School Health and Nursing

Role of the State School Nurse Consultant

As a school health nurse, you will:

  • Work as a link and resource for schools, school districts, other school nurses, local public health, and other state agencies.
  • Look for and apply for grants that can help support school nursing programs.
  • Give guidance to make sure all students, including those with disabilities, can access good school health services. 
  • Send North Dakota's school health data to the National Association of School Nurses each year.
  • Support and promote the connection between good health and academic achievement.
  • Share updates about health, education, and best practices that are important for school nurses.

Getting Started as a School Nurse

Tips to help you get started

Professional Organizations

  • National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
  • American Nurses Association 
  • American School Health Association

Rules & Regulations

School Health Guidelines

Emergency School Health Guidelines

Medication Administration

If you are not a National Association of School Nurses (NASN) member but would like access to the resources below, please contact hkapella@nd.gov for access.

  • School Nursing Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines: Medication Administration in Schools
  • Model Policies
  • Delegation
  • Medication Administration
  • Documentation
    • Medication Reconciliation Form
    • Medication Error Procedure
  • Emergency Medications
    • Emergency Medication Administration 1
    • Emergency Medication Administration 2
    • Model Procedure
  • Diabetes Toolkit
  • Parent Consent Form for Asthma or Anaphylaxis Medications

Asthma and Allergies

Diabetes

Delegation

Scope of the School Health Technician (SHT)

FERPA/HIPAA

For an example of a School Health Referral Slip, contact Heather Kapella at hkapella@nd.gov

For information on school-required vaccines, exemptions, and related topics, visit the Disease Control website at https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/diseases-conditions-and-immunization 

 

For information regarding child care and school infection exclusion guidance, and reportable diseases please visit the Disease Control website at: https://www.hhs.nd.gov/health/diseases-conditions-and-immunization

By collecting accurate information about the health services given to children in North Dakota, we can show the important work school nurses do. This data helps explain how school nurses remove health barriers that affect learning and how they protect and support children’s health. We also share this information with the National Association of School Nurses.

Top Reasons to Collect Data

  • Develop a national database showing the true prevalence of health conditions of the 95% of U.S. children who attend school every day.
  • Create reports for stakeholders that demonstrate the complexity and many roles of the school nurse (Dispel stereotypes, create an accurate
    school nurse narrative).
  • Set yearly, dynamic school nurse goals and priorities based on the needs of students.
  • Advocate for policy change, (i.e. improve immunization policies).
  • Advocate for other changes, safety, injury reduction, additional resources, i.e. EHRs.
  • Identify the safest, most effective school health care models that meet the needs of all students.
  • Identify trends in complex students needing nursing care.
  • Data to write grants or apply for community partnerships.
  • Identify students at risk, for social determinants, substance abuse, etc.
  • Create and maintain a culture of evidence based and data informed practice.
  • Show the link between school nursing and academic success.
  • And the #1 Reason School Nurses Should Collect Data…To Enhance the Well-Being of Our Students so they are Healthy, Safe, and Ready to Learn!

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) requires that all athletes at Division I and II schools be tested for sickle cell trait before competing or sign a written release declining the test. The North Dakota Newborn Screening Program (NDNSP) began screening for sickle cell disease and trait(s) in 2003. Athletes born in 2003 or after can request a copy of their newborn screening results, which includes sickle cell screening, at no cost.

NBS results can be requested in the following ways:

  • The athlete can contact their hospital of birth directly to request a copy of their Newborn Screening results from their medical record.
  • The athlete requesting the result could submit a request through their primary care provider (or sports medicine provider) and the results can be sent securely to them and then given to the athlete.
  • Lastly, the athlete can request their Newborn Screening results from the NDNSP by emailing nbs@nd.gov. They must also attach a completed release of information form to the email. The link to the Newborn Screening page can be found here.

SEAL!ND is North Dakota's school-based Fluoride Varnish and Dental Sealant Program. Public health dental hygienists visit schools and provide direct preventive services:

  • Oral health education
  • dental screening
  • dental sealant application
  • fluoride varnish application

Learn more about SEAL ND at hhs.nd.gov/health/oral-health-program/SEALND 

COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19 in schools, universities, child care and congregate settings.

Behavioral Health

Browse our behavioral health services, mental health resources and initiatives, and promotion and prevention efforts.