Robin Reidners has been a school nurse here in Washoe County for the last three years. This year she says is like no other because of the swine flu. She takes care of three schools and she can send home 2 to 5 students a day exhibiting flu like symptoms. The R-N says she's getting questions from just about everyone.

“My previous job with the intensive care nursery, not many people asked me medical questions, but as soon as they find out I was a school nurse I have been asked numerous questions regarding health and what should I do?,” says Reidners

Questions like should my child get the swine flu vaccine, what are the classic symptoms of the swine flu, and when can my child come back once he exhibits those symptoms.

“Frequent hand washing up to 10 times a day, your chance of getting illness goes down dramatically. Trust your instincts, if you have any questions you can always call and get advice,” says Reidners.

She says she will always direct parents to the family's health care provider for exactly what's best for the specific child. With roughly 23-hundred students here at Spanish Springs High, Reidners is trained to look for patterns or unusual symptoms that present to her clinic. its a big responsibility, but one she enjoys.

“Absolutely, I mean we're right in the thick of it,” says Reidners.

School nurses can spot those trends and send children home when they exhibit symptoms. They cannot treat. These same nurses don't administer medication over the counter or otherwise, unless approved by a parent and physician.