School Nurse Budgets: Tips for Making Every Dollar Count

Navigating the School Nurse Budget:

Tips for Making Every Dollar Count

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Whether you’re working with a robust or limited budget, knowing what funds you have, where they come from, and how to maximize every dollar can make a world of difference.

Introduction

A public school nurse's budget might not be the largest line item in the school’s financial plan, but every dollar counts when it comes to supporting student health. Whether you're a new school nurse or a seasoned professional, understanding your budget is crucial for ensuring you have the supplies, resources, and tools to meet students' needs throughout the year. Let’s break down the basics of a typical public school nurse budget, explore where funds typically come from, and discuss strategies to make the most of these essential resources.

1. Understanding the Basics of a Public School Nurse Budget

Most public school budgets operate on a fiscal year from July 1 to June 30, which means any unspent funds by the end of June often can’t be rolled over into the next year. This structure makes it critical to understand your budget early on and plan strategically for the school year’s demands. A school nurse budget might cover essentials such as:

• Basic medical supplies: Bandages, gloves, disinfectants, thermometers, and over-the-counter medications (as allowed).
• Equipment: Items like vision and hearing screening tools, blood pressure monitors, AEDs, and digital thermometers.
• Office supplies: Forms, filing systems, printer ink, and other supplies for managing records and documentation.
• Training and professional development: Some budgets may allow for conference attendance or CE courses.

Each of these areas directly impacts your ability to provide care efficiently, so being aware of your budget limits early on can help you prioritize and plan accordingly.

2. Know Your Funding Sources

Funding for school nurse budgets can come from multiple sources, including district funds, state health grants, and sometimes even specific programs that allocate funds for student health services. It’s helpful to have a conversation with your school’s administration or finance department to identify exactly where your funding comes from and what restrictions may apply. In some cases, donations, fundraising, or grants may also supplement a school nurse budget, so consider seeking these additional resources if your basic budget falls short.

3. Strategically Spend: “Use It or Lose It”

As you move into the second half of the school year, it’s a good idea to assess how much of your budget remains and create a spending plan for the remaining funds. This might include restocking items you know you’ll need for the next semester or investing in equipment that could make your job easier in the long term. Think of this mid-year check-in as a “use it or lose it” review. Identify priorities and stretch your budget by purchasing in bulk or collaborating with other departments on shared supply orders.

4. Planning Ahead for Next Year

Finally, keeping an eye on next year’s needs is equally important. Create a list of supplies or resources you would like to add to your office in the future, based on patterns you see in your student population’s health needs. If you’re noticing a higher number of students with chronic health conditions or mental health needs, consider advocating for specific funding to meet those challenges in the upcoming year.

Building a case for the importance of a well-funded school nurse’s office, complete with data on student visits, health needs, and the impact of proper resources, can go a long way in securing future support from school administration.

In Conclusion

Managing a public school nurse budget may feel like balancing a tightrope, but with a proactive approach, you can ensure every dollar serves a purpose. By understanding your funding, assessing your current needs, and planning for the future, you’re making sure that your students have access to the health resources they need to thrive. Remember, every tool and supply in your office contributes to a healthier school environment—so let’s make every dollar count!  

PS Members of my newsletter received access to a FREE editable school nurse budget sheet! Don't miss out on future freebies- sign up HERE to receive the monthly newsletter!

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How School Nurses Can Use Data to Advocate for Their Impact

Data-Driven School Nursing: Show Your Impact With Ease

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: If you’re like many school nurses, you’re used to getting asked, “How many students did you see today?” It’s a common question, but it represents a powerful opportunity to demonstrate the true scope of your daily work. With a data-driven approach, you can move from tallying numbers to telling the story behind the numbers.

Why Track School Nursing Data? In today’s education landscape, it’s no longer enough to just tell others—whether it’s administration, the school board, or fellow staff members—about how busy you are; you need to show them. Structured, accurate data helps make your role and its impact more visible. A well-organized system for data collection does more than save time; it empowers you to demonstrate the value of your work. And by tracking data, you can answer key questions like:

• How frequently do students need to visit the nurse’s office?
• What are the most common reasons for student visits?
• How does the nurse’s office support overall school attendance?

