THE CRUCIAL
(taken from the January 4,
2001 issue of The Parent Flash)
I want to recognize a crucial
element of our school that is often taken for granted. I’ll give you a hint:
this professional shares a wall with my office, handles major medical emergencies
as well as minor cuts and bruises, gives hugs to kiddos who need a brief
time out, and advocates for a safe building. She’s a Yankees fan, has three
children in the Hopkinton School District, and has worked as an Emergency
Room nurse before coming to Harold Martin.
Of course, we’re speaking of Sheila Conley, R.N., HMS School Nurse. I bring
this to your attention because the National Association of School Nurses,
Inc. has proclaimed January 23 as "School Nurse Day" to recognize the work
of school nurses and to help communities develop a better understanding
of the school nurse in the educational setting.
Here’s some statistics: There are more than 500 School Nurses in New Hampshire.
Half of these professionals have bachelors degrees and as many as 15% have
masters degrees. About half of the NH nurses have over 20 years experience
in the field. Although many are L.P.N.’s we are fortunate in Hopkinton to
have Registered Nurses in all three schools.
I hope you realize the variety of issues that Sheila and other school nurses
deal with daily. Here’s the formal definition of school nursing from the
National Association, that provides some insight: "School nursing is a specialized
practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic
success, and life-long achievement of students. To that end, school nurses
facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health
and safety, intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide
case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build
student and family capacity for adaptation, self management, self advocacy,
and learning."
What do I see on a daily basis? I observe Sheila helping students cope
with developmental, situational, social, and emotional problems. She keeps
track of attendance, consults with staff on special health related issues,
and assists with students who have special educational and physical needs.
Nationwide, over 30% of children under the age of 18 years have one or more
chronic health conditions. These kids are dependent on daily medication,
or special diets for normal function. Very often, Sheila will advocate
for individual needs of children and help families find solutions.
Another important function for school nurses is screening for potential
vision, hearing, and physical problems. In addition, nurses take an active
role in making sure that students are well nourished and adequately immunized.
In short, Sheila and her colleagues at Maple Street and the Middle High
School are an integral part of the educational team. Mark your calendar for
January 23, "School Nurse Day" and thank Sheila and any other School Nurse
you know for their talent and hard work.
-Bill Carozza