 717 358-1075