Getting Started with the Google Form Nurse Log Sheet

Enter the Google Form Nurse Log Sheet, a straightforward tool I created for busy school nurses. This form allows you to easily log daily visits, track recurring issues, and collect data for easy reporting. You can even customize it! Add fields for specific teachers, treatments, or common complaints so you have all the information you need at your fingertips. This tool turns your day-to-day log into a powerful end-of-year report.

At the end of the school year, you can compile your data into a polished report to share with school administrators and the Board of Education. I do this every year using Canva to create a clear, two-page summary that highlights key data points from the school year. This quick, professional presentation shows administrators exactly how you’re impacting student success.

Ready to start collecting data that speaks for itself? Purchase your Google Form Nurse Log Sheet here!

 

Digging Deeper With Skyward Reports

If you’re using Skyward, you have another fantastic way to gather insights. Running reports from Skyward’s original version offers even broader access to student health data and trending insights. Over the years, I’ve used Skyward to analyze peak periods (think flu season!) and to prepare for the school board meetings with clear, evidence-backed information on how we’re supporting students’ health needs.

Want to learn more about maximizing Skyward’s reporting features? Learn more here!

Make Your Work Count

Data collection might seem like one more task, but it can be a game-changer when it’s quick, efficient, and set up to work for you. Instead of scrambling to tally visits or recall specifics, let these tools do the heavy lifting. From advocating for resources (including more office help!) to highlighting the impact of your efforts, you’ll have the data to back you up and make a lasting impression. How do you track and report your yearly data?

 Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.

Self-Care for New School Nurses:

Prioritizing Your Wellness

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: School nurses work boundaries refer to the limits we set for ourselves in the workplace. These limits help us maintain a healthy work-life balance, protect our well-being, and ensure we are able to perform our duties to the best of our abilities.

School Nurse Work Boundaries

Starting your career as a school nurse is both exciting and challenging. You’re stepping into a role where you’ll have a direct impact on student health and well-being, but don’t forget that your well-being matters just as much! Self-care isn't just a nice-to-have—it's essential for maintaining your energy, enthusiasm, and mental clarity throughout the school year.

Here are a few simple ways to prioritize your self-care and create a sustainable routine:

1. Manage Stress Before It Manages You

It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced environment of a school health office. Between seeing students, handling emergencies, and managing documentation, stress can quickly build. Try incorporating short stress-reducing practices into your day:

• Take breaks: Step away for a few minutes to breathe or stretch. Schedule & take your lunch break at a time that is most convenient for your office.
• Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness apps or deep breathing exercises can help calm your mind.
• Delegate when possible: Ask for help from your team or office staff when tasks pile up.

These small actions can reduce stress, leaving you feeling more balanced and focused.

2. Nurture Work-Life Balance

Finding work-life balance is crucial in the early stages of your school nursing career. Without healthy boundaries, it’s easy to feel burnt out. Be mindful of the time you spend at school and make an effort to unplug when you’re off duty. Here’s how:

• Set a schedule: Try to maintain consistent work hours and avoid taking schoolwork home unless it’s absolutely necessary.
• Unwind with hobbies: Whether it's reading, exercising, or catching up with friends, engage in activities that recharge your energy.
• Use your personal time wisely: Take care of yourself by planning self-care activities like a quiet evening or a weekend adventure.

Balancing work with personal life will help you be a more effective and happier nurse.

3. Set Healthy Professional Boundaries

Establishing professional boundaries is key to sustaining your well-being in the workplace. Here are a few areas to focus on:

• Communication boundaries: Let colleagues and students know when you are available and when you need uninterrupted time to focus. It’s okay to say no if your plate is full!
• Emotional boundaries: While it’s natural to care deeply for your students, protect your emotional energy by not taking on more than you can handle.
• Time boundaries: Be mindful of your working hours and avoid staying late consistently. Prioritize tasks that need immediate attention and save others for the next day.

Setting these boundaries allows you to give your best while also protecting your energy and maintaining your mental health.

A Final Thought

Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's an essential part of being a successful school nurse. When you're rested, balanced, and stress-free, you're better equipped to care for your students and handle the daily demands of your role. Make self-care a priority so you can continue making a positive impact without burning out!

Ready for some more ideas? Download this list of 60 ideas created just for school nurses!

Read more with this DOASN blog post-

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Handwashing 101: How to Teach Proper Hand Hygiene in Schools

Handwashing for Students:

Why, When, and How to Keep Germs Away

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Remember, as a school nurse, you’re in a unique position to influence your students' health in a positive way. Let’s work together to keep our schools germ-free and our students healthy with these important handwashing lessons!

