We believed that improvements were on the horizon. Just last spring, the CDC announced that those who were vaccinated could forgo masks indoors, provided they maintained a six-foot distance. With rising vaccination rates and declining case numbers, optimism was in the air. However, the emergence of the delta variant, which spreads rapidly among children, changed everything. By July, the CDC had revised its guidance, now recommending that even vaccinated individuals continue to wear masks indoors. Amid this turmoil, the virus spreads unchecked, particularly in schools.
Our children must return to school for their social and educational development. Yet, the responsibility for their safety is largely falling on school nurses. As students have returned to classrooms in recent weeks, thousands are already in quarantine. Much of this is exacerbated by political decisions that undermine health recommendations. For example, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an executive order making masks optional in schools, claiming to represent parents and students. But where does that leave teachers and nurses? What about the safety of thousands of children interacting daily? He even suggested that students subjected to “COVID-19 harassment,” including mask mandates, could apply for a scholarship to transfer schools. What an absurd position!
Fortunately, a judge ruled against this unconstitutional order, allowing school districts to enforce mask mandates. In Tampa, school nurse Sarah Thompson is on the front lines, managing the fallout from DeSantis’ inconsistent policies. Her district has already had to isolate or quarantine over 13,000 educators and staff, with more than 2,500 testing positive for COVID-19. “We’re facing COVID every day,” she explained. “It’s an overwhelming situation affecting our district and state.”
How can we ensure our nurses remain safe while they care for students with diverse needs? They are not just fighting COVID; millions of students require assistance from school nurses for daily medications and first aid for minor injuries.
School nurse Kelly Brooks highlighted the range of challenges they face, stating, “We manage chronic health issues like diabetes, asthma, and allergies, while also addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression, especially after prolonged isolation.”
The statistics are alarming. The CDC recommends one nurse for every 750 students, yet many schools serve thousands of kids daily with only one or no nurse at all. According to a 2018 national workforce study published in the Journal of School Nursing, 35% of schools employ part-time nurses, 39% have full-time nurses, and 25% lack nurses entirely. These figures are concerning.
Nursing roles are facing shortages, and the situation in schools is becoming critical. The pressure placed on school nurses is immense, particularly when parents send symptomatic children to school. As we’ve learned, almost any ailment could signal a potential COVID case, necessitating extreme caution.
“The pandemic has underscored that school nurses do much more than direct care,” noted Frontline Education. They also consult with school officials, educate families on health, train staff, and manage serious health cases.
Benefits of Schools with Full-Time Nurses
Schools with full-time nurses reap significant benefits, including:
- Reduced student absenteeism, leading to increased funding
- Fewer students sent home by non-medical staff, allowing more classroom attendance
- Improved accuracy in medical records
- Higher vaccination rates
- Better health outcomes for students with chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes.
School nurse Emily Johnson from Monmouth County, NJ, voiced concerns shared by many. While she advocates for in-person learning, she insists that nurses deserve fair treatment. “My greatest fear is school closures,” she said. “Kids need to be in school, and we must implement solid protective measures to keep our schools open.”
It is imperative to safeguard the nurses entrusted with our children’s care. They must receive the support they need and be reassured that the pandemic’s outcome is not solely their responsibility. Clear communication with school officials and parents about the importance of masking and vaccinations is crucial in combating this virus. We must remain committed to the science that will lead us to victory in this battle.
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Summary:
School nurses are crucial to student health yet are often overworked and face significant pressures, especially during the ongoing pandemic. With the challenges posed by COVID-19, a lack of adequate staffing, and political interference in health guidelines, these professionals need stronger support and recognition for their essential roles in schools.