Optimal learning requires good health. The school nurse/health aide assists students to attain a high level of wellness. The school nurse is a liaison between education and health care, providing a link between the school, home and community.

At School the Nurse/Health Aide

•  Assesses the health needs of students and staff and provides appropriate and timely referrals.
• Provides assessments for scoliosis, vision, hearing, dental, blood pressure, growth and development, health problems and behaviors.
• Provides emergency first aid and works with the school community to identify safety hazards and recommends prevention programs.
• Involved in communicable disease control through the implementation of immunization laws and screenings.
• Provides health counseling for chronic illness, nutrition, disease prevention and healthy lifestyles.
• Is a resource for health related issues and health education.
• Acts as a provider and broker of school health services, including clinic manager and case manager.

At Home the Nurse/Health Aid Performs home visits, taking health histories and parent-nurse/health aide conferences to help maintain consistent health awareness between school and family. Offers health promotional activities for the family and community.

In the Community the Nurse/Health Aide

Collaborates with appropriate caregivers, local, state and national social service professionals to provide a seamless system of health care services.

Helpful Links

American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention www.cdc.gov