The Band-Aid Bulletin — Read our new monthly message from our Health Services Department!

In this first edition, take a moment to read how our school nurses are essential to keeping students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. They are often the first healthcare provider a child sees regularly and play a crucial role in both public health and education.

10 important things school nurses do!

A school nurse is a licensed healthcare professional who works within a school setting to support the physical, mental, and emotional health of students. Their job goes beyond just putting on band-aids or checking for fevers — they play a key role in student health, safety, and academic success.

1. Provide First Aid and Emergency Care

• Treat minor injuries (cuts, bruises, nosebleeds, etc.)
• Manage sudden illnesses (fevers, vomiting, asthma attacks, allergic reactions)
• Handle medical emergencies until help arrives

2. Manage Chronic Health Conditions

• Assist students with conditions like diabetes, asthma, epilepsy, and allergies
• Administer medications or treatments during the school day
• Create and follow care plans for students with ongoing health needs

3. Administer Medications

• Give prescribed medications to students (in accordance with school policies and parental permission)
• Monitor for side effects or problems with medications

4. Health Screenings

• Conduct vision, hearing, scoliosis, and other routine screenings
• Refer students for further evaluation when needed

5. Monitor Infectious Diseases

• Track illnesses like flu, strep throat, or lice outbreaks
• Communicate with parents and health departments if needed
• Enforce exclusion policies to prevent the spread of disease

6. Promote Health Education

• Teach students and staff about hygiene, nutrition, puberty, mental health, and more
• Provide resources for healthy lifestyle choices

7. Support Mental Health

• Offer emotional support to students who are anxious, stressed, or in crisis
• Refer students to counselors or other mental health professionals when needed

8. Maintain Health Records

• Keep accurate records of immunizations, medications, treatments, and health screenings
• Ensure compliance with state and district health regulations

9. Support Special Education

• Participate in IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or 504 Plan meetings for students with medical needs
• Ensure accommodations are made to support student health and learning

10. Communicate with Families and Staff

• Collaborate with parents, teachers, counselors, and administrators to support student well-being
• Provide updates on health concerns or outbreaks

Meet our amazing staff

There is a nurse or two assigned to every school campus and each school has a health room assistant.

When should I keep my sick student home?

Symptoms that indicate staying home from school

• Cough (new, changed, or worsening); any cough that would be distracting to yourself or others
• Temperature 100 degrees or greater within the past 24 hours
• Vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
• Runny nose with drainage that is cloudy, yellow, or green
• Mucous or cloudy drainage from the eye or pink eye
• New crusty rash on face or around nose
• New body rash, especially with a fever or itching
• Sore throat, especially with fever or swollen glands in the neck
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• New loss of taste or smell

Neither staff nor students should attend school until symptoms are significantly resolving even with a mask.