PA Senate Bill 802

[LegzRN]

Just got an email from the PSNA. Apparently, there is a senate bill out there that is seeking to eliminate the requirement that all school nurses, both public and private, must be certified in school nursing. I don't really have an opinion on that matter, but maybe someday I will when I have children. An interesting thing that I've noticed is that many schools that I've looked into for a certification in school nursing no longer offer the program due to low enrollment. Do any of you have an opinion on whether or not schools require their nurses to be certified?

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Will be glad to move it.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

School nursing is not advanced practice nursing unless you have the education and verification to back it up. Considering yourself an APN is blatant lying unless you have the credentials.

[Ourfamily6]

I have both. Thank you.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Here is what my preliminary credential entitles me to do:

"This credential authorizes the holder to conduct immunization programs, assess and evaluate the health and development status of pupils; interpret the health and development assessment to parents, teachers, administrators and other professionals directly concerned with the pupil; design and implement individual student health maintenance plans, incorporating plans directed by a physician; maintain communication with parents and all involved community practitioners and agencies to promote needed treatment and secure reports of findings pertinent to educational planning; interpret medical and nursing findings appropriate to the student's individualized education program and make recommendations to professional personnel directly involved; consult with, conduct in-service training for, and serve as a resource person to teachers and administrators; develop and implement health education curriculum; act as a participant in implementing a comprehensive health instruction curriculum for students; counsel and assist pupils and parents in health related and school adjustment services; and to teach health related subjects under the supervision of a classroom teacher."

[Ourfamily6]

Not sure where this is going, but I am a Certified School Nurse operating under the same parameters as you.

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Not sure where this is going, but I am a Certified School Nurse operating under the same parameters as you.

I wasn't specifically responding to you - just thought a definition would be handy. :)

That's all.

steph

[Ourfamily6]

I thought so. However, this is an excellent all encompassing definition of a Certified School Nurse that is great to post. It shows all aspects of the job that may not be known to the public. Thanks!

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

I thought so. However, this is an excellent all encompassing definition of a Certified School Nurse that is great to post. It shows all aspects of the job that may not be known to the public. Thanks!

I pulled out my own prelim credential and typed it . . . .no cut and paste. Yikes - I'm spoiled by the computer.

Yesterday in an IEP I mentioned that in working with kids a few years back who had trouble writing, the specialists finally said get them on a typewriter. Everyone in the room cracked up.

Someone noticed my perplexed look - and said. "Um, we don't have typewriters anymore. They're called keyboards or computers".

Yeah, I'm old.

[schooldistrictnurse]

One of the problems is that school nurse requirements vary so much from state to state. States even have their own "credential" system and requirements.

In Wisconsin, currently all that is required is a BSN, although there is legislation pending to require only an RN licensure.

[LACA, BSN, LPN, RN]

In TN, an LPN can be a school nurse as long as there is an RN in the district as supervisor.

[Ourfamily6]

I find this posted reply suspect as it is nearly word for word what was published in various newspaper articles that detail this ridiculous bill (even right down to the salary comment). School nurses and health room assistants are NOT the same. School nurses are responsible for the state mandated screenings, writing Individualized Health Plans, attending IEP and 504 meetings, teaching staff the proper response to various emergencies to name a few. This is all in addition to giving first aid, inhalers, insulin, epipens, etc. Health room assistants are there for administering first aid. School nurses have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing, 24 post-baccalaureate credits and 100 hrs of clinical in a school setting. We operate solely and independently. Would you like a geriatric nurse responding to a pediatric emergency? How about a maternity nurse working in PICU? We are an advanced practice specialty. We should not be viewed as anything less. Period.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

School nursing is NOT advanced practice unless you have at least an MSN and a national certification. It is not recognized by any state or certifying authority.