Lexington Public Schools Nursing Department
Every school has at least one registered nurse with expertise in school health and pediatrics available to provide health care whenever school is in session. With nearly 37,000 office visits from 5,074 students recorded during the 2022-23 school year, our primary mission is to provide exceptional health services to support every student’s academic success. A nurse leader supervises district-wide health office activities and assures compliance with regulatory standards set by the Massachusetts Departments of Public Health (MDPH) and Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). A school physician serves as a consultant to the nurses. Collectively the nurses have over 500 years of nursing experience and over 220 years in school nursing.
Goals of the Lexington Public School Nurses:
Reduce health-related barriers to learning and health-related absenteeism thus improving student achievement and maximizing time on learning.
Promote the health, safety, and wellness of all students and staff at Lexington Public Schools.
Promote a positive, collaborative relationship with students, families, colleagues, and the community.
Promote best practices in school health services through professional development and resources.
Services Provided by the Lexington Public Schools Nurses
Illness and injury assessments and interventions
Identification, assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation of student health concerns
Functions as a healthcare/nursing resource in the development of 504 and IEP plans
Pediatric nursing procedures
Screening for health factors impacting student education
Activities and education to promote health
Health care counseling or guidance to students, their families, and staff
Chronic disease management and education
Individualized Nursing Care Plans and services for students with disabilities and/or health conditions that interfere with learning
Medication management and administration
Assessment and interventions for students with mental health needs
Crisis team participation
Health curriculum recommendations
Guidelines for school district health policies, goals, and objectives
School/community/health care provider liaison
Immunization verification according to state guideline requirements.
The mission of the Lexington Public School nurses is to use our professional expertise to support students in maintaining optimal mental, emotional and physical well-being. We value compassionate, collaborative, culturally sensitive, and evidenced-based health care, while recognizing diverse needs. Enabling students to be healthy, safe, successful learners while being (or developing into) their authentic selves.
