Chapter 31: School Nursing & Student Health

School Nursing & Student Health details the critical role of school nurses in facilitating student participation in education by bridging the gap between health and academic success. The legal framework guiding this practice is extensively discussed, covering essential federal mandates such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), alongside privacy protections like HIPAA and FERPA. Practitioners function in diverse roles, acting as direct caregivers for acute injuries, health educators for lifestyle promotion, case managers for children with complex needs, and counselors for mental health support. The text uses the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model to frame school health services, applying the three levels of prevention to the school setting. Primary prevention focuses on health promotion through education on hygiene, substance abuse, and mandatory immunizations. Secondary prevention involves active screenings for vision, hearing, and scoliosis, as well as providing emergency first aid and managing medications. Tertiary prevention addresses the long-term management of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and autism spectrum disorder, while also navigating sensitive procedures like do-not-attempt-resuscitation (DNAR) orders for terminally ill students. The chapter concludes by looking toward the future of the profession, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based research, the integration of telehealth, and the adoption of the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice to address evolving community health challenges.