Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
School health nursing provides health services to the school-age population (5-18 years), focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, case management, and health education. School nurses manage chronic conditions (asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, severe allergies) through individualized healthcare plans (IHPs) and emergency action plans. They perform mandated screenings (vision, hearing, scoliosis, BMI) and immunization compliance verification. Section 504 plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) may include health-related accommodations that nurses help implement. Medication administration in schools requires written orders from licensed prescribers, parental consent, and medications in original containers. School nurses serve as the health resource for students, families, staff, and the school community. They also conduct communicable disease surveillance, manage outbreaks (head lice, strep throat, influenza), and implement exclusion and return-to-school policies.