Teaching proper handwashing for students is one of the most effective ways to keep classrooms healthy. As school nurses, we know that hand hygiene is a primary prevention tool, meaning it helps prevent germs from spreading before anyone gets sick.

But do your students really know the why, when, and how of handwashing? Let’s explore this important habit, and I’ll share a fun classroom hand hygiene lesson using a Glow Germ kit or ink stamps to help students practice proper handwashing steps.

Why is Handwashing Important for Students?

Handwashing isn’t just about keeping hands clean; it’s one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Germs are everywhere—on desks, doorknobs, and shared equipment. If students don’t wash their hands properly, these germs can easily transfer to their bodies, causing illnesses like colds, the flu, and stomach bugs.

Teaching students hand hygiene in schools is a crucial step in keeping everyone healthy and preventing germs from spreading to others.

When Should Students Wash Their Hands?

To protect against germs, students should wash their hands regularly. Here are the most important times they should wash their hands:

• When hands are visibly dirty
• Before preparing or eating food
• After using the restroom
• Before and after helping someone else
• After playing with an animal
• After PE class or sports games
• When they get home from school
• After coughing or sneezing
• Whenever their hands feel dirty

Regular handwashing helps prevent germs from spreading, which keeps classrooms and homes healthier.

How to Wash Hands Properly

Now, let’s dive into the proper handwashing steps. Many students don’t realize there’s a right way to wash their hands. Here's a simple breakdown:

1. Stand a few inches away from the sink and turn on warm water.
2. Wet your hands with warm water, keeping hands lower than your elbows.
3. Apply soap and rub hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure to scrub:
   • Under the nails
   • Between fingers
   • Around the wrists
4. Rinse hands with warm water, fingertips pointed down.
5. Dry hands with a paper towel, starting from the fingertips and moving up to the wrists.
6. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet, then throw it away.

Following these steps ensures students remove all the germs that could make them sick, especially after activities like PE or after they’ve touched shared surfaces.

Click To View the FREE Handwashing Newsletter!

Classroom Handwashing Lesson

Want to make handwashing more engaging for students? Try a fun handwashing lesson that demonstrates how well they wash their hands. This activity can be done with either a Glow Germ kit or ink stamps.

1. Option 1: Glow Germ Kit

   • Apply Glow Germ lotion or powder to students’ hands.
   • Have them wash their hands as usual.
   • Use a black light to reveal the areas they missed, like under their nails or between their fingers.
   • This visual lesson is a great way to show how germs can hide even when they think they’ve washed well!

2. Option 2: Ink Stamp Challenge

   • Stamp students' hands with washable ink before they wash them.
   • Have them wash their hands, following the proper steps.
   • Afterward, check how well they removed the ink—this represents how well they removed germs.
   • If they missed spots, encourage them to wash again, focusing on those areas.

This classroom hand hygiene activity gives students hands-on experience with proper technique, making the lesson both fun and memorable!

Make Handwashing a Habit

Incorporating hand hygiene in schools is a simple but crucial way to keep students healthy. By teaching students how to wash hands properly and making it fun with activities like Glow Germ or ink stamps, you’ll help them build lifelong habits that prevent the spread of germs.

Remember, as a school nurse, you’re in a unique position to influence your students' health in a positive way. Let’s work together to keep our schools germ-free and our students healthy with these important handwashing lessons!

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I NEED CLEAN HANDS by The School Nurse

Scope & Standards for School Nursing Practice

School Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice

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Hopefully Helpful School Nurse Tip: Familiarize yourself with the NASN Scope and Standards of Practice to clearly understand your role, use consistent terminology, and ensure you meet professional expectations in delivering high-quality school health services.

Understanding the NASN Scope and Standards of Practice for School Nursing

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) plays a pivotal role in defining the scope and standards of practice for school nursing. These guidelines are essential for shaping the professional landscape of school nursing, detailing the who, what, where, when, how, and why of this specialized field.

Scope of Practice:
The scope of practice in school nursing outlines the parameters within which school nurses operate. I purchased the latest edition when I renewed my NASN membership and you can too OR you can search for the latest edition of the book here. It answers key questions:

Who: The school nurses who provide healthcare services within educational settings.

What: The nature of services and care provided, from health assessments to emergency response.

