More Than Ice Packs & Band-Aids: The Truth About School Nursing
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PSN Team 
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What Do School Nurses Really Do?
If you were asked what a school nurse does, would you know the correct answer?
Would your answer include words like ice packs and band-aids?
Tune in now to learn how school nurses are the hidden heroes of our schools!
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For many people, that about covers all they know about the role of school nurses. But their job goes far beyond minor scrapes and bruises.
Beyond Band-Aids: The Critical Role of School Nurses
Did you know that school nurses work directly with parents to create individualized health care plans tailored to the unique needs of each child?
They also monitor students’ daily health, from nutrition and medication management to mental health concerns.
Providing Essential Medical Support at School
- Administering medications daily
- Supporting medically complex students to keep them in school
- Educating students, teachers, and staff on health topics
- Ensuring students with health concerns receive proper care and accommodations
How Parents Can Help Their Child’s School Nurse
There are many things YOU can do to help the nurse support your child better. One of the most important? Communicating any health concerns your child has.
Some children may need an action plan—something that speaks for them if they cannot. This is where a school nurse’s medical expertise is invaluable.
The Truth About School Nursing—And Why It Matters
Yes, school nurses hand out ice packs and band-aids—I did plenty of that as a former school nurse. But that was the smallest part of my day.
Want to know the full scope of school nursing?
Listen to the Expert: Â Corrine Jones, A School Nurse With 30+ Years of Experience
After hearing her, you will want to make sure your child’s school has a school nurse… yesterday!
Related: Why Every School Needs a Nurse – And How Parents Can Make It Happen
About Expert
Corinne Jones, RN, MSN, CSN-PEL, is the Director of Health Services for CCSD 15 with 30+ years in NICU, PICU, and school health. She instructs nursing courses, co-leads NASN’s Special Needs School Nurse group, and specializes in training caregivers for medically complex children.
Helpful Articles
- Why Every School Needs a Nurse – And How Parents Can Make It Happen
- Private Duty Nursing: What Is It? Why You Need It? And How to Get It
- What Is It REALLY Like to Have Nurses in Your Home?
- Good Record Keeping is a Must! Tips on Organizing your Medical Records
- Fostering Healthy Relationships
- Body Safety be Aware: Some General Tips and Guidelines
- Precautions to Take Before Allowing Anyone to Care for Your Child!
- 10 Tips to an Organized Medicine Cabinet
- My Child’s Emergency Medical Information
- Medwaiver Program How the Waiver Can Help Your Child
- PSN My Child’s Medications Form
- Drowning in paperwork? Here’s what helps us
- Ask the Nurse: Keeping Track of Medicine Tips
- Medical Tech Support: Managing Your Family’s Health Care
This post originally appeared on our March/April 2025 Magazine
