By Donna Rehm, Orland Park 135

The AFT School Nurse Development Conference was held May 1-3 in Washington DC.   Keynote speaker Pat Cooper, PhD, superintendent of school in the McComb, Mississippi School District discussed the benefits of a coordinated school health program.  Not only does it help to maintain/improve student health, it increases attendance rates and results in improved academic achievement.  Dr. Cooper created a coordinated school health program in his district and has the data to prove its success.

Keynote speaker David Wiley, PhD, professor of health education at Texas State University lectured about the process of making a compelling argument to school board members.  Use of these strategies will help to make the encounter a positive experience for you and a beneficial one for your students.

Issues facing school nurses in 2005 include Diabetes and Diastat® legislation.  Several state legislatures are being asked to consider legislation that would allow trained non-medical staff (teachers, paraprofessionals, secretaries, and other) to provide both routine and emergency care to students with diabetes and students with cluster seizures.  This legislation has triggered concern over the violation of State Nurse Practice Acts, unfunded mandates, inadequate training, potential for medication errors, cross contamination through needle sticks, student confidentiality and privacy, and ongoing supervision/monitoring after medication administration.  In addition, the school nurse who provides the training or delegates the responsibility for student health care may be potentially liable for any adverse outcomes. 

More than ever, it is imperative for school nurses to become valuable advocates/lobbyists for school health in their district and/or state.

  AFT Local 943
  15521 South 70th Court
  Orland Park, Illinois 60462
  (708) 633-0943
  (708) 633-0944 (Fax)

  Kathy Setlak, president

  IFT Field Staff