Supporting Students with Type 1 Diabetes: A School Nurse’s Role

Managing Type 1 Diabetes at School

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Diabetes at School: What Every School Nurse Should Know About Type 1

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is one of the most medically complex chronic conditions managed in schools—and school nurses play a vital role in helping students stay safe, healthy, and ready to learn.

From blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration to Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, and emergency preparedness, there's a lot to learn. The good news? You don't have to figure it all out alone.

Whether you're brand new to school nursing or looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through the essentials of supporting students with Type 1 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes: The Basics

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition. The pancreas stops producing insulin, the hormone needed to let glucose into the body’s cells for energy. People with T1D must balance insulin, food, and activity levels 24 hours a day, 365 days a year- no days off!

At school, that means:

• Frequent blood sugar monitoring (fingersticks or CGM)

• Scheduled or flexible insulin doses

• Carb counting for meals/snacks

• Emergency plans for highs (hyperglycemia) or lows (hypoglycemia)

Know the Signs of Highs and Lows

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia):
Can come on fast and be dangerous. 

Look for:

• Shakiness or dizziness

• Sweating

• Confusion or irritability

• Headache

• Slurred speech

• Seizure or loss of consciousness (in severe cases)

What to do: Follow the student’s Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP). Most students will need 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, rechecked in 15 minutes. Always keep emergency glucose and glucagon nearby.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia):
Usually develops more slowly. 

Watch for:

• Increased thirst

• Frequent urination

• Fatigue

• Blurry vision

• Nausea or vomiting (possible DKA warning sign)

What to do: Follow the DMMP, notify parent/guardian, and monitor for ketones if indicated.

Diabetes Technology Has Changed School Nursing

Diabetes care has changed dramatically over the past decade. Many students now use Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, or automated insulin delivery systems to help manage their diabetes throughout the school day.

These devices provide valuable information and can help improve blood glucose management, but they don't replace good communication or careful nursing assessment.

As you prepare to support a student with Type 1 Diabetes:

• Become familiar with the diabetes technology your student uses.
• Review the student's Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) to understand when school staff should intervene.
• Know who receives CGM alerts and how your school responds when alarms occur.
• Remember that technology is only one part of diabetes care. Students may still need blood glucose checks, snacks, insulin adjustments, or emergency treatment based on their symptoms and DMMP.

The more familiar you are with today's diabetes technology before an emergency occurs, the more confident you'll feel supporting your students.

Helpful Tip: Every student's diabetes technology—and Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP)—may be a little different. Don't hesitate to ask the student, family, or diabetes care team to demonstrate how the device works and answer any questions before the school year begins.

What’s in a DMMP—and Why It Matters

The Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) is your go-to guide for managing each individual student’s care. It’s typically written by the student’s diabetes care provider and signed by the parent/guardian.

It covers:

• Blood glucose monitoring schedule

• Insulin dosing and delivery method (injections or insulin pump)

• Meal and snack plans

• Exercise considerations

• Emergency actions for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia

• When to call home—or 911

Keep it updated and easy to access.

Remember:

DMMP = written by the healthcare provider and contains the medical orders.

Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) = created by the school nurse to guide nursing care and communication.

School procedures = district policies that help ensure safe, consistent diabetes management.

Understanding the purpose of each document helps everyone work together safely.

Questions to Ask Parents Before School Starts

Every child manages Type 1 Diabetes a little differently. While the Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) provides your medical orders, a conversation with the parent or guardian can help you better understand the student's daily routine and individual needs.

Consider asking questions like:

Daily Diabetes Management

✔ Tell me about how and when your child was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.

✔ Tell me about your child. What should I know before the first day of school?

✔ What diabetes technology does your child use (CGM, insulin pump, injections)?

✔ Does your child usually recognize when their blood sugar is low or high?

✔ Are there symptoms that are unique to your child?

School Routine

✔ How independent is your child with diabetes care?

✔ Will they count carbohydrates independently or need assistance?

✔ Where do they usually check their blood sugar or administer insulin?

✔ Are there any classroom accommodations that have worked well in the past?

Communication

✔ When would you like me to contact you?

✔ How do you prefer to communicate during the school day?

✔ Who should we call if you're unavailable?

Emergencies

✔ Has your child ever experienced severe hypoglycemia?

✔ Have they ever needed glucagon?

✔ Have they ever been hospitalized for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?

✔ Are there any concerns you'd like us to be especially aware of?

Supplies

✔ What diabetes supplies will be kept at school?

✔ How often should we check expiration dates or replenish supplies?

