Mission
The mission of the Health Department's School Health Program is to promote students' optimal learning ability and maximize learning opportunities by supporting, maintaining and improving their physical, emotional and mental health.
School Health Services, according to Maryland law, are a joint responsibility of the Health Department and the Board of Education. In Washington County, the Health Department employs the staff and administers the program, with collaboration from the BOE and the School Health Council.
About Our Program - Cluster Model
Each school has a Registered Nurse (RN) who supervises either a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Daily services provided by the School Health staff include illness appraisals, first aid, screenings and administration of medication. The school nurse is available to work with parents and physicians coordinating any special medical care required by students during the school day.
The School Nurse:
- Monitors the activities of the Health Office
- Performs health assessments
- Supervises the Health Assistant or LPN
- Provides follow-up services for vision and hearing screening results
- Participates in Special Ed, 504 and other student-related meetings
- Serves on multidisciplinary teams such as Student Support, Student Assistance and School Improvement
- Develops health component of the Individualized Education Plan
- Develops individualized Health Care Plans
- Provides health counseling and teaching
- Coordinates and monitors compliance with state immunization laws
- Monitors communicable disease
- Serves as a resource for school staff and the community regarding health related issues
- Makes referrals to community agencies as appropriate
The Licensed Practical Nurse/Certified Nursing Assistant:
- Provides first aid, emergency care and illness appraisal
- Performs treatments and administers medications under the direction of the school nurse
- Collaborates with the school nurse
- Assists in review of health and immunization records
- Assists with monitoring of communicable disease
- Assists the school nurse with the screening follow-up for vision and hearing
The delivery of health services and health education directly impact students' performance as well as the health of the family and community.
Read additional information regarding School Health Services:
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