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
