How School Nurses Build Trust, Connection, and Community

From Trust to Teamwork:

How School Nurses Build Stronger Communities

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Welcome! As a school nurse, you're so much more than the person who hands out Band-Aids and checks temperatures. You're a trusted adult, a calm presence in the storm, and often the bridge between a child’s medical needs and their ability to learn and thrive at school. 

One of the most powerful tools you have? Relationships.

The stronger your relationships—with students, families, staff, and your wider community—the more impactful your role becomes. Let’s talk about how to grow those connections and why they’re so essential to your work as a school nurse.

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1. Students First: Creating a Safe Space

You might be the only healthcare professional a student sees regularly. When you learn their names, ask about their weekend, or listen without judgment, you’re doing more than taking a temperature—you’re building trust.

When students feel seen and safe with you:

• They’re more likely to share how they’re really feeling.

• You’re more likely to catch things early—whether it’s a hidden health concern or emotional distress.

• They start to see the health office as a supportive space, not just a place to go when they’re sick.

Tip: Even small things like remembering a student’s favorite sport or complimenting their new glasses go a long way in building rapport.

2. Partnering with Families

Families want to know their child is in good hands. A quick phone call, a note home, or a positive email to share something kind their child did can help you build those bridges before there’s a problem.

When families trust you:

• They’re more open to sharing important health information.

• You can work together to support chronic conditions, medication needs, or mental health concerns.

• You become a vital partner in their child’s success.

Tip: Start the year with an introduction letter or email letting families know who you are, how to reach you, and that you’re here to help.

3. Supporting and Collaborating with Staff

Teachers and staff are your teammates. When you work together—especially when navigating tricky student situations—everyone benefits.

When you build strong relationships with staff:

• They’ll come to you sooner with concerns.

• You can help support classroom needs, whether it’s managing a student’s asthma, understanding a 504 plan, or promoting hygiene practices.

• You’ll feel more like part of the school’s leadership team.

Tip: Invite staff to visit your office for more information on certain situations, share health updates or helpful info, and remind them you’re here as a resource, not just in emergencies.

4. Reaching Beyond the School Walls

Some of your strongest supports might be outside your school building. Community partners can help you provide services, education, and supplies that you couldn’t access otherwise.

Tip: Keep a simple spreadsheet or list of your go-to community contacts so you’re ready when needs arise—or when someone offers to help!

5. You Deserve Connection, Too

Remember: you need support as well. Whether it’s a Facebook group for school nurses, a fellow school nurse in your district, or even an online friend who “gets it”—you’re better when you’re not doing this alone.

Final Thoughts

Strong relationships aren’t just a “nice to have” for school nurses—they’re essential. When people trust you, they listen. When you trust others, you collaborate better. And when students know you care, they feel safer, healthier, and more ready to learn.

So take a moment today to reach out, check in, or simply smile at someone you pass in the hallway. Every little interaction builds something bigger.

Because in school nursing, relationships really do make all the difference.

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The Power of Communication For School Nurses

Why Strong Verbal and Written Skills Matter for School Nurses

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Good communication is one of the most important tools in a school nurse’s toolkit. Whether it’s a quick hallway conversation with a teacher or a formal email to a parent, strong verbal and written communication skills are essential in the school setting.

As a school nurse, you're often the bridge between health care and education. Clear verbal communication helps you explain health information, build trust, and work effectively with students, staff, and families. It also helps during crisis situations, where calm and clear directions are key.

Equally important is your written communication. From documenting student visits to writing health plans or 504 accommodations, your words matter. Well-written records support student care, demonstrate your professionalism, and can protect you legally if questions arise later.

Improving your communication skills not only makes your daily interactions smoother—it also strengthens your reputation as a knowledgeable, approachable, and reliable health professional in the school community.

Communication Tips for School Nurses

1. Use plain language.
Avoid medical jargon when speaking with students, parents, or school staff. Keep your explanations clear, simple, and age-appropriate.

2. Practice active listening.
Give people your full attention, nod to show understanding, and repeat back key points to confirm clarity—especially when discussing health concerns.

3. Document objectively.
Stick to the facts in written notes. Avoid opinions or emotional language. Example: “Student reports headache and nausea” instead of “Student looked miserable.”

4. Double-check your emails.
Read your messages aloud before sending to catch errors or unclear language. Keep emails short, friendly, and professional.

5. Set communication boundaries.
You don't have to be available 24/7. Use auto-replies or voicemail messages to clearly communicate when you'll return messages and what to do in emergencies.

6. Tailor your tone.
Match your tone to your audience—use a warm and supportive tone with students and families, and a more formal tone in documentation or official reports.

7. Keep confidential info secure.
Use secure systems for emailing or sharing student health details. Never discuss private info in hallways or over unsecured platforms.

