NASN school nurse (Print)最新文献

Comprehensive automated external defibrillator (AED) programs with developed medical emergency response plans can improve sudden cardiac arrest outcomes in school-age children. This article explores literature on existing school AED program recommendations and the school nurse's advocacy role in AED program implementation. This article discusses three major themes identified: (a) The school nurse should advocate for school health and lead the school through implementation of a comprehensive AED program, (b) school campuses should implement an AED program, develop a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP), and practice mock drills, and (c) minimal AED program requirements should be researched, outlined, and written into law to promote safety on all school campuses. A collaborative approach to building a CERP, addressing barriers to implementation, and current legislation are discussed. By initiating changes within their role and building a comprehensive AED program, the school nurse can positively influence sudden cardiac arrest and cardiac emergency outcomes on their school campus.

This article, developed in collaboration with pediatric cardiologists and school nurses, reviews common student complaints that may have a cardiac etiology including palpitations, chest pain, and syncope. We discuss the initial steps that a school nurse should perform for each of these complaints, including relevant history taking and physical exam. We identify red flags which should raise suspicion for a cardiac etiology and outline the initial steps a school nurse should take in managing these students. We discuss which cases require assessment with a bedside automatic external defibrillator and emergent contact of emergency medical services (EMS), less-emergent cases requiring EMS contact and transfer to the emergency department, as well as those occasions where the assessment suggests it is appropriate for a parent to pursue less-urgent outpatient evaluation by a primary healthcare provider or pediatric cardiologist.

Because of the widespread availability of urgent care centers (UCCs) and the non-emergent nature of many illnesses and injuries occurring in students who attend school, referrals to UCCs may be an option in the management of students without a primary care provider and with certain health insurance providers. Optimizing the care of these students involves several steps for the school nurse: (a) becoming familiar with the capabilities of the UCC in your community, and (b) establishing a collaborative relationship between the school and UCC through closed-loop communication and quality improvement initiatives.

This article highlights the vital roles of school and public health staff in protecting the health and well-being of student athletes through an infectious disease prevention and response training program. Developed by the New Jersey Department of Health's Daycares, Schools, and Higher Education Team, the multicomponent school health training targeted K-12 school nurses, athletic staff, and public health professionals. Informed by statewide school sport outbreak data and athletic staff interviews, the training was then piloted with a local school nurse association. Training topics included outbreak trends, common sport-related infectious diseases, transmission, reporting, documentation, exclusion timeframes, communication strategies, prevention, and case studies. To improve accessibility, live virtual sessions were held on three dates from October to December 2023. After each session, attendees completed evaluations and earned education credits. The state-led team analyzed the evaluation results to better support the school and public health community and created on-demand and in-person trainings.

Type 1 diabetes in youth is common and often difficult to manage due to developmental, psychosocial, and social determinant-related challenges, leading to poor glycemic control and serious health risks. Adolescents require support that extends beyond clinic visits, making collaboration between healthcare providers, especially APRNs and school nurses, essential. The case study of JT illustrates how consistent communication and coordinated care across school, home, and clinical settings can identify barriers, improve safety, and stabilize glycemic and mental health outcomes. Strengthening APRN-school nurse partnerships and integrating school-based care into standard practice can enhance long-term management and quality of life for youth with T1DM.

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) are statements informed by a systematic review of research/evidence and provide recommendations for clinical practice to improve healthcare quality and patient outcomes. The NASN released School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Students with Asthma in 2025, to provide evidence-based recommendations specific to school nursing practice and support the role of the school nurse in providing high-quality care for school-age children with asthma. This article will provide an overview of the CPG and Implementation Toolkit. The implementation toolkit is designed to provide school nurses with tools and resources to implement evidence-based recommendations into their practice.

Service animals-most commonly service dogs-are increasingly present in schools as essential supports for students with disabilities. Despite this trend, many districts lack clear, consistent procedures to ensure safe, equitable, and legally compliant integration. This article provides practice-focused, evidence-based guidance for school nurses grounded in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 requirements, public health recommendations, and the 2024 NASN position on service animals. Emphasizing the nurse's leadership role in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, the article outlines key considerations for developing policies, coordinating care, and supporting staff readiness. Current research also highlights the unique benefits of service dogs-particularly for students with visual impairments-in promoting safety, independence, and social participation. These insights equip school nurses to implement consistent, student-centered practices that uphold student rights and foster inclusive school environments.

Children with diabetes require skilled, consistent support during the school day to ensure safety, academic participation, and long-term wellbeing. In Delaware, a lack of access to updated training left school nurses underprepared to manage complex diabetes care in students. In response, the Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Diabetes Coalition, and Lions Club District 22D collaborated to bring free, evidence-based training to school nurses statewide. Through a grant from the Lions Club International Foundation, the Salus University course "Diabetes Care at School: Bridging the Gap," was offered to all school nurses. One year into the program, 242 nurses-representing just over 60% of the state's school nurse workforce and all 19 school districts-participated in the training. This statewide initiative demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships and targeted education in improving school-based chronic disease care.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), commonly known as vapes or e-cigarettes, have gained significant popularity among adolescents, raising concerns about their short- and long-term health effects. Research has linked ENDS use to a myriad of health issues, nicotine addiction, and exposure to hazardous chemicals, but many adolescent ENDS users continue to underestimate the risks due to widespread misinformation and targeted marketing. Addressing these misconceptions requires comprehensive, evidence-based education. School nurses play a pivotal role in this effort, serving as accessible healthcare professionals within educational settings. With clinical expertise and direct access to students, they are well positioned to deliver accurate information, identify early signs of use, and implement prevention and intervention strategies. By fostering awareness and promoting informed decision-making, school nurses can contribute significantly to reduction in youth vaping.