School Nursing Program

School Nursing and Health Services

The school nursing and health services consultant has the responsibility for providing leadership in the areas of school nursing practice, school health policy and school health programs. Technical assistance is available on a number of topics including, legal issues in school nursing, school health program planning, implementation and evaluation, education programs and related services for children with special health care needs, school health records, medication administration and emergency services. This position also provides consultation to colleges and universities, professional organizations, and other child serving health and education related organizations and groups regarding preservice preparation, continuing professional development for school health personnel, school nursing and comprehensive school health programs. Contact: Rachel Gallagher at rachel.gallagher@dpi.wi.gov, or (608) 266-8857.

Pandemic Flu (H1N1) Recommendations and Resources

Medication On-Line Training Course

This course includes resources for the school nurse and a medication training program for school personnel whitout a healthcare license.

School Nursing Grant Awards

Four school districts throughout the state are improving and expanding nursing services for students through state-funded grants totaling $235,000.

Districts winning competitive grants are:

Ashland School District, Ashland School Nusing, $50,460;
Eau Claire School District, School Nurse Grant, $74,452;
Green Bay Area School District, School Nurse Grant, $75,000;
Janesville, Expansion of School Nursing, $35,779.

Wisconsin's student-to-nurse ratio is estimated at 1:2,359, which is higher than recommended by the National Association of School Nurses and the American Nurses Association. For regular education students, those associations recommend ratios of 1:750, and 1:250 for special education students.

Twenty-eight school districts and consortiums applied for school nursing services grants, requesting more than $1.6 million in funding. With the limited funds available, DPI was unable to fund many worthy grants.

Immunizations

The Department of Health Services has announced changes in the immunization law for the 2009-2010 school year. Please see the following link for immunization forms and information.

http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization/reqs.htm