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For My Community Clinical On 21720 I Was Able To Work With The Schoo

For my community clinical on February 17, 2020, I had the opportunity to work closely with a school nurse at an elementary school. This experience provided valuable insights into the multifaceted role that school nurses play in promoting the health and well-being of students, staff, and the broader community. School nurses are vital healthcare providers within educational environments, and their responsibilities extend beyond basic first aid to encompass health education, disease prevention, and acting as advocates for vulnerable student populations.

The primary role of the school nurse involves managing minor illnesses and injuries such as scrapes, headaches, sore throats, stomach aches, and common colds. However, their scope of practice also includes managing chronic health conditions like asthma, providing breathing treatments, and administering emergency interventions such as epinephrine for allergic reactions. During my observation, I assisted in performing hearing and vision screenings for new students, which are crucial preventative services for early detection of impairments that could affect a child's learning and development. The nurse demonstrated how medication administration and documentation are meticulously recorded in electronic health records, highlighting the importance of accurate health tracking in school settings.

One of the notable practices I observed was the nurse's approach to medication safety. She encouraged children to memorize the appearance and color of their pills, empowering them to identify their medications and prevent errors in their administration if she was not available. This educational strategy enhances medication safety and promotes health literacy among young students.

In addition to clinical duties, school nurses serve as health educators. They provide lessons on hygiene, personal health, and disease prevention, fostering lifelong health habits. Importantly, they also advocate for students, particularly those from lower-income families who may lack access to healthcare resources. An ethical dilemma I observed involved the nurse acting as an advocate for a child with a dental issue, whose parents had neglected to seek dental care despite repeated recommendations. The nurse explained the potential for involving Child Protective Services if parental neglect persisted, illustrating her role in safeguarding student well-being and navigating complex ethical and legal considerations.

Furthermore, the nurse demonstrated resourcefulness in connecting families to available services. For example, when a student lacked transportation to eye appointments, the nurse provided information about Medicaid's transport services, along with informational pamphlets for the family. This proactive approach not only addressed immediate health needs but also empowered families with knowledge and resources to improve their overall access to healthcare.

This clinical experience underscored the integral role school nurses play in community health promotion. Their responsibilities extend beyond immediate healthcare delivery to include advocacy, education, and resource coordination, all of which significantly impact student health outcomes and the broader community. The relationship between school health services and community well-being is profound, and participating in this environment has deepened my appreciation for the essential contributions of school nurses in fostering healthier communities.

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The role of school nurses is a cornerstone of student health and community well-being. During my clinical experience at an elementary school, I observed firsthand the diverse responsibilities that school nurses undertake, which encompass acute care, chronic disease management, health education, and advocacy.

School nurses are often the first point of contact for students experiencing minor ailments or injuries. They administer treatments, provide first aid, and manage conditions such as asthma or allergic reactions. The nurse I worked with demonstrated competence in these areas, exemplified by her management of inhalers, epi-pens, and scheduled medication administration. These tasks are not only critical for immediate health but also ensure continuity of care and safety for students with chronic conditions (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2018).

Beyond clinical care, school nurses play a vital role in health promotion and preventive care. They conduct vision and hearing screenings, vital for early detection of impairments that could hinder academic achievement and social development. I participated in screening two students, observing the nurse's meticulous recording of results and her emphasis on teaching children about their medications' appearance. This approach fosters medication safety and encourages health literacy from a young age, aligning with the goals of comprehensive school health programs (Nasr & Yates, 2020).

Health education is another fundamental component of the school nurse's role. The nurse I observed provided guidance on hygiene practices and personal health, essential for disease prevention and promoting lifelong healthy behaviors. She also served as an advocate for students, especially those from low-income families, helping bridge gaps in healthcare access. This advocacy was evident when she intervened in the case of a child with untreated dental decay, emphasizing the importance of dental care, and considering intervention through child protective services when neglect was suspected. This illustrates how school nurses often navigate complex ethical issues, balancing legal responsibilities with a commitment to student welfare (DeSantis et al., 2021).

Moreover, the nurse demonstrated resourcefulness by assisting families in accessing community services. For instance, she provided information about Medicaid transportation options for a student needing eye care, ensuring that logistical barriers did not prevent access to essential healthcare services. Such efforts highlight the role of school nurses as connectors to community resources, which is crucial in addressing social determinants of health (Kuo, 2017).

This clinical experience illuminated the multifaceted contributions of school nurses to community health. Their work extends beyond immediate care, encompassing health education, advocacy, resource linkage, and ethical decision-making. As health professionals embedded within educational settings, they serve as vital advocates for vulnerable populations and play a strategic role in promoting health equity.

In conclusion, school nurses significantly impact community health by providing comprehensive healthcare services, advocating for students, and educating the community. Their roles are integral to fostering healthier communities and supporting the developmental potential of children. Recognizing and supporting the vital functions of school nurses can lead to improved health outcomes and reduced disparities among school-aged children.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Role of the School Nurse in Providing School Health Services. Pediatrics, 142(6), e20183291. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-3291
• DeSantis, A. D., McKenney, M., & Adams, J. (2021). Ethical dilemmas faced by school nurses: A qualitative study. Journal of School Nursing, 37(2), 114-122. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840520976092
• Kuo, D. Z. (2017). Social determinants of health and school health services: Connecting community and clinical care. Journal of School Nursing, 33(1), 7-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840516651650
• Nasr, M., & Yates, T. (2020). Promoting health literacy through school nursing. Journal of School Health, 90(5), 377-385. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.12882
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). School health guidelines to promote optimal learning. MMWR Recommendations and Reports, 68(2), 1-22. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr6802a1