The School Health Services Program and the School-Based Wellness Centers are two different programs that work together to provide health and wellness services in our public schools.

 

School Health Services Programs are mandated by the State of Maryland for all Maryland Public Schools.  Dorchester’s Program is provided through a partnership between Dorchester County Public Schools and the Dorchester County Health Department and is funded by the Dorchester County Board of Education and the Dorchester County Council.  The School Health Services Program staffs every school Health Room every school day with a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, or a Certified School Health Aide.  We provide sick and injured care to staff and students, administer physician ordered medications and treatments, do vision and hearing screens for all referred and new students, and those in pre-K, kindergarten, 5^th and 9^th grades. We also identify student health-related needs, and make accommodations to support learning.   School nurses work with families and physicians to develop health and emergency care plans for children with special health care needs, and provide health counseling to students, families, and staff.   Along with determining which nursing services can be delegated and supervising those to whom services have been delegated, we maintain school health records on every student, review immunizations, physicals, and lead testing status for each grade as required.  School Nurses also refer students to the School-Based Wellness Centers when indicated.  And, we identify and report school environmental concerns, and participate in various school multidisciplinary teams.

 

School-Based Wellness Centers are staffed by Certified Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Social Workers, with secretarial support.  These school-based centers provide services for students that have been enrolled by their parents/guardians and have been referred to the centers by the school nurses.  Federal and State grants provide funding for School-Based Wellness Centers.  Dorchester’s two high schools and the two middle schools have these centers.  Certified Nurse Practitioners can diagnose and treat patients, and students can receive physicals and diagnostic exams, immunizations, sick care, medications, prescriptions, and health counseling in the Centers.  While these services do not take the place of a student’s primary health care physician, there is a working relationship and correspondence between the two.  Being seen in the Center reduces time a student misses from school and, for parents, reduces time missed from work. In addition to the somatic services provided, mental health assessment and treatment services are available from school-based, licensed mental health clinicians at elementary, middle, and high school levels through Dorchester’s Wellness Center program.

                            SCHOOL NURSE NOTES                                                           February 2008