By Kalpana Devi
A school nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who provides medical care and health education to students in a school setting. The role of a school nurse is to promote the health and well-being of students and to provide a safe and healthy environment for learning.
The origins of school nursing can be traced back to the late 1800s when school reformers in the United States recognized the need for medical care in schools. The first school nurse program was established in New York City in 1902. By the 1920s, school nursing had become an established profession, with nurses providing medical care and health education to students in schools throughout the country. Over the years, the role of school nurses in top schools in Gurgaon has also evolved to meet the changing needs of students and schools.
In the United States, more than 40% of school-aged children and teens have at least one health condition such as asthma, diabetes, seizure disorder, or allergies. Some students may miss school more often than others because of their health conditions, which can indirectly affect their academic performance. For these students, school nurses offer vital help every day in managing their conditions.
This blog discusses the role of school nurses in promoting public awareness and bringing mutual understanding among the masses.
Some of the key responsibilities of a school nurse include:
- Providing emergency care and first aid:
School nurses are often the first point of contact for students who become ill or injured during school hours. They are trained to provide basic first aid and emergency care to students and can coordinate with emergency medical services if needed.
- Conducting health screenings:
School nurses may perform vision, hearing, and other health screenings to identify potential health concerns in students.
- Managing chronic health conditions:
School nurses work closely with students who have chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or epilepsy to ensure that they receive appropriate care during the school day.
- Administering medication:
School nurses may administer medication to students who require it during school hours, in accordance with school policies.
- Educating students and staff:
School nurses play an important role in educating students and staff about health and wellness topics, such as nutrition, physical activity, and disease prevention.
- Maintaining medical records:
A school nurse is responsible for maintaining students’ vaccine records and medical history and writing referrals to pediatricians or health specialists.
- Act as a liaison between student families and community public health:
Many families are unable to afford the treatment costs their children need. For some students, school nurses are their only contact with a professional healthcare provider. And while school nurses may be unable to provide students with all the services they need, nurses can help connect families with local charities, non-profit organizations, and other health and wellness resources.
Overall, school nurses play a critical role in promoting health and wellness, managing chronic health conditions, and ensuring that students can thrive in a safe and healthy environment. School nurses oversee the emotional, mental, physical, and social health of students. The top schools in Gurgaon believe in promoting health and wellness to contribute to a healthy next generation and a healthy nation.