What is the School Nurse Corps Program?
By Lorali Gray
School Nurse Corps Administrator
The School Nurse Corps Program is a statewide program funded by the legislature to provide nursing services to school districts with little or no nursing services. This practical hands-on program works to get essential services to districts where they are most needed.
How did this program come about?
In 1997, the legislature commissioned a survey to be carried out in all school districts in Washington State to determine the kinds of health concerns being dealt with in school districts and by whom. The results convinced them that funding was needed to address some of the most glaring needs. It was found that virtually all the districts without a nurse were the smaller (class II) districts. For this reason, initial energy and attention went to these districts.
Primary objectives of the program
- School districts receive a basic level of nursing services (a minimum of one day per week for class II districts).
- School districts have an oral medication policy and adequate training and supervision of unlicensed school staff in the administration of oral medication per RCW 28A.210.260 and 270.
- Students requiring development of individualized health care plans and emergency care plans have those implemented and adequate staff training and supervision provided.
- Districts provide mandated screening programs and compliance with immunization statutes and regulations.
Role of the School Nurse Corps administrators in the ESDs
