Walpole Public Schools Health Services
What is 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
The School Nurse
Develops policies, programs, and procedures for the provision of school health services
Advocates for individual students.
Promotes student independence and self-management.
Advocates for safety and develops medical emergency response plans.
Provides health education, health screenings, nursing assessment, and care, including medication administration in school.
Manages infectious disease, including promotion of vaccine, school-wide infection control measures, disease surveillance and reporting and collaboration with the Local Board of Health and the State Department of Public health to promote a healthy school environment.
Promotes health equity, assisting students and families in connecting with healthcare services, financial resources, shelter, food, and health promotion.
Coordinates care between medical providers, family, and school.
Participates in interdisciplinary teams, bringing health expertise necessary to develop student plans (504, Individual Health Care Plans, IEP as needed).
Engages in continuous quality improvement, using data collection and research.
Reference: National Association of School Nurses (2016), the Role of the 21st Century School Nurse (Position Statement). Silver Spring, MD: Author.