8. Build relationships.
Consistent, positive communication builds trust. Take time to connect with your team—it makes collaboration easier when challenges arise.

Click the pic below to get some specifics on school nurse related conversation starters!

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Asthma At School

Understanding Asthma in Schools:

What Every School Nurse Needs to Know

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Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions in children, making it a significant health concern in the school setting. As school nurses, it’s essential to understand the basics of asthma, how it affects students, and how to manage it in the school environment to ensure students are safe and supported throughout their school day.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the airways in the lungs, making them inflamed and narrow, which can make breathing difficult. Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person but typically include:

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)

• Shortness of breath

• Coughing, especially at night or early in the morning

• Chest tightness

Asthma attacks occur when the airways become even more inflamed and narrow, making it harder to breathe. Triggers can include allergens (like pollen or pet dander), irritants (such as smoke or strong odors), physical activity, and even cold air or stress.

Prevalence of Asthma in Schools

Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions among children in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 12 children has asthma. This means that in many schools, it’s likely that several students will be managing asthma on a daily basis.

Children with asthma may have different levels of severity. Some may only experience occasional symptoms, while others may face frequent asthma attacks that require medication or even emergency medical care. As school nurses, we need to be prepared to manage asthma in both mild and severe cases.

Critical School Tools

When managing asthma in schools, it’s important to understand the distinct roles and differences for the following types of forms / documents!

Asthma Action Plan, Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs), and State Policies & School Procedures

1. Asthma Action Plan (AAP) – An Asthma Action Plan (AAP) is a written, personalized guide created by the student’s healthcare provider, usually their doctor, to manage their asthma. This plan provides clear instructions for both the student and school staff on how to handle asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. It’s designed to help everyone involved know what steps to take during a specific student's asthma episode. There are many free examples available online to help create or update an AAP. A comprehensive Asthma Action Plan typically includes:
• Personalized triggers – What sets off the student's asthma, such as dust, pet dander, or cold air.
• Symptoms to watch for – How to recognize the early signs of an asthma attack, such as coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness.
• Medications – Detailed instructions about daily medications (like inhalers) and emergency medications (such as rescue inhalers).
• Emergency actions – Steps to take if the student’s asthma symptoms get worse, including when to call for help or seek medical attention.
• Contact information – Emergency contact numbers, including the student’s doctor and parents.
2. Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) – Written by the school nurse, the IHP is a comprehensive plan that outlines the student’s health needs and how nursing staff will meet those needs during the school day. For students with asthma, and IHP would most likely include the nursing assessment, nursing diagnoses, goals, interventions, expected outcomes, and an evaluation area. IHPs should be reevaluated and updates as needed, but at least each school year.  
3. State Policies and School Procedures – When it comes to managing asthma in schools, it’s important to understand the difference between state policies and school procedures—both are essential, but they serve different purposes.

State Policies- State policies are laws or mandates passed by the state legislature. In Illinois, for example, the law 105 ILCS 5/22-30 allows students to carry and self-administer their asthma medication (like an inhaler) at school, as long as the proper documentation is provided by the parent/guardian and the student’s healthcare provider.

These laws are designed to protect students' rights and ensure schools follow standardized safety guidelines across the state. In Illinois, 105 ILCS 5/22-30 requires schools to:

• Permit self-carry/self-administration of asthma medication with appropriate written authorization

• Ensure staff are informed and trained on the school’s asthma policies

• Maintain an asthma emergency response protocol

• Request an Asthma Action Plan for each student diagnosed with asthma

School Procedures- School procedures are the step-by-step processes each school or district puts in place to carry out the state policy. They are the way each school or district follows the law, based on their own staff, setup, and available resources. Examples of school-level procedures include:

• How inhalers are stored in the nurse’s office (if not self-carried)
• When and how staff are trained to recognize and respond to asthma symptoms
• Which forms need to be submitted and how often
• Protocols for field trips, gym class, or after-school activities

Role of the School Nurse in Managing Asthma

As the primary healthcare provider in the school setting, the school nurse plays a key role in managing asthma. Here’s what school nurses should know and do to ensure that students with asthma receive the best care:

• Engage with families and healthcare providers for consistent asthma care

• Ensure Asthma Action Plans are up-to-date 

• Educate school staff 

• Encourage the proper use of inhalers 

• Eliminate and monitor environmental triggers 

• Emergency response preparedness 

On the surface (no pun intended) this video is funny, but it's also scary because it perfectly highlights how crucial it is to educate our students on everything from their diagnoses to recognizing symptoms and using medications properly!

Final Thoughts

As a school nurse, you’re on the frontlines of asthma management. By staying proactive, informed about asthma care, and building strong partnerships with families and staff, you can help students with asthma thrive at school.

The key to success is an individualized approach. When you follow a student’s Asthma Action Plan, recognize early warning signs, and respond quickly, you’re not just managing asthma — you’re helping students stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn.

