Randy Hicks in his letter, “School nurse issue: Board must keep parents involved,” brings up some important points regarding children's health in our schools and, parental as well as the Fayette County Board of Education's obligation to assure the welfare of the children in the schools.

It is important to be aware of the multiple roles that a school nurse has in the school setting in promoting and participating in a comprehensive school health plan. In our community, school nurses do not just put on Band-aids or send kids home sick. A skilled school nurse provides health services that prevent problems, promote health, and assess status. Furthermore, she participates in health education by planning for the physical, emotional, social and mental facets of health for the population she serves (including tobacco, alcohol and drug education). However, school nursing does not stop there.

A comprehensive school health program further engages the school nurse in promoting healthy choices and disease prevention amongst the staff; providing counseling for psychological and social issues in the school community; consulting with the nutrition services staff in providing and assuring healthy food options and eating behaviors; promoting the concept of a K-12 physical education program; planning for and assuring a healthy school environment (fire and disaster drills, graffiti, litter); and partnering with staff, PTO, parents and community groups to maximize the resources and experts available to the school for the healthy development of the school citizens.

School nursing is not what it used to be and it is certainly much more than the administering of medications. However, by working under the direction of the Board of Education and in concert with the parents, school nurses can and should be valuable members of the school faculty.

Jill Holmes Long, RN, BS, BSN, MA

Member, National Association of School Nurses

Peachtree City

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