Where: The school and community settings where these services are delivered.

When: The timing and circumstances under which school nursing interventions are appropriate.

How: The methodologies and procedures used in delivering school health services.

Why: The underlying rationale and importance of school nursing in promoting student health and academic success.

Standards of Practice:
The NASN has established 18 standards that set the professional expectations for behavior and practice in school nursing. These standards are designed to guide school nurses in delivering high-quality care and maintaining professional integrity. They cover areas such as ethical practice, continuing education, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals and educators.

Why This Matters:
The publication of these standards and scope not only highlights the specialty of school nursing but also reinforces the professional expectations that underpin the practice. By adhering to these guidelines, school nurses can ensure they provide comprehensive and effective care to their students.

How to Utilize the NASN Publication:
For school nurses looking to deepen their understanding and refine their practice, the NASN publication is an invaluable resource. Here are a few ways to make the most of it:

1. Define School Nursing: Use the scope outlined in the publication to clearly define what school nursing entails. This can help in explaining your role to colleagues, parents, and administrators.
2. Review Common Terminology: Familiarize yourself with the terminology used throughout the book and in the glossary. This will ensure you are using consistent language and can communicate effectively with others in the field.
3. Guide Your Practice: Regularly refer to the 18 standards to ensure your practice aligns with professional expectations. This can help in maintaining a high standard of care and staying updated with best practices.

By exploring the NASN Scope and Standards of Practice for School Nursing, you can enhance your professional knowledge, improve your practice, and better serve your school community. The NASN's commitment to defining and upholding these standards underscores the vital role school nurses play in supporting student health and academic achievement.

I purchased the latest edition when I renewed my NASN membership and you can too OR you can search for the latest edition of the book here.

 Check out these other popular DOASN blog posts & product links.

School Vaccination Requirements

SCHOOL REQUIRED VACCINATIONS

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School Nurse Tip: Let’s chat about something super important for students- vaccinations! It's not the most thrilling topic, but "stick" with me as we discuss their importance.

Understanding The Importance of Vaccinations

First things first, vaccinations are all about keeping our kids healthy and safe. These vaccines protect against serious diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough. You might think, “Those are old-timey illnesses, right?” Well, they can still make a comeback if we’re not careful. Vaccines help ensure those diseases (and more) stay in the past.

States require immunizations for children to attend schools to protect public health and ensure a safe learning environment. Here are some key reasons behind this requirement:

1. Preventing Disease Outbreaks: Immunizations help prevent the spread of contagious diseases like measles, mumps, and whooping cough. Schools are environments where children are in close contact, making it easier for diseases to spread if students are not vaccinated.

2. Herd Immunity: When a high percentage of the population is vaccinated, it helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions, such as allergies or compromised immune systems. This concept, known as herd immunity, reduces the overall incidence of disease.

3. Protecting Vulnerable Populations: School immunization requirements help protect children who are at higher risk for severe complications from vaccine-preventable diseases, such as those with chronic health conditions.

4. Compliance with Public Health Policies: Immunization requirements are part of broader public health policies aimed at reducing the incidence of vaccine-preventable diseases. These policies are based on recommendations from health authorities like the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

5. Reducing Health Care Costs: Preventing outbreaks through vaccination reduces the economic burden on the healthcare system by decreasing the need for medical treatments, hospitalizations, and public health interventions during disease outbreaks. There may also be fewer sick days for students and missed work for their parents. 

6. Educational Continuity: Vaccinations go through rigorous testing to ensure they're safe and effective. Not many people enjoy getting shots, but the benefits tend to outweigh the brief discomfort. By preventing outbreaks, immunization requirements help maintain regular school attendance and minimize disruptions in education caused by illness.

REOURCES

• AAP
• CDC- BY STATE
• NASN

Understanding the importance of vaccinations for students is important, but so is learning how to organize student vaccination information efficiently. This PDF guide, 'Vaccination Organization,' is only $1. It offers essential strategies, practical tips, and valuable resources to help school nurses maintain orderly and accurate vaccination records.

Sign up for all of details HERE ...

https://theschoolnurse.llc/vaccination-organization-for-school-nurses

Tracking student immunization records can take a lot of time. 

Good news- if you're a school nurse in Illinois then you can apply to have access to student immunization records via I-Care an Illinois online portal- get more information & apply for your own account today! I-Care- Illinois Online Vaccination Portal

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