✔ Is there anything else that helps your child have a safe and successful school day?

Helpful Tip: The best diabetes care happens when school nurses, families, students, and healthcare providers work together. Parents are the experts on their child, while the Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP) provides the medical orders that guide care at school. Use your first conversation to build trust, learn about the student's daily routine, and encourage families to reach out anytime questions or concerns arise.

Know the Law: Diabetes Care in Schools

In Illinois, the Care of Students with Diabetes Act (105 ILCS 145/) outlines specific responsibilities for schools and staff supporting students with diabetes. It requires schools to:

• Follow the student’s DMMP as written by their healthcare provider

• Allow capable students to self-manage their care (including testing and insulin) in the classroom or elsewhere

• Ensure trained school staff are available to recognize and respond to diabetes-related emergencies

Not in Illinois? Be sure to review your own state's laws and district policies before the school year begins.

Preparing Your School Team

Supporting a student with Type 1 Diabetes is a team effort. While the school nurse coordinates diabetes care, many other school staff members play an important role in helping students stay safe throughout the school day.

As you prepare for the school year, make sure:

✔ Students have immediate access to glucose tablets, juice, snacks, water, and emergency medications as outlined in their Diabetes Medical Management Plan (DMMP).

✔ Teachers, coaches, substitute teachers, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, and other designated personnel know how to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia—and understand when and how to get help.

✔ Staff members responsible for supervising field trips, extracurricular activities, or after-school events understand the student's diabetes management needs before leaving campus.

✔ Emergency supplies are readily available, and trained staff know where they are located.

When everyone understands their role, students with Type 1 Diabetes can participate safely and confidently in all aspects of school life.

Communication Is Key

A solid communication plan with families helps keep everyone on the same page. Use daily logs, messaging apps, or email—whatever works best. Ask questions. Clarify unclear orders. Keep the DMMP updated.

And most importantly: listen to the student. They live with this every day. Even young students often know their bodies better than anyone. Listen to their concerns, encourage self-advocacy when appropriate, and partner with families and healthcare providers to provide safe, individualized care.

My Diabetes Organization System

Over the years, I've found that having a simple, consistent system makes diabetes management much less stressful—for me, my staff, and my students.

Here are a few habits that have worked well in my health office:

✔ Keep all current Diabetes Medical Management Plans (DMMPs) together in one easy-to-access binder (or secure digital folder).

✔ Review every student's DMMP before the school year begins to identify medication changes, supplies, accommodations, and staff training needs.

✔ Create an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) to guide nursing care and develop easy-to-follow resources for school staff.

✔ Track expiration dates for glucagon, emergency medications, and other diabetes supplies before they become a problem.

✔ Prepare for substitutes, field trips, extracurricular activities, and emergencies before they happen—not during them.

✔ Communicate early with families, healthcare providers, teachers, coaches, and other staff members so everyone understands their role in supporting the student. And advocate for 504 Plans when needed or required.

Final Thoughts

Managing Type 1 Diabetes may feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes much easier as you build routines, learn from your students, and develop systems that work for your school.

Remember—you don't have to know everything on day one. Ask questions, keep learning, and lean on your school nurse community whenever you need support.

Looking for editable diabetes resources? You'll find my T1D templates, teacher tips, IHPs, and 504 plans HERE!

Ten Resources for School Nurses & Families

1. American Diabetes Association – Safe at School

https://diabetes.org/safeatschool Includes training resources, sample care plans, and guidance on students’ legal rights related to diabetes care at school.

2. National Association of School Nurses (NASN) – Diabetes Resources

https://www.nasn.org/nasn-resources/resources-by-topic/diabetes Offers evidence-based practice tools, care coordination tips, and policy updates for managing diabetes in the school setting.

3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Managing Diabetes

https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/children.html Provides guidance for supporting children with diabetes, including school accommodations and safety measures.

4. JDRF (now Breakthrough T1D) – T1D School Resources

https://www.breakthrought1d.org/t1d-resources/school/ Features school readiness tips, 504 Plan tools, classroom management strategies, and parent resources.

5. Joslin Diabetes Center – School Nurse Information

https://joslin.org/services/pediatric-diabetes/educational-programs/resources-school-nurses Educational tools for school staff, including diabetes care plans and communication checklists.

6. Beyond Type 1 – Educator Resources

https://beyondtype1.org/t1d-and-school/ Practical tips for school staff and families, covering everything from school supplies to emergency protocols.

