A comprehensive school

health program further engages the school nurse in

promoting healthy choices and disease prevention amongst

the staff; providing counseling for psychological and

social issues in the school community; consulting with

the nutrition services staff in providing and assuring

healthy food options and eating behaviors; promoting the

concept of a K-12 physical education program; planning

for and assuring a healthy school environment (fire and

disaster drills, graffiti, litter); and partnering with

staff, PTO, parents and community groups to maximize the

resources and experts available to the school for the

healthy development of the school citizens.

School nursing is not what

it used to be and it is certainly much more than the

administering of medications. However, by working under

the direction of the Board of Education and in concert

with the parents, school nurses can and should be

valuable members of the school faculty.

Jill Holmes Long, RN,

BS, BSN, MA

Member, National

Association of School Nurses

Peachtree City