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School Nurses’ Experience With Administration of Rectal Diazepam Gel for Seizures

Christine O’Dell, RN, MSN, is a clinical nurse specialist at Comprehensive Epilepsy Management Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY

Kathryn O’Hara, RN

Kathryn O’Hara, RN, is an epilepsy nurse clinician at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, VA

The purpose of this study was to determine school nurses’ knowledge of state and school district policies, their experience regarding the administration of rectal diazepam gel in the school, and the perceived benefits and barriers of providing this treatment. Four hundred nineteen nurses responded to a survey conducted during the National Association of School Nurses Annual Meeting. Seventy-one (18%) nurses surveyed had administered rectal diazepam gel in a school setting, while 54 (13%) nurses reported that either their state practice act or school district prohibited them from giving rectal medications in the school. Medication administration benefits, such as early intervention for treatment of acute seizure emergencies, were noted. Barriers were also identified, with lack of privacy as the most frequently listed. Scope of practice as it pertains to administering medication in the school and the extent to which delegation of duties can be used in the situation of administering rectal medication in a seizure emergency remain issues for school nurses.

Key Words: delegation of duties • intractable seizures • medication administration • prolonged seizures • rectal medication

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 23, No. 3, 166-169 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/10598405070230030701


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