Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Schools
In the United States, it is estimated that 40% of school-aged children and adolescents have one or more chronic health condition(s). Meeting the health needs of students in school is crucial for their overall well-being, academic success, and development. CDC Healthy Schools: Managing Chronic Health Conditions
According to 2022 Minnesota Student Survey data, 22.6% of students with chronic health conditions, 27.5% of students with anxiety or depression and 33.9% of students with BOTH chronic health conditions and anxiety or depressions were chronically absent from school compared to 18% of those with no chronic health conditions, anxiety, or depression. How are the Children? Minnesota Student Survey: Student Health and Wellbeing District Decision Makers.
School nurses and schools have a vested interest in the management of chronic health conditions to ensure optimal access to education and safe and healthy learning environment.
Resource
Students with chronic health conditions often need a variety of nursing procedures performed during the school day. Sometime these are completed by a nurse or delegated by the professional nurse (RN/LSN) to a school health paraprofessional. Nursing Delegation for the School Setting provides detailed information related to nursing delegation. The Nursing Procedures Tools is a resource of procedures, competency checklists and training videos to strengthen the competency for a nurse or may be used to train others performing these procedures. The student’s individual health plan should provide details specific for that student and the procedure they require at school.
Managing Asthma in School
Provides a brief overview of asthma, emergency care plans, nebulization considerations and resources for care planning and skill training
Managing Diabetes in School
Provides a brief overview of diabetes, diabetic management plan and resources for care planning and skill training.
Managing Seizures in School
Provides a brief overview of seizures, emergency care plans and resources for care planning and skill training.
Managing Severe Allergies in School
Provides a brief overview of severe allergies, emergency care plans and resources for care planning and skill training.
Nurse Care Planning in Schools
The role of the nurse in care planning and care coordination and the type and purpose of various care plans (Individual Health Plans, Emergency Care Plans, Section 540, and Individual Education Plans) to ensure students with health conditions receive appropriate and timely care in the school setting.
Nursing Role in Managing Mental Health Needs of Students
Provides information about the role of the nurse in school mental health and resources for education and services for students.