Vision, scoliosis, & hearing screenings

[KrystinaRN]

Hi All,

I am wondering if some of you school nurses (in CA) can help clarify something I had never been completely certain about. I have my Preliminary School Nurse Services Credential. It is my understanding that I need to obtain my school audiometrist certificate in order to conduct the hearing screenings (which I am scheduled to take the course for in the Fall). However, I am not sure about any additional certifications that may be required to conduct VISION screenings in the school. Do I need to take a course for that? Is that just already in my scope of practice because I am a RN w/ my preliminary school nurse cred.? If so, I feel confident in doing the vision screening because of the resources and guidelines available to me. Also, I need clarification about the scoliosis screenings. Do I need any extra training or anything to do that? I am just not certain about this and can't seem to find the answers I'm looking for online. THANKS!!

[RN4everr]

Hey there. I have a friend who is a school nurse. My understanding is that you only need to have a certificate for hearing screenings. Not 100% sure though. Your workplace should be able to let you know the requirements. Are you already employed by a school?

[Jolie, BSN]

You need to check with your State Board of Nursing. In some states, special certification is required for vision and hearing screening. I am not familiar with certification for scoliosis screening, but I suppose some states may require it.

In other states, there are no requirements beyond being a licensed nurse to conduct screenings, although the additional training is always a plus.

[KrystinaRN]

Thank you for your responses, I actually just came home and remembered I had a couple of really good resources from the CA department of education about vision and scoliosis screenings in public schools. In short, I figured out that I do not need any additional trainings or credentials to conduct vision and scoliosis screenings.

Jolie- I agree that additional training is always a plus, I am going to try to seek out opportunities to learn more about the school vision screening process.

RN4everr- I am not employed as a school nurse yet, but I am actively searching for a school nurse position. I just want to make sure before I potentially become employed that I understand the scope of practice :-)

Thanks!

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

Hello - I'm a new school nurse and yes, you do need certification in audiometry.

I'd suggest getting it through a university though - so you get credit AND don't have to take it like I did from someone who shouldn't be teaching anymore.

Good luck! There's a lot to learn.