School Nursing Program

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) Recommendations and Resources

School Nursing and Health Services

The school nursing and health services consultant has the responsibility for providing leadership in the areas of school nursing practice, school health policy and school health programs. Technical assistance is available on a number of topics including, legal issues in school nursing, school health program planning, implementation and evaluation, education programs and related services for children with special health care needs, school health records, medication administration and emergency services. This position also provides consultation to colleges and universities, professional organizations, and other child serving health and education related organizations and groups regarding preservice preparation, continuing professional development for school health personnel, school nursing and comprehensive school health programs. Contact: Rachel Gallagher at rachel.gallagher@dpi.wi.gov, or (608) 266-8857.

School Nursing Grant Awards

Four school districts throughout the state are improving and expanding nursing services for students through state-funded grants totaling $235,000.

Districts winning competitive grants are:

Ashland School District, Ashland School Nusing, $50,460;
Eau Claire School District, School Nurse Grant, $74,452;
Green Bay Area School District, School Nurse Grant, $75,000;
Janesville, Expansion of School Nursing, $35,779.

Wisconsin's student-to-nurse ratio is estimated at 1:2,359, which is higher than recommended by the National Association of School Nurses and the American Nurses Association. For regular education students, those associations recommend ratios of 1:750, and 1:250 for special education students.

Twenty-eight school districts and consortiums applied for school nursing services grants, requesting more than $1.6 million in funding. With the limited funds available, DPI was unable to fund many worthy grants.

The New School Nurse Orientation

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Wisconsin Association of School Nurses (WASN) will be holding a series of orientation sessions for registered nurses new to the specialty practice area of school nursing. Our goal is to help the new school nurse in this transition get connected to information and resources that can help to make their first years easier. The first session will focus on school nursing practice, typical school year, laws related to school nursing, delegation, and individualized educational and accommodation plans. As a result of attending the second session, participants will become familiar with school nursing documentation, the difference between individual and accommodation plans, individual health and emergency action plans, and student records maintenance and storage (second session agenda). The third session will focus on the role of the medical advisor, community resources, and communication with school administrators and school board representatives (third session agenda). The first session is scheduled for October 6, 2009, at the Country Spring Hotel, Pewaukee. We are anticipating offering the second session on November 3, 2009, at the Department of Public Instruction in Madison, with the third session on April 28, 2010, at the Marriot Convention Center in Middleton. Participants will receive the presentations, resources, and lunch. The cost of the orientation is $70 per session or $190 for all three sessions. Payment for the orientation can be sent to DPI or brought to the orientation. You may register by emailing Rachel Gallagher at rachel.gallagher@dpi.wi.gov or calling (608)266-8857.

New School Nurse Orientation Agenda

Immunizations

The Department of Health Services has announced changes in the immunization law for the 2009-2010 school year. Please see the following link for immunization forms and information.

http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/reqs.htm

School Nursing Resources

For questions about this information, contact Rachel Gallagher (608) 266-8857

Last updated on 6/17/2009 3:29:00 PM

Student Services/Prevention and Wellness Programs - School Nursing Program