Together, we can make sure that students with asthma are safe, supported, and fully included in every part of school life — from classroom learning to sports and field trips.

Top 10 Asthma Resources for School Nurses & Families

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Asthma
   https://www.cdc.gov/asthma Offers data, management tips, educational materials, and CDC’s National Asthma Control Program resources.

2. American Lung Association – Asthma
   https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma
   Provides asthma basics, treatment info, downloadable Asthma Action Plans, and school-focused resources.

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
   https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma Offers in-depth clinical guidelines and educational resources for professionals and families.

4. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
   https://www.aafa.org A comprehensive resource for asthma facts, webinars, support groups, and multilingual asthma action plans.

5. Allergy & Asthma Network
   https://www.allergyasthmanetwork.org Focuses on patient education and advocacy; includes school resources, handouts, and inhaler technique videos.

6. Healthy Schools Campaign – Managing Asthma in Schools
   https://healthyschoolscampaign.org Offers school-specific asthma policies, training modules, and action plan development guides.

7. National Association of School Nurses (NASN)
   https://www.nasn.org/nasn-resources/practice-topics/asthma Curated asthma resources for school nurses, including toolkits, webinars, and evidence-based practices.

8. KidsHealth – Asthma Center
   https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/asthma.html Parent-friendly and kid-friendly information, plus printable guides and student asthma support tips.

9. Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA)
   https://ginasthma.org International guidelines for asthma management and prevention; excellent for updated care standards.

10. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Asthma and Indoor Air Quality
    https://www.epa.gov/asthma Offers resources about managing asthma triggers in the school environment and improving air quality.

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Supporting Students with Seizures in the School Setting

Seizures in the School Setting:

Information for New School Nurses

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Seizures can feel overwhelming for both students and staff, but with the right knowledge and preparation, schools can create a safe and supportive environment. As the school nurse, it’s essential to be prepared, stay calm, and know how to respond appropriately. One key part of your role is not just managing seizures when they happen, but also educating staff and ensuring everyone knows how to support students with seizure disorders.  According to the Epilepsy Foundation: 

"Epilepsy is not a rare disorder, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. It can occur on its own or alongside other health conditions of the brain. What happens during a seizure may look different depending on who is experiencing them. However, seizures are usually stereotypic, which means the same things or behaviors tend to occur in a person each time they have a seizure." 

 Understanding Seizures and How They Affect Students

Students with seizure disorders may experience different types of seizures, from brief episodes to more complex situations. It’s important to recognize the signs and know how to provide support. When a seizure occurs, your calm, quick response will set the tone for the entire school community. Staff and students often mirror the school nurse’s reaction, so staying composed will help reassure everyone involved.

Know the Seizure Action Plan

Each student with a seizure disorder should have a Seizure Action Plan in place. This plan outlines what steps to take during a seizure, including emergency medications, whether emergency services should be contacted, and how to ensure the student’s safety. Review plans regularly. If a Seizure Action Plan is not in place, follow your school's policy and procedure guidelines to respond appropriately.

Educate School Staff

Teachers and staff may not have the same medical knowledge as you. As a school nurse, part of your role is to educate them on what to do during a seizure, how to keep the student safe, and how to call for additional help.

General Seizure First Aid – Stay, Safe, Side

• Stay with the student and time the seizure.
• Safe – Keep the area clear of hazards.
• Side – If possible, turn them on their side for safety.

(If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, follow the Seizure Action Plan or call emergency services.)

State-Specific Laws and Policies

It’s also important to be aware of state-specific laws and policies that may impact how schools manage seizure disorders. For example, in Illinois, the Seizure Smart School Act requires schools to have Seizure Action Plans for students with epilepsy. It also mandates that schools designate "Delegated Care Aides" who are trained to assist in implementing these plans, ensuring that students receive the appropriate care and support they need during a seizure. Be sure to review your state’s specific laws to ensure compliance and best practices.

Saving Your Time by Using Available Resources

When educating staff, there's no need to reinvent the wheel. Many districts already have seizure protocols in place. You can also use reliable online resources to save time while ensuring your school staff is well-prepared. Here are a few helpful options:

• The School Nurse on Teachers Pay Teachers: Offers a set of "Teacher Tips" for educating staff on various seizure diagnoses.

• The Epilepsy Foundation: Provides a FREE Seizure Action Plan template, nurse (with CEs) & school staff trainings and other super useful tools.

• NASN (National Association of School Nurses): Offers resources specifically designed to help school nurses manage students with epilepsy.

By using these resources, you’ll ensure staff are informed and prepared to support students with seizures in a timely and effective way.

Supporting the Student

Supporting students with a seizure disorder requires proactive planning and education. As a school nurse, you play a vital role in ensuring that both students and staff are prepared to manage seizures safely and effectively. Here are some key ways you can provide support and create a safe environment for students living with epilepsy.