7. Oregon School Nurses Association – T1D Toolkit

https://www.oregonschoolnurses.org/oregonschoolnurses/resources/toolkits/t1d-toolkit-for-school-nurses Toolkit with editable care plans, delegation guidance, and best practices for diabetes management in schools.

8. Children With Diabetes – School and Legal Support

https://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/for-parents/diabetes-at-school/ Guidance on students’ rights, 504 Plan tips, and advice for ensuring safe diabetes care in school.

9. Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists – T1D School Strategies

https://www.adces.org/store/online-education/detail/going-to-school-with-t1d-essential-insights-strategies-v2 Online course designed for educators and parents to improve diabetes care understanding in school settings.

10. KidsHealth – Diabetes in Children

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diabetes.html Family-friendly diabetes education, including school-specific tips, sick day management, and glucose monitoring basics.

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 health conditions you'll encounter as a school nurse—and one of the most important to prepare for before the school year begins.

The good news? You don't have to memorize everything. Strong asthma management starts with good systems, updated documentation, staff education, and trusted resources.

Whether you're caring for one student with asthma or twenty, this guide will help you build confidence in supporting students throughout the 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.

Building Your Asthma Management System

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. Helpful Tip: Review Asthma Action Plans before the school year begins and anytime changes are made. Becoming familiar with each student's plan before an emergency occurs helps you respond more confidently. 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

Supporting Students with 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:

✔ Review Asthma Action Plans

✔ Develop nursing care plans

✔ Educate school staff

✔ Monitor environmental triggers

✔ Promote correct inhaler technique

✔ Coordinate with families and providers

✔ Prepare for emergencies 

Learning from an Asthma Expert

One of the best parts of being a school nurse is that there's always something new to learn.

That's why I was excited to invite Dr. Juanita Mora, CEO of the Chicago Allergy Center and National Spokesperson for the American Lung Association, to share her expertise with members of GROUNDS FOR GROWTH™.

Our discussion covers practical topics school nurses face every year, including:

✔ Asthma Action Plans
✔ Common asthma triggers in schools
✔ Rescue inhaler updates
✔ Practical strategies for supporting students with asthma
✔ Live questions from school nurses

👉 Learn more about GROUNDS FOR GROWTH™ and upcoming member resources below. 

Final Thoughts

Every student with asthma deserves to feel safe, included, and ready to learn.

As school nurses, we help make that happen by building strong systems, educating school staff, partnering with families, and preparing for emergencies before they occur.

Preparation builds confidence—and confidence leads to better care.

Beyond the Asthma Action Plan

Ideally, every student with asthma would have an updated Asthma Action Plan on file each school year—but in reality, that doesn’t always happen. When symptoms start to affect a student’s ability to learn, participate fully in class, or join in school activities, an IHP and sometimes even a 504 Plan are the next best way to make sure the right supports are in place.

That's why I created these editable Asthma resources. Whether you need an IHP, 504 Plan, or Teacher Tips, each resource is designed to save time while helping you create clear, student-centered plans that support both health and learning.

Building Your Asthma Toolkit

 

Patient Education Matters

On the surface (no pun intended!), this video is funny—but it also highlights an important lesson for school nurses.

Students need to understand their own health conditions, recognize symptoms, know when and how to use their medications, and feel comfortable asking for help when something doesn't feel right.

Patient education is an important part of what we do every day, and sometimes a little humor is the perfect reminder of why it matters.

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.

HIPAA, FERPA, and Teaching Staff About Health: A School Nurse’s Guide

HIPAA vs. FERPA

Understanding Student Privacy in School Nursing

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Helpful School Nurse Tip: One of the most common questions new school nurses ask is, "Can I share this information?" Understanding the differences between HIPAA and FERPA will help you answer that question with confidence. Although the two laws are often confused, knowing which one applies can make communicating with staff, families, and healthcare providers much easier.

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Remember, I'm not an attorney or legal expert and this is not official legal advice. This information is intended for educational purposes only. Please consult with your school district for all of their definitions, policies/procedures, & guidelines.

HIPAA vs. FERPA: The Basics

If you’re wondering where HIPAA ends and FERPA begins, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick breakdown:

What Is HIPAA?

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) ensures the privacy of patient health information (PHI) in healthcare settings. It’s what doctors, hospitals, and insurance providers follow to keep patient information secure.

In a school setting, HIPAA may apply if you work with outside healthcare providers, like a student’s pediatrician or therapist.

Think About Who Needs to Know

As school nurses, we often ask ourselves:

• Does this staff member need this information to keep the student safe?
• Am I sharing only the information necessary?
• Is this information being shared with someone who has a legitimate educational interest?

