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We thought we were on the upswing. Just last spring, the CDC declared that vaccinated individuals could go mask-free indoors, provided they maintained a safe distance of six feet. With rising vaccination rates and declining case numbers, it seemed like brighter days were ahead. But then the delta variant emerged, highly contagious and affecting children disproportionately. By July, the CDC changed its guidance, advising even vaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors. Amidst this turmoil, the virus continues to spread, particularly as students head back to school.
Our children must return to school for their social and educational needs. However, ensuring their safety is a significant burden placed on our school nurses. As schools resumed recently, countless students across the nation have already been quarantined. This situation is exacerbated by misguided political decisions, such as those made by Florida Governor Ron Dorsey.
This misguided leader made mask-wearing optional in schools through an executive order, claiming to prioritize collaboration with parents and students. What about the concerns of teachers and nurses, Ron? What about the safety of thousands of children interacting daily? He even suggested that students facing “COVID-19 harassment,” which includes mask mandates and testing, could qualify for a Hope Scholarship to transfer to private schools or different districts, as reported by NPR. What?!
Fortunately, a judge deemed this unconstitutional, allowing school districts to mandate masks in classrooms. In Tampa, school nurse Linda Hartman is grappling with the fallout from Dorsey’s order. As NPR highlights, her Hillsborough County district has already quarantined over 13,000 staff members, with more than 2,500 testing positive.
“We’re facing COVID on the front lines every single day,” she shared with NPR. “It’s a serious matter that is overwhelming our district, our state, and everyone involved.”
How can we protect our nurses while ensuring they can also address other student needs? They are not merely COVID responders; millions of students rely on them for daily medications and care for minor injuries.
School Nurse Sarah Lee told CNN, “We’re handling chronic health issues like diabetes, asthma, and allergies, and on top of that, there are significant mental health concerns. Anxiety about returning to school and depression from prolonged isolation are prevalent.”
Consider these alarming statistics: CNN reports that the CDC recommends one nurse for every 750 students. Many schools serve thousands of students and operate with either one nurse, or in some cases, none at all. A 2018 study published in the Journal of School Nursing revealed that 35% of schools employ part-time nurses, 39% have full-time nurses, and 25% lack nurses entirely. These figures are alarming.
The nursing profession is already facing shortages, and the situation in schools is particularly critical. The pressure placed on school nurses is unjust. This issue intensifies when parents send symptomatic children to school. As we have learned over the last year and a half, almost everything can be a symptom, necessitating extreme caution.
“The pandemic has underscored that direct care is just one facet of the support school nurses provide. They also consult with school leaders, educate families on health and safety, train staff, and manage cases for students with serious health issues,” explains Frontline Education.
Benefits of Having Full-Time School Nurses
Schools with full-time nurses experience remarkable benefits:
- Reduced absenteeism leads to increased funding for schools.
- Non-medical staff are less likely to send students home, allowing nurses to keep students in class longer.
- Medical records are more accurate and comprehensive.
- Schools with nurses see higher vaccination rates.
- Fewer students face unplanned pregnancies.
- Students with conditions like asthma and diabetes experience improved health outcomes.
Evelyn Moore, a school nurse in Monmouth County, NJ, resonates with the concerns of many. She emphasizes the importance of children being in school, yet she advocates for fair treatment of nurses. “We must keep schools open, and I hope that implementing safety measures will ensure a smooth school year,” she expresses. “We need to be resolute in maintaining these protections to keep our schools operational for the kids.”
We must prioritize the well-being of the nurses caring for our children. They deserve support and should not bear the burden of the pandemic’s outcomes alone. It’s crucial to communicate with school officials and parents, reinforcing that masking and vaccinations are essential in combating this virus. We must remain steadfast in our belief that science is our best ally in this fight. For more insights, check out one of our other blog posts here.
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Summary
School nurses are vital to the health and safety of students, yet they face overwhelming challenges amid the ongoing pandemic. As schools reopen, the necessity of supporting these professionals has never been clearer. Their roles extend beyond COVID-19 management, encompassing a wide array of health issues that impact student well-being. A concerted effort is needed to ensure that school nurses receive the recognition, respect, and resources they deserve.
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