Here’s a brief list of ways school nurses can support students with a seizure disorder at school:

1. Collect and Maintain Seizure Action Plans (SAPs): Make sure every student with a seizure disorder has a customized Seizure Action Plan, and that it’s reviewed regularly.

2. Train School Staff: Provide training to teachers, aides, and other school personnel on how to recognize seizures and perform seizure first aid.

3. Monitor Medication and Health Needs: Track any medication schedules and ensure the student receives the necessary treatments or interventions during school hours.

4. Educate Students: Help the student understand their condition and what they can do to stay safe at school, empowering them with knowledge about their seizures.

5. Foster a Supportive Environment: Encourage a school culture that is informed and empathetic to the needs of students with epilepsy, reducing stigma and promoting inclusion.

6. Ensure Emergency Readiness: Be prepared with emergency protocols for seizure-related crises, ensuring that all staff know when to call for emergency medical help.

7. Collaborate with Parents and Medical Teams: Maintain open communication with families and healthcare providers to ensure the school is meeting the student’s medical needs.

Closing Thoughts

As a school nurse, you're an essential part of your school’s ability to respond to medical emergencies. By staying calm, educating staff, and using available resources, you help create a safer, more informed school environment for students with seizure disorders. Additionally, providing emotional support and fostering a sense of security for the student can make a significant difference in their school experience. Your proactive approach can make all the difference in how a seizure is handled and how students are supported both medically and emotionally.

HERE IT IS!

                             

 

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SEIZURE DISORDER
by The School Nurse

HEALTH CONCERN LABELS
by The School Nurse

The School Nurse’s Guide to Setting and Keeping Professional Boundaries

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Tips to Setting & Keeping Professional Boundaries for School Nurses

I don’t know about you, but this time of year always feels like a whirlwind! Between wrapping up the school year, managing last-minute health concerns, and keeping up with life outside of work, my to-do list seems never-ending. I just got back from a much-needed spring break (and trying to get back into the routine!), and I know many of you are doing the same.

With everything piling up, it’s easy to stretch yourself too thin—but setting professional boundaries is key to protecting your time, energy, and well-being. Without them, burnout can creep in fast, making it harder to provide the best care for your students. Boundaries help define your role, ensure you’re focusing on what truly matters, and create a sustainable balance between work and life. Now is the perfect time to reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and where you might need to draw the line.

5 Key Tips for Setting and Keeping Professional Boundaries

1. Review Your Job Description / Define Your Role and Communicate It Clearly

• Make sure staff and administration understand your role as a school nurse.

• Set expectations on what falls within your scope of practice—and what doesn’t.

• Politely redirect requests that don’t align with your responsibilities.

Too often, school nurses are expected to take on extra tasks simply because they’re available. Clearly communicating your role helps prevent being pulled into non-nursing duties.

2. Set Limits on Your Availability

• Establish clear working hours and avoid responding to emails or calls outside of them.

• Let staff know when and how they should contact you for non-urgent matters.

• Take your breaks and lunch—your time to recharge is just as important as anyone else’s.

Many school nurses struggle with stepping away, but setting limits on your availability is crucial. If you’re always available, people will always expect you to be.

3. Learn to Say No (Without Feeling Guilty!)

• Recognize that saying no doesn’t make you unhelpful—it makes you more effective.

• Use professional but firm language when declining extra responsibilities.

• Offer alternative solutions if appropriate, like directing someone to the right resource.

Saying no is often uncomfortable, especially in a school setting where teamwork is key. But protecting your time and energy ensures you can focus on the students who need you most.

4. Maintain Emotional and Ethical Boundaries

• Be mindful of becoming too personally involved in student or staff issues.

• Keep your interactions professional and avoid taking on emotional burdens that aren’t yours to carry.

• Protect student privacy by following FERPA and HIPAA guidelines.

It’s natural to care deeply about your students, but setting emotional boundaries prevents compassion fatigue. You can support students while still maintaining a healthy separation.

5. Advocate for Yourself and Your Profession

• Speak up when your workload becomes unrealistic.

• Request policy support from administration regarding boundaries.

• Connect with other school nurses for guidance and encouragement.

Advocating for your role helps set the standard for how school nurses should be treated. The more you reinforce your boundaries, the more respect your position will receive.

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Final Thoughts: Boundaries Help You Thrive

Setting boundaries isn’t about being difficult—it’s about making sure you can continue providing quality care without sacrificing your well-being. When you take charge of your time and responsibilities, you’ll feel more in control, less stressed, and more effective in your role. How do you set boundaries as a school nurse? Share your thoughts in the comments!

I want to create CE courses that truly support you in your school nursing role and professional boundaries are a crucial part of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Would you be interested in a future CE course on this topic?

In the meantime, check out these other DOASN blog posts about professional boundaries:

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