Carol Tatman- Nurse

Who Is the School Nurse?

The school nurse is an experienced health professional who is a registered nurse with education beyond a basic nursing program. The school nurse works with other school personnel to plan and carry out a comprehensive school health program. They are licensed to practice nursing in the State of Maryland and uphold codes of ethics and professional standards. They belong to professional organizations, pursue further education, and keep informed on health issues, trends, and information.

"To fully access educational opportunities, students need to be in school, HEALTHY, and ready to learn" SMCPS

Major Responsibilities of the School Nurse:

Emergency Service of Injury and Sudden Illness
* Gives first aid for injury or illness.
* Teaches and supervises others responsible for emergency care.

Health Assessment
* Assesses the health of students.
* Reviews health records and reports.
* Interviews students, parents, and makes home visits.
* Follows-up health reviews and screening programs.
* Identifies health conditions which prevent students from learning.

Disease Prevention and Control
* Plans for disease control and prevention.
* Reports all incidences of disease.
* Assists school personnel in identifying disease.

Health Counseling
* Plans and conducts health counseling with students, families, and staff.
* Identifies those needing health counseling.

Environmental Health and Accident Prevention
* Assists school personnel with school safety.
* Helps plan for accident prevention.
* Identifies health and safety concerns within the school community and promotes a nurturing environment.

School/Community Health Program
* Educates the community about health resources.
* Determines if additional community health resources are needed.
* Promotes communications between school and health professionals.
* Promotes community involvement in supporting a healthy school program.

Health Education
* Teaches students, families, and school staff about health issues.
* Participates in health curriculum development.
* Uses each student contact as a teaching-learning opportunity.
* Plans and provides in-service on health education.
* Maintains health education resource file.
* Attends continuing education programs.
* Promotes healthy activities for students and staff.

Program Evaluation
* Assists principals and others to improve school health services.
* Collects, maintains, and analyzes school health data.

Starting School??

There are three documents that are required of all students entering Maryland Public Schools. Each student must have proof of receiving required, school-entry, immunizations before he/she can attend class. We need evidence of blood lead testing for all students entering PK through the 1st grade. Within six months of school entry, proof of a physical examination is required. You may find details and the necessary forms on the provided links or at our school. All new students and 4th graders will also have vision and hearing screenings done in the health suite. Parents will be contacted if further testing is necessary.

Medications at school??

All prescription medication must be authorized by a physician (ask me for a form!) and brought to school by an adult. The medicines must be in the original pharmacy container. Non-prescription medications can be given on two occasions without a physician order. They too must be brought to school by an adult.

Chronic Health Conditions??

Please alert your child's teacher and the school nurse of any health conditions that may impact your child's learning, daily activities, and safety at school. Written documentation of such conditions is encouraged. We will work as a team to create the best learning environment for your child.

What else do we recommend for a HEALTHY student??

Wash your hands, have regular doctor checkups and get immunized, brush and floss your teeth and visit your dentist, bathe regularly, eat nutritious foods (fruits and vegetables, lean meats, dairy, whole grains), wash your hands, get adequate sleep, stay home when you are sick, wear protective gear (bike helmets, mouth guards, life preservers, knee and elbow pads), keep away from poisons, follow the rules of safe play, remember home safety rules, wash your hands.