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School Health

Florida Department of Health in Hernando County

The Florida Department of Health in Hernando County and the Hernando County Department of Education, Student Services Department jointly implement the School Health Service Plan for over 20,000 students in twenty-three public and three charter schools in Hernando County. Registered nurses from the Florida Department of Health and the Hernando County School District oversee school clinic procedures and the training of clinic staff and faculty in all public and charter schools. These trainings include, but are not limited to: Common pediatric illnesses such as Asthma, Diabetes, Anaphylaxis, Seizures, Cystic Fibrosis, medication administration, and immunizations. In addition, other trainings are offered to clinic staff and often special guest speakers are invited to present information on pertinent subjects.

Health screenings such as vision, hearing, scoliosis, and body mass Index (BMI) are conducted in targeted grades and in compliance with state mandates. Screenings are offered to the students in targeted grades in private schools as well based upon school request for services. Each student screened will get a school health report card stating the physical findings of these screenings.

The nurses work closely with the school clinic staff to track failed screenings and refer students to local community resources as needed. Some of these resources can provide free vision exams and eyeglasses for qualifying students. Individual health care and emergency plans are written for students with chronic medical conditions which may interfere with their learning environment. The Registered Nurses also attend “Staffings” for students requiring additional services that can be given under the 504 plan or the IEP.

School Health Nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well-being, academic success, and life-long achievement of students. School nurses facilitate positive responses to normal development, promote health and safety, intervene with actual and potential health problems, provide case management services and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self- management, self- advocacy, independence, and ultimately academic success.

The School Health nurses provide education, guidance, and support to school staff, parents, and children. This is done via educational programs, small group meetings or one on one encounters. The nurses are liaisons between the school staff and parents, identifying health needs and coordinating health care plans and goals for individual students. The School Health nurse reviews student compliance for vaccinations and physical exams so that the student may maintain his/her optimal health and wellness. Vaccination clinics have been offered for students in both public and private schools in Hernando County to ensure all students are up to date and compliant with state guidelines.

The School Health Advisory Committee consists of a multi-disciplinary team that meets at least two to three times a year, to provide assistance with reviewing the School Health Services Plan, and offer recommendations for improvements and direction.

For additional information or assistance with a School Health concern, contact your child’s School Health nurse.

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