School Health Services
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Information & Resources
- School Health Services Overview
- School Health Services FAQ
- Medication Guidelines
- Immunization Information
- Influenza & Meningococcal Meningitis Information
- School Health Clinic Wish Lists
School Health Services Overview
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.
School Health Services FAQ
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 Guidelines
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.
Immunization Information
Influenza & Meningococcal Meningitis Information
Influenza
What is influenza (flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Every year in the United States, on average:
- 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
- More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years of age; approximately 36,000 people die from flu.
Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at high risk for serious flu complications.
How does the flu spread?
- Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of people with influenza.
- Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.
- Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
- fever (usually high)
- headache
- extreme tiredness
- dry cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle aches
- Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults
Preventing the spread of flu:
- Hand washing - you can prevent the spread of the flu by washing your hands before and after eating meals; after using the rest room; after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose; and after playing outside.
- Use warm, running water and soap. If you use liquid soap, use about one teaspoon.
- Be sure to rub your hands together vigorously for 20 seconds. Do not forget to rub between fingers and clean underneath the fingernails.
- Rinse thoroughly and dry hands with paper towels or a hot-air dryer.
- Keep your children at home if they have a fever or are showing any of the above flu symptoms.
For more information please click on a link below:
Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet - English
Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet - Español and other languages
Meningococcal Meningitis
Meningococcal Vaccine Information (English)
Meningococcal Vaccine (Other Languages)
School Health Clinic Wish Lists
Health Services Coordinator Contact
Keisha Cone BSN, RN
Health Services Coordinator
Wilson County Schools
415 Harding Drive
Lebanon, TN 37087
Office 615-444-3282 Ext. 7414
Cell 615-642-1075