School nurses function as a part of the school's multi-disciplinary team to bridge the gap between health, wellness and learning. Working with parents, other health professionals and other school staff, the school nurse provides services for students that promote optimum health for academic success.
The school nurse provides the expertise to identify, assess, plan, implement and evaluate the health needs of the school community. Program emphasis is directed toward prevention of disease and promotion of health utilizing health services, health counseling, and health education. Many students are at risk for not succeeding in school because their chronic illness may interfere with their attending school. School nurses support their attending school and help reduce interruptions to their learning. They also identify and provide plans and treatments for students with special health needs, including tracheostomies, vents, catheters, etc. in order that those children may attend school. School nurses play an integral role in assisting families to access health care for their children.
Prevention efforts include group education, individual intervention and school wide education programs on such topics as Tobacco Use Prevention, HIV Prevention, and Teen Pregnancy Prevention.
More information on School Health Services in Maryland.
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Contact:
Alicia Mezu, MSN/Ed, BSN, BS, RN
Health Services Specialist, Student Services and Strategic Planning Branch
Office: (410) 767-0353
alicia.mezu@maryland.gov