LETTERS: NURSES IN THE SCHOOLS

To the editor:

This is to address the issue raised by the Cape Girardeau School District concerning school nurses. While cost is certainly a factor to consider in making decisions about personnel, quality also must be addressed. Registered nurses, particularly those with baccalaureate degrees in nursing, are the ideal candidates to fill school nursing positions. Their educational background gives them the ability to problem-solve effectively, thereby allowing them to fulfill the responsibilities of the position in a way that is truly cost effective.

While many may imagine the role of the school nurse is confined to bandaging skinned knees and taking temperatures, in fact the professional registered nurse is qualified to perform many important functions in the school setting. He or she is prepared to act in the case of emergency injury of illness, making necessary decisions and providing care. The school nurse also performs screenings that evaluate physical development as well as detecting health problems. Teaching children about health care, from hygiene to healthy lifestyles, is also part of the school nurse's job.

Many children in our area do not have a primary health-care provider. The school nurse may be the only health-care professional with whom they come in contact. Therefore, it is vital that nurses in the school setting be well-educated and have the knowledge that will allow them to detect health problems that would otherwise go undetected. The nurse can provide care to these children and their families and assist them in finding resources within the community to provide for their health-care needs.

With the many changes in health care and the role of primary health-care providers being emphasized, the role of the school nurse may expand in the near future. Schools may become sources of primary care, providing well-child checkups, immunizations and treatment for routine childhood illnesses. To meet this expanded role we will need nurses who are proficient in providing this type of care, such as nurse practitioners. These nurses, many of whom hold master's degrees in nursing, are skilled in health assessment and diagnosing and treating routine illnesses.

While these changes may not take place in our area for some time, the role of the school nurse remains an important one. Our children are special and deserve the best we can provide for them. Baccalaureate-prepared nurses have a board educational background which includes studies in chemistry, human anatomy and physiology, psychology and pharmacology. This educational base gives them the knowledge and skills needed to provide the high level of care that our children need. In addition, nurses provide holistic care which focuses on the emotional, psycho-social and spiritual needs of their clients, as well as the physical.

Once again, while school budgets must be considered, let's not cut corners on our children's health-care needs. Well-educated nurses can play a valuable part in ensuring safe and healthy children in our community.

JULIE SAPPINGTON, RN, BSN

Cape Girardeau