In response to this comment from a previous thread:
Quote
"Can you tell us what you actually do in detail? That would actually be a more interesting read."
Give out Bandaids and ice packs, that's it.
Just kidding! Although that's what the majority of the general public thinks we do. What school nurses do varies from school to school, depending on student populations, state laws or district policies, etc. I'll get the list started with just a few things I personally do at work and my fellow school nurses can chime in!
Things School Nurses Do
1. I personally cover only 1 school and see 30-40 kids a day, and I know I'm one of the lucky few with such great numbers! It's not unusual for school nurses to see 60, 70, even more on a daily basis---from multiple schools or even the entire district. I assess, monitor, treat students for quite a variety of things: wounds minor and severe, sore throats, headaches, stomachaches, N/V, SOB r/t asthma, menstrual cramps, head injuries that may or may not turn out to be concussions, sprains, strains, nosebleeds, chest pain, many more. You name it, a school nurse has probably seen it.
2. Ensure students with chronic conditions (most commonly asthma, severe allergy, seizure, diabetes---but many school nurses also see students with more specialized needs such as those with cystic fibrosis, spina bifida, etc.) have plans in place that ensure the safety AND success of the student while at school. For example, a diabetic student would have emergency meds/supplies/a plan for hypo- or hyperglycemia. That's in addition to their day to day maintenance plan (e.g., checking in with the nurse before lunch for a blood glucose check and any necessary treatment.)
3. Administer daily and PRN medications, making sure all necessary forms are on file, calling parents when meds expire or run out, monitoring for any adverse effects, etc.
4. Educate students on self-care, healthy lifestyle choices, puberty, or more specific info related to their particular condition or situation.
5. Educate and train staff on common chronic conditions present in our school, s/s to look for, step-by-step response to emergency situations (anaphylaxis, hypoglycemia, etc.) Many school nurses also do CPR training for staff.
6. Working with administration to develop policies/protocols related to school health that ensure all students are safe and have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
7. Managing the occasional "special cases"---post-op student for example might need to learn how to use crutches/wheelchair to get around school, pain management plan, special accommodations in class (sitting near the door, needing a way to prop a limb up, etc.)
8. Document thoroughly on EVERY SINGLE STUDENT I see. That alone takes up a chunk of my time.
9. Annual vision, hearing, height, weight, acanthosis nigricans, scoliosis screenings for certain grades as mandated by state law.
10. Being the "safe place" for students with anxiety, other mood/behavioral disorders, and all students really. I'm fortunate to have counselors AND social workers but many schools don't so the school nurse plays that role.
11. Connecting students/families in need with community health resources.
12. Navigating the tricky world of teachers and education. You're the ONLY "medical person" in the entire building, nobody understands your job (but thinks they could do it since you just sit around handing out ice packs and Bandaids all day), if you're lucky another nurse is nearby or a phone call away but sometimes not, you are SOLELY responsible for your students' health needs and outcomes during school hours. It's tough being a nurse in a "teachers' world."
Anyway, I could go on but I know the other school nurses have plenty to add. TGIF!
