Saturday, March 29, 2025

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:

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.
Train School Staff: Provide training to teachers, aides, and other school personnel on how to recognize seizures and perform seizure first aid.
Monitor Medication and Health Needs: Track any medication schedules and ensure the student receives the necessary treatments or interventions during school hours.
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.
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.
Ensure Emergency Readiness: Be prepared with emergency protocols for seizure-related crises, ensuring that all staff know when to call for emergency medical help.
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.

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:

Discover essential self-care strategies for school nurses, including stress management, work-life balance, and setting healthy professional boundaries

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Saturday, March 15, 2025

Why School Nurses Need To Be Invited

Pull Up a Chair: Learning How To Invite Yourself to the Table

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As a school nurse, you are the healthcare expert in your building. You see students daily for everything from minor injuries to chronic illness management, mental health concerns, and social-emotional struggles. But despite your expertise and firsthand knowledge, you may find yourself left out of important conversations about student health and well-being. If you’re waiting for an invitation to join these discussions—you might be waiting a long time. It’s time to learn how to get your invitation and pull up your own chair.

Why You Need to Be at the Table

School nurses play a vital role in student well-being, yet they’re often left out of important conversations simply because others don’t realize the depth of their expertise. By advocating for a seat at the table, school nurses can break down silos, strengthen collaboration, and ultimately provide better care for students. If you wait for an invitation, you might miss the chance to make a real impact! Learning to pull up your own chair ensures that the health perspective—especially in areas like mental health, safety, and student support—is represented.

Many school-based committees and initiatives focus on student health, safety, and well-being, yet school nurses are often overlooked when these groups are formed. Whether it’s a suicide prevention team, a student support committee, a truancy meeting, or a crisis response team, your input is critical. You are uniquely positioned to recognize patterns that others may miss, such as students with frequent somatic complaints tied to anxiety or those showing signs of self-harm. You understand how health conditions impact learning and can bridge the gap between medical and educational needs.

By inviting yourself to these conversations, you:

Prioritize student health – Your perspective is essential in discussions on mental health, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness.
Strengthen collaboration – Working alongside teachers, counselors, and administrators helps create a more comprehensive support system for students.
Advocate for your role – The more visibility you have, the more others will understand the depth of your expertise and the importance of school nursing.
Improve student outcomes – Your voice can shape policies and interventions that directly impact student health and success.

How to Invite Yourself

If you discover a team, committee, or initiative that aligns with your role and passion, take the initiative to join. Here’s how you can approach it in a way that feels natural and professional:

1. Express Interest with Curiosity

Instead of focusing on why you weren’t invited, frame it as wanting to support the initiative:

"I recently learned about the suicide prevention group, and I think it’s such an important initiative. As the school nurse, I’d love to contribute and collaborate. I often see students who may be struggling—whether through frequent health office visits for stress-related symptoms, signs of self-injury, or other concerns that are shared with me. I’d love to support the team’s efforts. Would it be possible to receive calendar invites for future meetings so I can join?"

"I had an idea that might help give us a more complete picture of the students going through the MTSS process—adding some input from the nurse’s office to the problem-solving form. Things like known medical conditions, a quick summary of nurse visits, or participation in programs like XXX could really help us understand the bigger picture and how it impacts their school experience. Let me know what you think. Thanks so much!"

"I’d love to join the truancy meetings to help provide insight from the health office. I often see students whose absences are linked to health concerns—chronic conditions, anxiety, or other barriers that may not be immediately obvious. Including this perspective could help us better support them. Would it be possible to be added to the meetings? Let me know what you think—I'm happy to chat more!"

2. Highlight Your Unique Role

You bring a different (and valuable) perspective:

You see students with physical complaints that may actually be rooted in emotional distress.
You often have private, one-on-one conversations with students who may not open up to teachers or counselors.
You can help identify patterns in health office visits that might indicate a student is struggling.

3. Keep It About the Students

People don’t know what they don’t know, and that includes understanding the full scope of a school nurse’s role. Many assume we’re just here for bumps, bruises and daily meds, without realizing that we’re trained to assess both physical and mental health concerns, recognize patterns in student behavior, and provide critical input on issues like attendance, chronic illness, and mental health. Because of this, school nurses are sometimes unintentionally left out of important discussions—not out of intentional exclusion, but simply because others don’t realize the depth of our expertise.

It’s completely natural to feel a little hurt when you realize you weren’t included in a team or meeting that aligns with your role. But instead of dwelling on the oversight, it helps to frame your involvement around how you can support students. A simple, proactive approach—like expressing interest, highlighting your unique perspective, and emphasizing collaboration—can open doors. In most cases, once others understand what you bring to the table, they’ll welcome your participation.

This shift in mindset not only helps you gain a seat at the table but also strengthens your presence as a key player in student support teams. If you wait for an invitation, you might miss the chance to make a real impact!

Don’t Wait for Permission

Too often, school nurses hesitate to step forward because they assume they need an invitation or worry about stepping on toes. But advocating for yourself isn’t about pushing in—it’s about making sure that student health is not an afterthought. Schools function best when all key stakeholders are involved, and school nurses are absolutely key stakeholders.

If you see a seat missing at the table, don’t be afraid to pull up your own chair. Your students will be better for it, and so will your school community.

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

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

School Nurse Must-Know: Allergy Preparedness Schools

Allergy Emergencies: Are You Prepared?

