CAPITAL SCHOOL DISTRICT’S HEALTH SERVICES OVERVIEW
The school health program at Capital School District is designed to achieve and maintain optimal physical and mental health of the students through the identification, management, and referral of health problems, and the promotion of healthy lifestyles.
School Nurses are integral members of a child's educational team enhancing the educational process by promoting good health for optimal learning.
School Nurses uphold the National Association of School Nurses mission: "To advance the practice of school nursing and provide leadership in the delivery of quality health programs in the school community."
Role of the School Nurse
The National Association of School Nurses defines school nursing as “A specialized practice of Professional Nursing that advances the well-being, academic success and lifelong achievement of students. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential.”
*Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017.
The School Nurses of Capital School District provide services to the district’s schools. At least one Registered Nurse staffs each health suite. Our Whole School, Whole Child, Whole Community (WSCC) approach to learning promotes greater alignment between health and educational outcomes. The School nurses collaborate with other members of school team and partner with the community, families, students, and other members of health care to advocate for student health.
Some of a School Nurse's duties include:
- Assessing individual student health and development status
Conducting mandated screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis, etc.)
- Assuring that necessary physical examinations and immunizations are completed
- Developing health plans for students with health conditions
- Coordinating prevention and control of communicable disease
- Developing a system of first aid and emergency care
- Administering daily medications
- Identifying and managing health-related barriers to student learning
- Providing education on topics such as asthma and diabetes to promote healthy life choices, increase compliance with prescribed regimens and improve student attendance and academic outcomes