School Nurse
South Shore School Nurse
Please ask about free and low-cost vision and dental resources.
What does a school nurse do?
School nurses are trained to provide on-site services that are culturally sensitive, focused on prevention and wellness, and to be effective outreach and medical liaisons between the school, students, family, and health care providers. They act as educational catalysts by helping to promote, plan, and implement successful school-wide programs to improve learning readiness.
Each Seattle Public Schools’ school nurse has completed a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, holds a current Registered Nurse license, and is required to have a Washington State Educational Staff Associate(ESA) certificate. Many school nurses have advanced degrees and additional health education training. Seattle school nurses are also required to hold valid American Red Cross CPR and First Aid cards. Comprehensive preparation is increasingly important as more and more students are attending school with severe and/or life-threatening medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, and food allergies),injuries, or birth defects.
Besides caring for students who become injured or ill at school, school nurses also:
- conduct state-mandated vision, hearing and scoliosis screening
- act on direction from the Health Department to prevent communicable diseases and respond to disease outbreaks
- develop emergency care plans for life-threatening situations such as bee stings or peanut allergies
- conduct health assessments for students being evaluated for special education’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP)
- provide input and training to school staff regarding the needs of technologically assisted students
- contribute to accommodation plans that allow students with substantial disabilities to have equal access to education
Important Health Information
Immunizations Up to Date?
Washington State Law requires every student to provide proof of immunization compliance to attend school. If you received a letter from Health Services about immunizations your student needs for school, please make sure your student receives the immunization(s) listed in the letter or provide documents to indicate exemptions.
Send the immunization record to the school nurse or have your health care provider fax the record to the nurse.
Life-Threatening Health Conditions
If your student has a life-threatening health condition (Diabetes, Allergies, Seizure disorder, Asthma, etc.), the following items must be provided on or before the first day of school:
- Life-Saving Medication
- Medication Authorization forms
- Treatment Supplies
To ensure your student’s health and safety during the school day, Washington State Law requires that your student be excluded from school until these items are received by the school nurse. Please let your school nurse know if you have any barriers to providing these items so they can offer support.
See SPS Policy 3413 for more information regarding the exclusion process.
Annual Student Health Updates
Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning to the school nurse.
How to complete the Annual Student Health Update form:
- Visit The Source
- Complete a paper copy of the Annual Student Health Update form
- You may also contact the nurse directly by phone or email
Medication Form
Ask your health provider to complete the Authorization for Medications Taken at School.
- Each medication requires its own form
- Your health care provider must sign the form
- You must sign the form
This is required for ALL medications.
Medication
All medications must be in their original container and labeled with the student’s name. Prescription medication must have a pharmacy label.
Emergency medications must be in the building on or before the first day of school.
Check medication expiration dates! Try to get medications that will last the entire school year.
Vaccine Clinics
COVID and flu vaccines help save lives!
Schedule a COVID or flu vaccine for your student and family members. Here’s how:
- Contact a School-Based Health Center (students only)
- Seek care from your healthcare provider
Upcoming COVID and flu vaccine clinics
Protection from Respiratory Illness
- Get vaccinated
- If you feel sick, stay home
- Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
- Wash your hands frequently
- Keep hands away from your face
Register Your Student for a School-Based Health Center
Your student can go to any School-Based Health Center within the district. Please call the clinic to make an appointment.