Definition of School Nursing

School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential. Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017.

Professional Services Provided at the Nurse's Office

Basic Screenings & Referrals

• Vision - Biennially K- grade 10
• Hearing - Annually K- grade 3, grade 7 & 11
• Height - Annually K - grade 12
• Weight - Annually K - grade 12
• Blood Pressure - Annually K - grade 12
• Scoliosis - Biennially beginning in grade 5

Monitoring

• Immunizations
• Communicable diseases
• Individual and school health trends

Case Management

• Provide preventive services, early identification of problems, interventions, and referrals to foster health and educational success.

Health Care Services

• Acute & chronic illness and injury care during the school day
• Nursing assessment, consultation, and collaboration
• Health care planning for acute & chronic illnesses
• Prescribed medication administration & monitoring
• Over the counter medication administration & monitoring
• Emergency planning
• Sports physical review and follow up
• School entrance immunization and physical review and follow up

Health Promotion

• Health education for students, families, and staff
• Staff training
• Advocates for prevention and wellness
• Advocates for safe and healthy learning environment
• Promotes parent/community involvement

Resources & Referrals

• Health insurance for children and families
• Health care for children & families
• Family and community services

Team Membership

• Certified teaching staff member
• Intervention & referral services
• Child study team (504 & IEP)
• Family medical home

As you can see from the list above, school nurses are active members of the interdisciplinary student services team that facilitate positive responses to normal development, promote health and safety, intervene with actual and potential health problems, provide case management services, and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self management, self advocacy, and learning.

School nurses are the pivotal component in continuity of care through the coordination, planning, provision, and assessment of school health services. School nurses are registered nurses and use the nursing process and evidence based practice to implement strategies that promote student and staff health and safety. We develop team relationships within the school and with community health providers to facilitate coordinated care across settings to meet individual health needs.

The school nurse’s primary role is to support student learning by acting as an advocate and liaison between the home, the school, and the medical community regarding concerns that are likely to affect a student’s ability to learn in a caring and compassionate way. The school nurse provides comprehensive services in all eight components of a coordinated school health program including health services, health education, environment, nutrition, physical education/activity, counseling/mental health, parent/community involvement, and staff wellness.

I believe children are our most precious gift. I integrate nursing theory and clinical expertise with consideration for patient and family preferences, values, and experience when making practice decisions. I respect each person as an individual and will treat them holistically with care, compassion, and dignity. I understand the ethical and legal issues surrounding an individual’s right to privacy and confidentiality and will safeguard them.

As a parent, educator, and nurse, it is an honor to support your child's/children's health in the educational setting.

Denece Forenback, BSN, RN, CSN

Certified School Nurse