COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Every school nurse should have a budget to run their office, although the amount can vary significantly between school districts. To make the most of your resources, consider establishing community collaborations to save money.

Looks like our sharps container is FULL!

When I first started at this school, the district spent hundreds of dollars each year on proper sharps container disposal. Those costs added up quickly, putting a strain on our limited budget. To save money and increase my school nurse supply budget, I sought a cost-effective solution. I knew that finding ways to reduce expenses without compromising on safety or quality was key to effectively managing the school health office.

About seven years ago, I approached our local fire department, including firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, to see if they could dispose of one full sharps container for free each year. Thankfully, they agreed and have continued to provide this invaluable service ever since. This simple collaboration not only saved our school district money but also strengthened our ties with the community, creating a network of support that benefits both students and staff.

Having a great working relationship with your local fire department and EMT service is good—saving your school district money is even better! By leveraging local resources and building strong community relationships, school nurses can find creative solutions to budget challenges while ensuring the health and safety of their students.