Health teaching

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · May 16, 2017

I teach hands-only CPR (mandated by the state for Health classes). Occasionally I'll come speak to a class when asked. One of the coaches asked me to develop a talk on nutrition once, which was nice. You could find out what they'd like to have you do and make up a tailored presentation. It seems like they'd like you to take over a classroom for 15 minutes and teach dental hygiene or something but hey...I get that we're preparing kids to take standardized testing. Even in the grades where they don't test, they still spend a lot of prep time....

100kids, BSN, RN · May 16, 2017

I teacher 1 Health class per week for each class PK-6. I have special certification to do this and it's one of my most favorite parts of my job. The kids love it! I cover hygiene, self-care, emotional health, social skills, anatomy, nutrition, healthy habits, self-esteem, medication safety, first aid and more. It has taken a lot of time to create my curriculum but the rewards are high.

If you want to get more involved in the classrooms speak to administration about it and get their backing. Health is scheduled into the students' day here just like any other special so I don't have to fight for time but show administration why this is a good use of school time and the benefits to the students and school. Healthy kids are better able to learn! Good luck!

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · May 16, 2017

I teach health for grades 7-12. I have a rotating schedule. Basically I teach health as a seminar in grades 9-12 and try to squeeze in it using study hall periods - usually one class a week for anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on school year schedule. I try to best utilize the time I get.

For 7th and 8th grade, I co-teach with our gym teacher during the winter. We don't have a gym and use outside for gym time, so this works well. We teach each grade 1x weekly during gym for about 12 weeks.

Can you work with your gym teacher to alternate health in for a day or two for each grade? I agree that admin backing is needed. I proposed this to my admin and found out they were way more supportive and helpful with it than I thought!

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · May 16, 2017

I do lice classes a couple of times a year in K-2. Haven't had the need to visit 3-5, but it would be possible. NO resistance from teachers about teaching that as it decreases chances of "outbreaks". I bring props...

NurseBeans, BSN, MSN, RN · May 16, 2017

I get local dental offices to come in and do presentations for KN and 3rd, and I do a hand washing lesson for KN every year. I was thinking about lice for next year. I never get any resistance but as soon as I get out of my office I do get called back for students, no matter how far in advance I schedule my "teaching day" or how many reminders I send. It's really difficult just to get out for an hour or so.

WineRN · May 16, 2017

but as soon as I get out of my office I do get called back for students.

^This is my fear. One of the things I was looking forward to when I first got this position was teaching hand washing and other health topics in the classroom. But even when I run to the front main office to drop things off to my admins, I always have either a walkie call asking if I'm in my office or a student outside of my door waiting.

Now that I am slowly learning things, I am going to ask my supervisor if I can bring in nursing students to do a little health fair for my students. We did one in an elementary when I got my BSN and it was fun.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · May 17, 2017

I teach drug awareness to 6th graders and anatomy and a little physiology to 7th and 8th graders. The front office deals with all but the worst issues while I teach (normally 2 hours a week).