|
The school nurse,
in each building, has a variety of responsibilities. The Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania mandates many of these duties. These include
verification that each student has received the required immunization
protection; screenings of height, weight, vision, hearing, physical
health, and dental health on the schedule provided by the state; and
maintaining a healthy school population by watching for signs of
communicable diseases.
In addition, the school nurse provides
first aid and evaluation of illnesses that occur during the school day.
Injuries and illnesses that occur at home need to be treated at home.
The nurse also administers medications that students need to receive
during school hours. The nurse provides health education, and serves as
the health counselor in the building where she is assigned.
The
nurse never makes diagnoses and never prescribes treatment, but guides
parents toward the community resources available for proper medical
attention. Parents should make a point to know the school nurse and
consult with her regarding the student's physical adjustment to the
school. |
