WHAT DO SCHOOL NURSES DO?

School Nursing is a healthcare specialty requiring specific expertise in nursing, public health, and education. Our school nurses are licensed, registered nurses educated to address the wide range of health topics that impact children at school:

• Identify health concerns through assessments and observations
• Provide health care counseling or guidance to students, families, and staff
• Conduct Care Coordination including case management, chronic disease management, care planning, and assistance in finding a medical home or other health care providers
• Provide medication management
• Provide health screenings, referrals, and follow-up
• Ensure immunization compliance and coordination of other health mandates according to state requirements
• Provide Health education, promotion, and disease prevention

Exclusion Guidelines / Illnesses At School

• Fever of 100.4 degrees or above with signs and symptoms such as sore throat, rash, vomiting or diarrhea.
• The illness prevents the student from participating comfortably in activities/academics as observed by the school staff.
• The illness results in greater care than the school staff determines they can provide without compromising the ability to care for other students.

Medication Guidelines at School

• Students are not allowed to have medications with them at school. All medication (prescription and over the counter) must be kept in the health office and will be administered under the supervision of the school nurse. Administration of medication at school requires parent/guardian signature on the district Medication Authorization Form, which can be found below, or in the school health office. Medication must be brought in the original container or labeled prescription bottle. It must be age-appropriate and will be administered according to label recommendations.
• Students in middle school and high school may receive up to six doses per school year of either acetaminophen or ibuprofen, at the nurse’s discretion, with parent/guardian consent. The authorization form is available on the online registration or in the health office at UMS or UHS.
• By Iowa law, students with asthma or other airway constricting diseases may self-administer their medication with written approval from the parent/guardian and prescribing physician. This form is available below or in the school health office.

Emergency Contacts

• In the event of an illness or an injury, it is important for school staff to be able to contact parents/guardians in a timely manner. When registering your students please provide two or more contact numbers for each parent/guardian. During the school year, please inform your school office of any changes to personal or work phone numbers as well as emails.

PE Guidelines

• State education laws require that all students be enrolled in and participate in a course of Physical Education. Students are required to participate in all PE classes. If a physician feels that a student should not participate or should only participate on a limited basis, parents must obtain a note from the physician with all restrictions noted and give this to the school nurse. Once the student is cleared by their physician to return to all activities, a clearance note must be given to the school nurse. In the case of an unexpected injury or illness, the school nurse may determine if a student is unable to participate in PE activities.