Health Office Operations

The common myth that school health offices are only in place so that students can receive "bandages and ice packs" is no longer true. It is very important for all school staff and administration to understand all the types of activities that happen in the health office.

While students are seen in the health office for minor injury to obtain first-aid treatment, observation and for minor illness or waiting for parent/guardian to take them home, these activities are not the sole priority. The types, amount and complexity of health care activities has grown in conjunction with the ever-increasing responsibilities of school health services personnel. Just a few of these responsibilities include assisting students with chronic health conditions, providing medications and treatments to ensure inclusion in the school day, student mental health and emotional issues, student emergency care planning, training, intervention, collaboration and communication with families, referrals, screenings, student and staff wellness interventions, infection prevention and disease control, and much more. 

School Health Office or School Nurse’s Office

There is often a team of school health staff that provide health services to students. School Health Services Staffing section provide more information on staffing. Unless the office is staffed by a Licensed School Nurse (LSN) all day, the space should be called the "School Health Office" and not the "School Nurse's Office" to avoid confusion and misrepresentation that care is being provided by a LSN, when in fact it could by a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs), or any other school staff member. Legally, only a LSN is authorized to use the title “school nurse”. Minnesota Statute § 144.6585 Identification of Health Care Providers requires anyone licensed, credentialed, or registered by a health-related board must wear a name tag that indicates by words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia the profession or occupation of the individual rendering health services. It is the responsibility of everyone in working in a health office to identify themselves correctly and even clarify their role, if a student, parent, or another person incorrectly identifies them as the school nurse.

• UAP Example: Name, health office assistant
• LPN Example: Name, LPN
• RN Example: Name, RN
• LSN Example: Name, RN LSN School Nurse