The Certified School Nurse: Untapped Resource

Dr. Barbara Zimmerman, RNAssociate Professor in NursingCoordinator School Nurse Certification ProgramMillersville University

Untapped Resource

Recognizes subtle changes of youth

Knowledge, skills and expertise to assess for and refer

Return to school plan

Follow-up Advocate

Overview

History SN

Educational criteria for SN Certification

Roles of School Nurses

History School Nursing

1902 NYC to reduce absenteeism Communicable disease Chronic disease

Physical Mental

“Specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic success and life-long achievement of school age youth” NASN

School Nurses

Facilitate positive student responses to normal development

Promote health and safety Intervene with actual/potential problems Provide case management services Collaborate with others to build student

and family capacity for adaptation, self management, self advocacy and learning

PA School Nurses

BSN plus additional educational content school law with special needs- IEP and 504 educational psychology counseling techniques practicum in school health

Specialist I and II School Nurse 24 graduate credits and 3 years practice

Ratio: 1: 1500 Act 48

Roles of School Nurses

Assessment

Coordination

Education

Advocacy

Collaboration

Assessment Role

Holistic view aware of subtle changes

Physical and Mental Screening TeenScreen – Columbia University SAP team assessment

Individualized Educational Program Assessment and objectives

Coordination

SAP Team member Connect students with mental

health providers Support groups

Monitor health status Give information Problem solve Emotional support

Education

Students Health promotion and

prevention Stress reduction Symptoms of

depression or anxiety

Chronic illness management

Adherence Crisis prevention,

recognizing triggers

Faculty Parents

Advocacy

Absenteeism

Support groups

Youth

Parent

Collaboration

School community SAP

Mental Health Community Transition of students back into school Consultants Co-facilitators Educators

Partnership for Success

Coordination of services within school Connection to mental health providers Collaboration

Seamless transition Support groups Updates of student progress-problems Screening Advocacy