Keeping those three questions in mind can help guide many everyday conversations.

What Is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) protects educational records, including health-related information maintained by the school. These records can include IEPs, 504 plans, school physical exams and immunization records.

FERPA governs how schools collect, share, and store student information. Unlike HIPAA, it’s designed specifically for educational institutions.

Key Differences Between HIPAA and FERPA

• HIPAA applies to healthcare providers.
• FERPA applies to schools and educational records.
• Example: If a student’s doctor faxes you a medication order, that’s HIPAA. Once the order becomes part of the student’s school record, it’s governed by FERPA.

Sometimes, these laws intersect. For instance, if you need to share a student’s health information with an outside provider, you may need consent from the parent/guardian to comply with both HIPAA and FERPA. Always check your district’s policies for specific guidance.

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What About Sharing Health Conditions With Teaching School Staff?

FERPA allows the sharing of student health information with school staff on a "need-to-know" basis if it is necessary for them to perform their job duties and ensure the safety or well-being of the student. Here’s a bit more detail:

FERPA and Sharing Health Information

• Permissible Sharing: FERPA permits school nurses and administrators to share student health information with teachers, aides, and other school staff who need the information to support the student effectively. For example, sharing a diabetes action plan with a teacher who supervises lunchtime would be appropriate.
• Parental Consent: In most cases, schools do not need explicit parental consent to share information internally for legitimate educational interests, such as maintaining safety or providing necessary care.
• Minimum Necessary Information: FERPA encourages sharing only the information necessary for the staff member to perform their role. For example, you might tell a bus driver that a student has severe asthma and what to do in case of an attack, without divulging unrelated medical history.

Emergency Situations

FERPA also provides more flexibility in emergencies. If a student’s health or safety is at immediate risk, you can share relevant information with those who can help, including external parties like first responders.

In General Everyday Situations

One of the most impactful parts of your role is helping teachers and staff understand student health needs of any student in general. What seems like simple knowledge to you, might be new information for someone outside of the health field. Here are a few tips to make those conversations effective:

1. Start With the Basics

Explain the health condition in simple terms. Focus on what staff need to know, like:

• Common symptoms.
• Triggers to avoid.
• Immediate steps to take during an emergency.

For example, when teaching about asthma, highlight signs of an asthma attack and demonstrate how to use an inhaler or spacer if necessary.

2. Create Handy Resources

Quick-reference guides or infographics can be lifesavers for busy staff. Consider including:

• Allergy protocols.
• Seizure action plans.
• Diabetes care instructions.

These resources should be easy to understand and accessible in classrooms, staff lounges, or online portals.

3. Use Real-Life Scenarios

Bring learning to life by sharing real-world examples. Role-playing scenarios, like responding to a student’s allergic reaction and using a trainer epi-pen, can help staff feel prepared and confident.

4. Respect Confidentiality

Remind staff to keep student health information private. Share only what is necessary to provide safe care. For example, instead of saying, “Jasmine has diabetes,” you can teach, “If a student has low blood sugar, offer a snack like juice or crackers.”

Common Situations School Nurses Face

You might encounter questions like:

• A teacher asks why a student leaves class every day.
• A coach wants to know if an athlete has asthma.
• A substitute teacher asks about a student's seizure disorder.
• A cafeteria worker asks about food allergies.

Each situation may require sharing some information—but usually not every detail. Sharing only what's necessary helps protect student privacy while keeping students safe.

Bringing It All Together

As a school nurse, you’re the bridge between student health and education. Understanding the basics of HIPAA and FERPA helps you protect privacy, while teaching staff about health conditions ensures students receive safe, informed care.

By creating a supportive environment with clear communication and resources, you’re setting everyone up for success.

FINAL THOUGHTS

No school nurse memorizes every FERPA or HIPAA situation.

When you're unsure, pause, review your district's policies, and don't hesitate to ask questions.

Protecting student privacy while supporting student safety is something you'll become more comfortable with over time—and every conversation helps build your confidence.

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

Caring for Students with Chronic Health Conditions: A School Nurse's Guide

Caring for Students with Chronic Health Conditions

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Helpful School Nurse Tip: You don't have to become an expert on every health condition before the first day of school. Start by learning about the students in your building, use trusted resources, and build your knowledge one condition at a time.

Every School Is Different...

But Nearly Every School Nurse Cares for Students with Chronic Health Conditions

More than 40% of school-aged children have at least one chronic health condition. Some students require very little support throughout the school day, while others rely on the school nurse every single day to safely attend school.

