FCPS

School Health Services

Role Differentiation of the School Nurse and Health Room Technician

School Nurses strengthen and facilitate the educational process by improving and protecting the health status of students, family and the community. School health registered nurses are educated using a broad-based, holistic focus that considers the whole child as they seek ways to promote optimal health, prevent illness and infirmities, maintain health, and care for those with illnesses or injuries. They have substantial specialized knowledge, skills and judgement based on the biological, behavioral and sociological sciences that allow for unique independent practice and practice as part of a multi-disciplinary team. While responsible for the overall care and management of the student's health needs, the nurse may delegate certain functions to the health technician in accordance with the Maryland State Board of Nursing. The relationship between the nurse and technician is analogous to that of the classroom teacher and instructional assistant, in which the teacher, while retaining overall responsibility for the student's education, may instruct the assistant to perform certain activities under his/her supervision.

As part of a multi-disciplinary team, the school nurse brings expertise and a unique perspective during student teamings and IEP meetings. She/he provides insight into physical, emotional, social problems, medication issues, and contacts with the student's physician and/or family. She/he makes home visits, with or without other professionals, and refers to community agencies as appropriate.

Health Room Technicians work collaboratively with School Nurses to prevent illness and disability among students, family and the community. Health technicians are paraprofessionals with a high school diploma or the equivalent, whose training includes basic health information such as CPR/First Aid training, training in medication administration, how to take vital signs and how to care for uncomplicated illnesses and injuries. Health technician orientation also includes basic information about common childhood illnesses and how to differentiate between the care they can safely provide and when it is necessary to consult with the school nurse.

The School Nurse… Supervises the Health Room Technician and evaluates their performance. Delegates medication administration and treatments to Health Room Technicians. Performs health assessments and classroom observations Assesses long term illnesses Makes home visits Coordinates screenings Attends IEPs and School Teamings Develops and writes the health component of the Individualized Education Plan Writes Health Care Plans Provides health counseling Coordinates and monitors compliance with state immunization laws Monitors communicable diseases Acts as a resource for staff and community Makes referrals to agencies as appropriate	The Health Room Technician… Provides first aid Provides routine care for students with chronic illnesses Performs treatments and administers medications after approval by the School Nurse Reviews health records Refers health concerns and issues regarding injury, disease, and illness to the School Nurse Assists with the monitoring of communicable diseases Assists the School Nurse with the screenings of: ¨ Hearing/Vision ¨ Scoliosis ¨ Blood Pressure ¨ Height/Weight