Health Services

What is Health Services?

The goal of our department is to create and sustain a school environment that promotes and supports student achievement, health, and well-being.  Research shows that healthy students are better learners.

To accomplish this, Health Services staff, as part of the school team:

• Promotes student wellness
• Monitors immunization status of students
• Manages health plans for students with health conditions
• Provides first aid and emergency care
• Administers medication as ordered by a physician
• Maintains health service records
• Implements screening programs
• Encourages healthy behaviors
• Encourages self-care
• Surveillance of communicable diseases

The model of Health Services in ISD 728 uses a combination of Licensed School Nurses and Health Services Assistants.

Licensed School Nurse 

A Licensed School Nurse (LSN) is a Registered Nurse with a baccalaureate degree and is licensed in public health and school nursing.  The role of the LSN is to support students with physical and/or mental health issues through assessment, care coordination, community and public health resources. 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Provides education, training and delegation for staff to support student needs.
• Medication delegation, administration and supervision.
• Assesses health status and develops individual health plans for students.
• Provides health education and training to students and staff.
• Participates in 504 and IEP/Evaluation teams.
• Provides referrals to community resources.
   

Health Services Assistant

Health Services Assistants are certified in CPR/AED and First Aid, and work under the direction of the Licensed School Nurse.  They support student's daily health needs by caring for ill and injured students, and carrying out delegated nursing functions.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Provides first aid, emergency care and other illness interventions to students.
• Administers medication (under the direction of the LSN).
• Processes immunization records.
• Maintains health records.  
   

Communication

Communication between the medical community and school(s) provide for positive health outcomes for students, families, and communities.  Please let the Health Office staff know if your child has a chronic health condition and/or will require medication or treatment while at school.  Completing the forms and return them to the school Health Office will enhance coordination of services and promote an optimal learning environment.

Note: Students are expected to participate in all activities, including outdoor recess and physical education, unless a physician's order is received.  The order must include the reason for the restriction, length of restriction, and a physician's signature.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Health Services staff at your child's school. The district-wide staff list can be found by clicking here.