School system has employs 14 nurses
When you think of nurses, do you picture your doctor?s office or maybe the hospital? How about your child?s school? Thirteen registered nurses (RN) and one licensed practical nurse (LPN) are employed by the school system through funding from state and federal grants.
According to Health Services director Sonja Walker, RN, school nurses provide health services for students and staff that ultimately impact academic achievement. Vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure checks, and height and weight calculations to determine body mass index are held annually in schools for kindergarten, 2nd, 4th, 8th, and 9th-graders. Sixth-grade students are screened each year for scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and dental screenings are scheduled through the Upper Cumberland Regional Health Office for two schools each year.
Abnormal results from screenings and/or checks are reported to parents. There is no cost to families for any of the screenings or checks.
Last year, nurses had approximately 21,000 student visits in school clinics for stomachaches, headaches, minor scrapes/bumps, temperature checks, etc. Parents were contacted for those students whose symptoms indicated need for further attention, while approximately 19,000 students were able to return to class.
Nurses help to write and set up ?individualized health plans? for children who have specialized health needs. These plans help to ensure communication between all of the student?s teachers, the administrator, parents, and the student. It gives school personnel guidelines for steps to take in the event of a medical emergency for that student.
In addition to the services offered for students, programs for teachers and staff are also provided through the system?s Health Services Department. Nurses also assist in monitoring staff member?s blood pressure, height, and weight.
A ?Search Your Heart? wellness program is currently offered each month for teachers. Topics covered include physical activity, nutrition, stress reduction, and stroke prevention. And, nurses administer the flu vaccine for employees at a nominal cost each year.
Parents who have questions or concerns related to health or medical needs for their child may contact Walker at 668-4022.