School Nurse Role

School nurses are essential contributors in the school system, making the school safer and healthier for children and their families. They provide services that include check-ups, health education programs, as well as act as first responders during a medical emergency in the school. School nurses are uniquely qualified in health assessment, illness and disability prevention, and referral procedures. Due to many budgetary constraints, school districts are looking to cut costs through the school nurse position by cutting back on hours or eliminating the position all together (Kennedy, 2014). However, school nurses are vital in safeguarding the health status of children.

The Roles of a School Nurse The functions of a school nurse encompass

It is challenging because the school nurse has to be involved with the students on a personal level but also extends her care to their parents, and considers them within the microcosm of the community to which they belong. She has to be proficient at her job because she caters to so many students in the schools that are assigned to her. During the in-class presentation on the school nurse as a public health career option, I was astounded to learn that the nurse to student ratio reached 1:2000 when the national recommendation by Healthy People 2010 is 1:750 and even less (1:225) by the National Association of School Nurses when special needs students are mixed in with other students. (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2015). At Lincoln elementary school, I was dismayed when I asked to speak with the school nurse and I was told that the nurse only came in once every two weeks. Although this may not be the case for all schools, clearly, there is a gap between the demand for the unique services the school nurse provides versus what the students are actually getting. This problem arises when the school districts are faced with budgetary issues and cut nursing hours. According to the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), there is an undeniable need for school nurses because there are many more children being born premature, have chronic diseases, and those faced with social inequality, poverty, and violence (National Association of School Nurses, 2015). Since the school nurse is in a unique position to act as mediator between the students, parents, school, community, and health resources, the school nursing function helps improve access and delivery of healthcare to these people. In addition, NASN states that appropriate nurse staffing in schools is associated with improved student attendance and school performance