Debunking the school nurse myth

Scrubs: What are the challenges and misconceptions of being a school nurse?

Ellen: School nurses face many challenges in today’s world. During the last 18 years, I’ve seen many changes among the student/parent population. Attitudes toward schools have changed—some in a positive light and others not so positive. Many parents are so busy working, trying to survive in this economy, that there isn’t a lot of time to spend with their children. Unfortunately, this creates its own set of problems, such as children being left with babysitters or going home to empty houses and basically fending for themselves in many cases. The end effect is that some children are not being nurtured emotionally and physically. Because of work pressures, parents send sick children to school and aren’t readily available to retrieve them from school when called. Children also appear to need more in an emotional sense than they did in the past, which creates an environment for physical sickness.

Many people have an impression that a school nurse simply puts Band-Aids on children all day. I believe most school nurses would agree that’s probably the very least of what we do on a daily basis. Students are now attending school with more complicated medical issues than in the past—different types of tubes, chemotherapy, chronic medical conditions such as diabetes and asthma, and the ever-growing peanut allergy. In addition to the daily upset stomachs, fevers, nosebleeds, sore throats, etc., we care for the medically complex.

It’s a very challenging career. We do all of the state-mandated screenings (hearing, vision, height, weight, blood pressure and BMI) and immunization requirement monitoring, see many students daily for illnesses, administer medication, tend to the medically challenged (perhaps with tube feedings), change diapers, assist with tracheostomy care, address emergencies, tend to ill staff, participate at Child Study meetings, work with teachers in assessing children’s needs, work closely with the guidance counselor in finding resources for children/families in need, report abuse and neglect, provide TLC, give guidance, keep stringent surveillance on communicable diseases and their control, and serve as a health educator to children, staff and parents. A strong nursing background and state certification are essential as school nurses work independently, being the only medically licensed person on the premises.

I’ve had staff spend time with me, and most recently, a staff member observed me and wrote a report for her advanced degree on my office. This teacher was absolutely astonished at what actually takes place in the school nurse’s office and had gained a healthy respect for the position. A good working relationship with the principal and staff is necessary to work as a team for the health and safety of the school. A day in the life of the school nurse is always challenging and surprising, guaranteed to keep you on your toes!

Find out Ellen’s most memorable moments as a school nurse.