The exact health conditions you'll encounter depend on your school population, but one thing is certain—learning how to recognize common conditions, gather accurate health information, and develop practical care plans is one of the most important parts of school nursing.

Fortunately, you don't have to know everything on day one. Every student, every diagnosis, and every school year becomes another opportunity to learn and grow.

Health Conditions You May Encounter

School nurses care for students with a wide variety of acute and chronic health conditions. Some diagnoses are very common, while others may only be seen once or twice during your career.

Remember, a diagnosis is only part of the story. Two students with the same condition may have completely different healthcare needs, accommodations, medications, and emergency plans.

Examples of Health Conditions School Nurses May Encounter:

ADD / ADHD	Allergies	Anxiety
Asthma	Bleeding Disorders	Congenital Neurological Conditions
Celiac Disease	Cerebral Palsy with Partial Limb Paralysis	Diabetes- Type 1
Gastrointestinal Issues	Gilbert’s Syndrome	Hurler Syndrome
Headaches/Migraines	Autoimmune Hepatitis	Hypothyroidism
Heart Conditions	Rheumatoid Arthritis	Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Scoliosis	Seizure Disorders	Vision Impairments- partial and total blindness

Every Student Is Different

One of the first things you'll discover as a school nurse is that no two students are exactly alike—even when they share the same diagnosis.

For example, one student with asthma may rarely visit the health office, while another depends on daily medication, an Asthma Action Plan, and emergency interventions. The same is true for diabetes, seizure disorders, severe allergies, heart conditions, and many other chronic illnesses.

Instead of trying to memorize every possible diagnosis, focus on learning each student's individual healthcare needs. Review healthcare provider orders, communicate with families, collaborate with staff, and develop plans that support each student's success at school.

Build Your Health Condition System

Over the years, I've learned that confidence doesn't come from memorizing every diagnosis—it comes from having a reliable system.

When I learn that a student has a new or updated health condition, I begin gathering the information I'll need to safely care for them throughout the school year.

That may include:

• Student health history
• Healthcare provider orders
• Medication authorization forms
• Emergency Action Plans (EAPs)
• Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs)
• 504 accommodations (when appropriate)
• Teacher communication
• Ongoing documentation

Having a consistent process helps ensure nothing important is overlooked while making each new diagnosis feel much less overwhelming.

Where Do You Find Reliable Information?

One of the best habits you can develop as a school nurse is knowing where to find trustworthy information.

Healthcare provider orders, your state's school health guidance, evidence-based resources, continuing education, professional organizations, and experienced school nurses can all become valuable resources throughout your career.

You don't have to know everything.

You simply need to know where to find reliable information when you need it.

Building Your Own Resource Library

Over the years, I've created a growing collection of condition-specific resources that I continue to use in my own practice.

Inside The School Nurse Digital Toolkit™, GROUNDS FOR GROWTH™ members have access to a growing library of:

• Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) templates
• Teacher tip sheets
• Health condition resource hubs
• Editable templates
• Practical tools & resources for school nurses

You do not need every answer memorized. You need a dependable process and trusted places to look.

Learn more about GROUNDS FOR GROWTH™ and The School Nurse Digital Toolkit™.

Individualized Healthcare Plans

As you become familiar with your students' health conditions, you'll likely begin creating Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs).

An IHP helps organize important health information, guide nursing care, support emergency planning, and communicate a student's healthcare needs with school staff.

If you're new to writing IHPs, I've created another blog post that explains what an IHP is, when you might use one, and what information to include.

Read more about Individualized Healthcare Plans.

Looking for a Specific Health Condition?

Whether you're supporting a student with asthma, diabetes, seizures, POTS, allergies, cardiac conditions, cystic fibrosis, or another chronic health condition, I've organized my Teachers Pay Teachers resources by health condition to make them easier to find.

Browse the collection and choose the resources that best fit your students, your school, and your workflow.

Browse Health Condition Resources on my TPT Storefront

Final Thoughts

I've been a certified school nurse since 1996 and I still learn something new every school year.

New diagnoses appear.

New medications become available.

New research is published.

The goal isn't to know everything.

The goal is to know where to find reliable information when you need it.

Take it one student, one condition, and one conversation at a time.

You'll be surprised how quickly your confidence grows.

References

CDC, 2020
CDC Healthy Schools, 2021
Illinois State Board of Education, 2014
NASN, 2015
National Center for Education Statistics, 2019
Wang et al (2014)