School nurse resigns after accused of stealing medication

GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) - Four hours. That’s how long Kelly Tongate says it took doctors to regulate her son’s blood pressure after a school nurse gave him the wrong medication.

“It was frightening,” Tongate said. “I didn't know if my son’s blood pressure was going to drop or stay normal.”

Tongate alleges she received a phone call from the school's principal, Candy Short, telling her some of her son’s medication was missing.

Her eight-year-old, Nicholas, takes Ritalin to regulate his bi-polar disorder and attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder.

“They need to find somebody responsible enough to give meds to the children,” Tongate said. “I will not send my kids meds to school anymore.”

Lisa Jeffries already took that step. She goes to the school everyday to administer her son’s adderall. Jeffries says eight to 16 pills belonging to her son were missing. She alleges the school nurse took them.

Jeffries filed a report with Greenfield police. The investigation is ongoing. Meanwhile, the school principal says that accused nurse resigned after being questioned about inconsistencies.

“There were pills that are not accounted for,” Short said. “(There is) no evidence that they were stolen. We are not making any justification of whether they were stolen or a clerical error.”

As a result, Short says now two people count all student medication. Plus, the keys are stored in locked area.

Other safeguards include picture documentation.

“We have pictures on every log with the students so that we are making sure we are given the right medication to the right student,” Short said.

The changes are welcome, but both parents say someone should be held accountable.