School Health Services

School Nursing, as defined by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), is a “specialized practice that protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education.” Adopted by the NASN Board of Directors February 2017

In Wilson County Schools, a Registered Nurse is assigned to a specific school to oversee the school health clinic. The school nurse is responsible for collaborating with the parent/guardian, student’s healthcare provider, and school personnel to identify student health needs in the school setting. If students have medical needs that require accommodations to participate in a school setting, the school nurse develops an Individualized Health Care Plan (IHP) for the student based on parent input, orders received from healthcare providers, and knowledge of the disease process. This plan may include skilled nursing procedures, medication management, emergency care planning, health-related training for school personnel, and preventative health services for students. If your child is sent to the school nurse for evaluation, the school nurse will complete an assessment and determine the student’s disposition according to our illness guidelines and/or communicable disease policy. For further information regarding student health services, contact the District Health Services Coordinator or the student’s school nurse. 

The school nurse's knowledge and skills can foster overall improved health outcomes, thus assisting students to achieve increased academic success.

What do I need to do for a religious exemption?
The Religious Exemption Form is available on the district website or may be obtained from the school nurse. Please complete this form and submit it to the school nurse and/or Registrar.

How do I know what shots are needed to attend WCS?  
Visit the Immunization Information section on this page for resources or contact the student’s school nurse. 

My child is on medication.  What do I need for them to start school in WCS? 
A medication authorization form is required for all medications to be administered at school. This form is available on the district website or from the student’s school nurse. Prescription medications require the signature of the parent/guardian AND signed written orders from a licensed prescriber. Non-prescription medications require a parent/guardian signature only. 

Can I send the medication to school with my child? 
The medication must be delivered to the clinic or main office in person by the parent/guardian of the student or their adult designee, unless the medication must be retained by the student for immediate self-administration for a life threatening emergency (i.e. EpiPen, Inhaler, Diabetic supplies). 

When should my child remain home due to illness?   
Visit Illness Guidelines on this page for information about returning to school or contact the student’s school nurse for questions. 

Where can my child get an up-to-date physical?  
Physicals may be obtained from your child’s pediatrician office or local health department.  Many walk-in clinics will also perform physicals as well.

If you can’t find what you need, please contact your school nurse for assistance. 

Medication Procedure Forms

WILSON COUNTY SCHOOLS POLICY 6.405 
MEDICINES AND INDIVIDUAL HEALTH CARE PLANS 

The policies or procedures described below may be revised, modified, or amended in which case the most current policy or procedure will govern. The online version of these policies and procedures is the governing document and can be viewed by visiting Board Policy 6.405. Policy 6.405 includes the following requirements:  

• If under exceptional circumstances a child is required to take a non-prescription or prescription medication during school hours and the parent cannot be at school to administer the medication, appropriately trained school personnel or the school nurse will assist the student only with written permission of a parent/guardian.  
• All medication shall be delivered in person to either the school nurse or designated school personnel by the parent/guardian of the student or their adult designee unless the medication is exempt by Tennessee law to be self-carry AND authorized by the prescribing health care provider (i.e., Epi Pen, inhaler, diabetic supplies, pancreatic enzymes). 
• The medication must be counted by the parent/guardian or their adult designee with the medication designee or school nurse and recorded with signatures on the medication log.  
• The parent/legal guardian is responsible for providing the exact dosage ordered by the physician (i.e., cutting pills, if needed and providing a measuring device for liquid medications). 
• Expired medications will not be administered. 
• The parent/guardian is responsible for informing the school nurse of any change in the student’s health or change in medication. An order from the health care provider must be provided when prescription medication changes are made, or prescription medication is discontinued.  
• No medication will be accepted at school without the required forms and signatures. Medication Authorization forms are available on the district website and at each school. All Medication Authorization Forms shall be renewed each school year. 
• Medication not picked up by the end of the school year will be disposed of on the last day of school.  

 
Non-Prescription Medication

• Must be brought to school in person by the parent/guardian of the student or the parent’s adult designee.  
• Requires Wilson County Schools Medication Authorization form with parent/guardian signature. 
• Must be in the manufacturer’s original sealed container, labeled with manufacturer’s directions and the student’s name.  
• Will be given according to manufacturer’s directions only unless accompanied by a health care provider’s order with alternate directions.  

Prescription  Medication

• Must be brought to school in person by the parent/guardian of the student or the parent’s adult designee unless it meets the exception qualifications listed above. 
• Requires Wilson County Schools Medication Authorization form with parent/guardian signature AND health care provider’s signature. 
• Must be in the original pharmacy labeled container with instructions that MATCH the Medication Authorization Form.  
   

Required School Immunizations

Tennessee Certificate of Immunization Example

Religious Exemption from Vaccinations

The following items are always needed throughout the year in the school clinics:

Hand Sanitizer
Facial Tissue
Clorox Wipes
Paper Towels
Small Bottles of Water
Latex Free Bandaids