School nurses are the heart of student wellness and keep the school and wider community safe and healthy.
Kate King, D.N.P., M.S., RN, LSN
President National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
Whether planning school vaccination clinics; maintaining complete vaccination records; or educating students, staff, and families about disease transmission and prevention, school nurses are on the frontline to protect your child’s well-being.
According to national polls, parents trust and value school nurses to provide expert healthcare during the school day. In today’s world — where more parents and caregivers are juggling home and work responsibilities — having a trusted health partner at school is invaluable.
School nurses support all students by reducing disease transmission and unnecessary absenteeism through education and healthcare access. For many students, the school nurse is the only reliable source of healthcare. That can be especially true in rural and low-income communities where significant disparities exist. There are often fewer school nurses in those communities, leaving children without access to healthcare during the school day. School nurses go above and beyond to ensure every child has access to support that helps them thrive academically and physically.
Campus wellness leaders
“School nurses are like the ‘Chief Wellness Officers’ of their campuses,” says Robin Cogan, a school nurse and health advocate. School nurses are often the first to detect early signs of outbreaks, making them an early warning system for public health.
However, their role goes beyond just spotting illness. School nurses provide care that’s safe, inclusive, and culturally sensitive, promoting both physical and emotional well-being for all students. They handle emergencies, oversee chronic conditions, and collaborate with families, school leaders, and local healthcare providers to empower students with knowledge and resources to take charge of their health. By fostering healthy habits, they set children up for success both in and outside the classroom.
Tips to keep germs away
- Wash your hands frequently: Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. School nurses often teach fun and easy handwashing techniques to students.
- Cover your mouth or nose when coughing/sneezing: When coughing or sneezing, using a tissue or your elbow reduces airborne illnesses. School nurses reinforce these habits to keep the school community safe.
- Don’t share personal items: Sharing might be caring, but when it comes to items like water bottles, it’s best to keep them to yourself. School nurses work with staff to regularly disinfect high-touch areas.
- Keep sick students at home: Staying home when sick helps stop germs from spreading. School nurses guide families on when it’s safe for students to return to school.
- Consult your healthcare provider for age-appropriate vaccinations: Vaccines are critical in reducing the risk of serious illnesses. School nurses can coordinate low-cost or no-cost vaccine clinics to ensure students and staff are protected.
- Communicate with your school nurse: Let the school know why your child is absent. Nurses use this information to track health trends that impact the whole community.
Protecting student health
In today’s world, students face health challenges beyond common colds or the need for Band-Aids — access to healthcare, safe housing and transportation, clean air and water, and reducing the spread of disease are just a few concerns. School nurses play a critical role by offering evidence-based guidance on prevention, immunization, and disease management.
School nurses lead, through their expertise as public health professionals, in providing evidence-based disease prevention and immunization information. They work with students, staff, and families to protect the health of each student, the school, and the wider community. They educate on vaccines, as vaccines and health education play a critical role in reducing disease transmission and preventing serious, life-threatening illnesses. School nurses provide information so parents can make an informed choice about vaccines.
They’re also fierce advocates for health equity, working tirelessly to ensure that no child is left without care. From coordinating vaccination clinics to educating families on disease prevention, school nurses are essential leaders in keeping our schools — and communities — safe and thriving.
