For the rising college freshman and their family, the summer months before arrival will be spent shopping for dorm room decor, getting in touch with their soon to be roommate and making sure tuition is covered.
However, one often overlooked life skill is navigating health care on their own. As the mom of a rising junior and a long-time nurse currently working in college health, here are four crucial components of healthcare that I recommend you and your teen be thoroughly familiar with before drop-off day.
1. Ensure they know their health history, medications and allergies. They should be able to recall any significant illnesses they have had in the past, along with what treatments have worked and what haven’t. They should know what medications they are allergic to and what medications they are currently taking, both prescription and non-prescription. Make sure this information is easily accessible. Saving it in notes on a phone or a shared Google doc is a good idea.
2. How to use over the counter medications appropriately. Time should be taken to review medications that are commonly used for mild illnesses. They should know what symptoms they treat, proper dosing, and possible side effects. They should keep a log of when these medications were taken so they know when they can safely take the next dose. Students should know to carefully read labels.
3. Know where to access care and what services are offered on campus. Most colleges provide some sort of on campus health services. Make sure all necessary required forms have been uploaded well in advance, like immunization records and most recent physical. Having your teen do this themselves will not only help them become familiar with their college’s online health services, but it will also empower them to be their own healthcare advocate going forward.
They should know where the college’s health services office is located, what their hours are and what kind of treatment they provide. Do they employ providers that can prescribe medications, like antibiotics or refer out to specialists? For example, do they provide testing and follow up care for illnesses like strep throat and mononucleosis, two very common illnesses on college campuses.
If not, then it’s probably best to know of an alternative off campus. This may involve establishing a new primary care physician or visiting an urgent care. Make sure your student is capable of making appointments themselves. Identify where the nearest urgent care and hospital is in the area.
4. Be familiar with the benefits and limitations of current health insurance. Your student may be using the family’s own private insurance, or one provided by their college, which will most likely include a fee. Your teen needs to know about basic coverage, co-pays and that they should seek out participating providers if possible. They may need services like bloodwork or an x-ray, so they should know to find a facility that accepts their insurance for these types of services. Periodically, an assessment of their insurance should be done and note any changes that could have a financial impact.
College can be challenging. Healthcare can be even more challenging, especially if both students and parents are not prepared. I have taken care of many college-aged patients, both in and out of the hospital setting and the best possible care begins when they have learned to advocate for themselves and are a true part of the healthcare team.
You’ll likely get a late-night phone call from your student with a fever or an upset stomach and that’s ok. The key is preparing them as best as possible to make it through these illnesses on their own, but offering support, comfort and reassurance when they need it.
Krissy is a Senior Staff Nurse at Northern Dutchess Hospital. She has worked with students at Marist University Health.
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