Ch. 42

School Nursing

a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the wellbeing, academic success and lifelong achievement and health of students"

School Health Policies and Practices Study

The study found that 12.5% of districts had at least one school-based health center (SBHC) that offered both health services and mental health or social services to students. It also found that 67.5% of districts prohibited all tobacco use in all locations. The study noted that 14.8% of districts required and 26.5% recommended that schools offer a self-serve salad bar. Results also showed that 93.6% of districts required physical education in elementary schools, 91.9% for middle schools, and 92.4% for high schools. Nearly three fourths of states had adopted health education standards based on the 2007 National Health Education Standards (NHES)

school-based health centers

These are family-centered, community-based clinics run within the schools. These clinics give expanded health services, including mental health and dental care, as well as the more traditional health care services

Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act

To address obesity, This act designated that each local education agency (LEA) participating in federal school meal programs, such as the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program, must establish a local school wellness policy.

School-linked program

Another example of a clinic is the school-linked program, which is coordinated by the school but has community ties

Americans with disabilities Act/Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Both of these laws required that more children be allowed to attend schools. Schools had to make allowances for their special needs

do-not-attempt-resuscitate orders (DNAR orders)

DNAR orders are signed by the parents and the physician according to the state's law. Under law, the school nurse is bound to obey the DNAR order; however, it is not clear how the schools view them.

advanced practice nurses

The higher the educational level of the school nurse, the better that nurse is able to give complete care to children and their families. These advanced practice nurses may be certified by professional organizations, such as the ANA, or their own professional organization. Most hold master's degrees in nursing.

Safe Kids Campaign

Education on preventing injuries. The school nurse can provide educational programs reminding children to use their seat belts or bicycle helmets to prevent injuries. Other classes can be on crossing the street, water safety, and fire safety. The school nurse, as the trusted person at school, is able to quickly give information to help prevent injuries from occurring, since most injuries are preventable

National Association of School Nurses (NASN)

The professional body for school nurses. This association provides the general guidelines and support for all school nurses

case manager

The school nurse is expected to function as a case manager, helping to coordinate the health care for children with complex health problems. This may include the child who is disabled or chronically ill and who may be seen by a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, or another health care provider during the school day

Direct Caregiver

The school nurse is expected to give immediate nursing care to the ill or injured child or school staff member. Direct caregiver is the traditional role of the school nurse.

Researcher

The school nurse is responsible for making sure that the nursing care given is based on solid, evidence-based practice. Outcomes regarding school nurse services need to be studied (Nic Philibin et al, 2010). Therefore, the school nurse, as an educator, is in the right position to do studies as a researcher that advance school nursing practice.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

authorizes funding and sets policy for the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, the Summer Food Service Program, and other child and adult food programs

individualized education plans (IEPs)/individualized health plans (IHPs).

ensuring that their school experience was in balance with their health care needs by developing individualized education plans (IEPs) and individualized health plans (IHPs). That meant that more children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), chronic illnesses, or mental health problems were in the classrooms and needed more attention from the school nurse

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

federal laws that required schools to make accommodations for handicapped children, medically fragile children were attending schools, often for the first time. One of these laws, PL 93-112, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was an important step in helping all children enjoy a normal educational experience

Secondary Prevention

includes the screening of children for various illnesses, monitoring their growth and development, and caring for them when they are ill or injured

Crisis Teams

prepared to help everyone respond quickly to the crisis, to ensure the safety of the school, and to follow up on the effects of the crisis on the members of the school

Community outreach

nurses can be involved in community health fairs or festivals in the schools, using that opportunity to teach others. They can be part of an influenza immunization program for the school staff and can promote a health education fair and do blood pressure screenings.

Primary Prevention

provides health promotion and education to prevent health problems in children

Education for all Handicapped Children Act

required that children with disabilities have services provided for them in the schools.

No Child Left Behind Act

requires a healthy environment in the schools, which also affects children who have health problems

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

requires that all health information be private

Emergency plan

routine can be followed when emergencies occur. Disaster planning in the schools includes becoming prepared for natural disasters (such as fire or severe weather), man-made disasters (such as school shooting or structure collapse), as well as health condition emergencies

Tertiary Prevention

the continued care of children who need long-term health care services, along with education within the community

Consultant

the school nurse can provide professional information about proposed changes in the school environment and their impact on the health of the children. The nurse can also recommend changes in the school's policies or engage community organizations to help make the children's schools healthier places

Counselor

the school nurse must have a reputation as being a trustworthy person to whom the children can go if they are in trouble or if they need to confide about a personal matter

health educator

this role may be asked to teach children both individually and in the classroom. The nurse uses different approaches to teach about health, such as teaching proper nutrition or safety information.