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Essential Allergy Preparedness for School Nurses

Allergic reactions can be unpredictable and triggered by a wide range of substances, from food and insect stings to environmental allergens and unknown causes. Each exposure has the potential to cause a more severe reaction than the last, making it essential for school nurses to stay prepared.

Having a solid plan in place, including staff training, access to emergency medication, and clear communication with families, ensures that students receive prompt and effective care when every second counts.

How Should a School Nurse Respond to a Life-Threatening Allergy?

Allergy emergencies can occur suddenly and without warning, making it crucial to have a well-structured response plan in place. A proactive approach ensures that students with severe allergies receive the care they need quickly and effectively. Here are key factors to consider when preparing for potential allergic reactions in the school setting:

Does your district require an allergy action plan? Verify if your school requires a formal allergy action plan or medication authorization for students with severe allergies.
How are students with severe allergies identified? Develop a system for safely identifying students at risk, ensuring privacy while keeping key personnel informed.
How will you gather additional health information? Consider using a standardized health history form to collect essential details from parents and update records as needed.
Are students allowed to carry their own emergency medications? Check district policies regarding self-carry and self-administration of epinephrine, and educate students on their responsibilities.
Who needs to be trained? Identify staff members who should be trained to recognize allergic reactions and administer epinephrine, including teachers, coaches, and cafeteria staff.
How will staff receive training? Determine the best method for educating staff on allergy signs, symptoms, and emergency medication use. Hands-on demonstrations and annual refresher sessions can be valuable.

Having a well-defined allergy response plan not only helps ensure a coordinated approach in an emergency but also fosters a safer school environment.

Notifying School Staff About Student Health Concerns

Effective communication with teachers and staff is essential to ensuring that students with life-threatening allergies receive the support and care they need. Clear, consistent messaging helps staff recognize allergic reactions, understand emergency protocols, and respond appropriately when seconds matter.

Utilizing email and student management systems like Skyward can streamline the process of sharing critical health information. Consider these best practices:

Email Notifications: Send targeted emails to teachers and key staff outlining students’ allergy action plans, emergency protocols, and any necessary accommodations.
Digital Health Records: Upload allergy action plans, medication authorizations, and emergency procedures into Skyward or your school's health management system to ensure easy access for authorized personnel.
Teacher Tips: Provide staff with quick-reference guides that summarize key allergy information and response steps, helping them feel more prepared in an emergency.
In-Person Follow-Ups: Encourage teachers to reach out with questions or concerns and offer brief, in-person training when necessary.

By integrating digital tools and direct communication, school nurses can ensure that all staff members are informed, confident, and ready to act if an allergy emergency arises.

Why Notify School Staff?

As school nurses, we often assume that others have a basic understanding of medical conditions, but that’s not always the case. Teachers and staff may not recognize the signs of an allergic reaction or know how to respond in an emergency. That’s why providing clear, accessible education is essential to keeping students safe.

Teacher Tips health cards offer a simple yet effective way to share broad information about medical conditions, including severe allergies. These quick-reference cards give staff an overview of allergy symptoms, emergency response steps, and key precautions. They also serve as an open invitation for teachers to ask questions and seek more detailed guidance as needed.

By proactively educating school staff, we can help create a safer environment where everyone is equipped to respond confidently in an allergy emergency.

Using Skyward for Health Notifications

If your school uses Skyward, take advantage of the Health module by attaching digital Teacher Tips cards under a student’s health records. Follow these steps:

Open the student’s profile in the Health tab.
Select "IHP" (Individualized Healthcare Plan).
Click "Add File" and upload the Teacher Tips document as a PDF.
Use the comment box to include student-specific notes or important details for staff.

Using Skyward to document student health conditions is a valuable tool for ensuring that essential medical information is accessible to those who need it. Be sure to add an indicator so teachers are prompted to review any health concerns that may impact their students.

If you're using an older version of Skyward and need guidance, I have a step-by-step how-to guide available HERE to help you navigate the system efficiently. Keeping health records up to date and easily accessible helps ensure a swift and informed response in case of a medical emergency.

This system is particularly helpful for middle and high school students who have multiple teachers throughout the day. Additionally, the Health Condition tab in Skyward can be a useful tool for tracking medical concerns and running reports throughout a school year.

Apply for Free EpiPens

Does your school have undesignated epinephrine available for emergency allergy situations? If you’ve been following this blog, you know that Mylan Pharmaceuticals & BioRidge Pharma offer schools two free two-packs of epinephrine auto-injectors, along with replenishment doses and training devices, each calendar year. This program has saved schools significant amounts of money while also ensuring life-saving medication is readily available.

While there is required paperwork to complete, it is straightforward. Schools must have a district physician or a local doctor willing to sign an order or provide a standing prescription.

Having emergency epinephrine in every school building can be the difference between life and death for a student, staff member, or visitor. You can find more details and apply for the program HERE.

Final Thoughts

Allergy preparedness is a vital responsibility in school nursing. Making sure there is access to emergency medication, educating staff on allergy recognition and response, and utilizing digital communication tools all contribute to a safer school environment for students with severe allergies.

If you have experience using undesignated epinephrine in a school setting or if your state provides standing orders for emergency medications, I’d love to hear from you! Share your insights in the comments—your experiences can help other school nurses strengthen their own preparedness efforts.