School nursing is a specialized professional practice that contributes to the well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievements of students. In support of the undeniable relationship between health and learning, the development and delivery of nursing services within the ACES programs subscribe to and follow the guidelines and professional standards set forth by ACES, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), the National League for Nurses (NLN), as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

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Department Overview

All of our ACES programs are staffed by at least one registered nurse during regular school hours. The scope and intensity of the services our school nurses provide varies based on the individual acute and chronic health concerns of our students. With the increasing numbers of students with chronic health conditions and need to manage them during the school day, the school nurse plays a crucial role in the seamless provision of comprehensive health services. To foster health and educational success, the school nurse adapts to the individual school setting while providing the following core services:

  • Provides direct care to students for acute health problems such as injuries and acute illness, including referral for emergency services as needed.
  • Provides direct care to students with chronic health problems according to mutually agreed upon plans developed in collaboration with students, families, and community healthcare providers. Examples of chronic health problems include asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, autism, sickle cell anemia, and potential life-threatening allergies.
  • Develops individualized care plans and nursing interventions that address the physical and emotional needs of students.
  • Provides and coordinates medication administration and medically indicated treatments for students.
  • Provides care coordination with families and multiple community providers to help ensure that students healthcare needs are addressed.
  • Implements state mandated health screening programs, including referral for abnormal findings and immunization requirements.
  • Maintains individual student health records in accordance with state regulations and utilizes an electronic health record for documentation of health related assessments and plans.
  • Promotes a healthy school environment by addressing physical and emotional safety issues of the school community, including infection control and injury prevention.
  • Provides health education in the areas that include of self-care, nutrition, exercise, smoking prevention, oral health, prevention of infectious diseases, substance abuse, adolescent pregnancy prevention, and parenting.
  • Functions as the health care expert in the school and for the organization; the school nurse serves as a leader for health policies and programs.