As parents, we know that children must be healthy and feel well to concentrate on learning. When we send our children off to school for the day, it is important to know that their health needs will be met. At School Number Four, the school nurse Digna Aguirre, addresses the physical, mental, emotional, and social health of children with the ultimate goal being to support student success in the learning process.
What does a school nurse do?
In accordance with New Jersey Department of Education protocols and schedules, the school nurse conducts: height, weight, blood pressure, vision, hearing and scoliosis screening of children and notifies parents/ guardians of any abnormalities found.
In addition, the school nurse promotes and maintains optimal student health by:
Providing first aid and arranging for assessment and assistance to a child who becomes ill or injured at school or is demonstrating a significant change in behavior, whether due to a physical or social/ emotional cause
Communicating with parents/ guardians when further medical care or attention may be needed, and making referrals as appropriate
Supporting the health curriculum by teaching health lessons to students and/ or serving as a resource to classroom teachers
Educating the school staff about health matters that affect students and/ or staff
Collaborating with other school professionals, parents/ guardians and the student’s health care team, as needed to foster maximal student success
Providing health counseling to students as needed on an ongoing basis
The school nurse works closely with the school social worker to address a child’s social-emotional as well as physical health needs. If a child complains of a headache or stomach ache that seems to be caused by worry, stress or another emotional cause, the school nurse may refer the child to the school social worker.
