It is National School Nurses Day! For more than 30 years, National School Nurses Day has been a time to recognize and show your appreciation for those in the school nursing profession. According to the National Association of School Nurses, school nursing began back in 1902. That means nurses have been providing an invaluable service to schools for over a century!
The importance of the school nursing profession can’t be stressed enough. They make school environments a safer place and provide a knowledgeable health resource to students, teachers, and families.
Students who have special health needs or health conditions are sometimes only able to attend school because of the expertise of school nurses. Nurses ensure that these students are given proper care and the attention that they need, from helping with colostomy bags to administering medications.
But it’s not just the kids with known health issues who need the school nurse. It might have been a while since you were in school, but you can probably remember what it was like. Injuries on the playground, classmates happily sharing germs, and outbreaks of lice or pink eye are everyday occurrences.
School nurses are also key to wellness efforts in schools, watching out for possible health issues within the school, supporting school lunch programs with nutritional information, and helping out in P.E. programs.
School nurses also educate students and families about health. Nurses provide health information that can promote a healthier school environment and a healthier home environment. They often take part in community projects, too.
Sounds like your school nurse deserves a hug and a “Happy School Nurses Day!”
As great as school nurses are, they don’t replace family doctors. They’re there for students and faculty to promote a safer environment and provide service when they need attention in a school setting. Their job is very important, but it doesn’t replace your primary care physician. School nurses are the first line of defense and they can help alert parents and staff to a need to see their primary health care professional… then it’s up to you!