Orientation

Orientation is a critical process that ensures newly hired Licensed School Nurses (LSN), Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), and other health services staff are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively fulfill their role within the school setting, as working in the school system differs greatly from other healthcare settings. Orientation needs should be tailored for each health services staff role and job duties. 

These are some important components to include in a comprehensive health services orientation program.  The New Health Staff Orientation Checklist (Word) can be adapted and modified to a specific school or program. 

Orientation to School Facilities

Conduct a tour of the school facilities, including the health office, classrooms, gymnasium, playgrounds, location of the automated external defibrillator (AED) and/or naloxone, and other areas where students may require health-related support or services.

Introduction to School Policies and Procedures

Provide an overview of and where to locate school policies and procedures related to health services, emergency response, student confidentiality, medication administration, immunization requirements, record retention and documentation protocols.

Overview of School Health Services

Familiarize the new  nurse or health services staff member with the scope of services offered by the school health program, including health screenings, immunizations, first aid and emergency care, health education initiatives, and collaboration with community healthcare providers.

Health Records Management

Provide training on maintaining accurate and confidential health records, including documentation of all health care services provided to students, immunization records, medication administration, and individualized health plans (IHPs), emergency care plans (ECPs), and 504 plans for students with chronic health conditions. 

Medication Administration

Review policies and procedures for administering medications to students during school hours, including obtaining parental consent, medication storage and safety precautions, medication documentation, and communication with parents and healthcare providers. Familiarize the new  nurse or health services staff on field trip procedures related to medication administration.

Emergency Response Training

Conduct training on emergency response procedures, including CPR, first aid, naloxone, AED use, and protocols for managing medical emergencies, injuries, allergic reactions, and other critical incidents that may occur on school grounds. Discuss role and responsibility to provide emergency response training to other district staff related to medical emergencies.

Health Assessment and Screening

Provide guidance on conducting health screenings, such as vision and hearing, and nursing assessments of students for signs of infectious diseases or other health concerns. 

Special Education

Discuss role and responsibility of the nurse in special education as a related service provider. Discuss how the school nurse will be informed when a health assessment needs to be conducted for a special education evaluation, their role in contributing to the Individual Education Plan (IEP) and how to complete all the required documentation of nursing assessments and when providing nursing services. 

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Review relevant laws and regulations governing school health services, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Minnesota Nurse Practice Act.

Supervision and Support

Inform the new nurse or health services staff whom their direct supervisor is and establish regular check-ins to address any questions or concerns. If the district has multiple health services staff, assign a mentor to provide guidance and support to the new staff member during the orientation period and beyond. If the new staff is the sole health services provider in the district, facilitate connection to the health services staff in neighboring districts, the region, and the State School Nurse Consultants.

Communication and Collaboration

Emphasize the importance of effective communication and collaboration with school administrators, teachers, staff, parents/guardians, students, and external healthcare providers to promote student health and well-being.

Professional Development Opportunities

Inform the new nurse or health services staff about expectations for district professional development days and professional learning community (PLC) time. Inform new staff about available professional development resources and district process for requesting these activities.

The School Nurse Organization of Minnesota (SNOM) hosts a Foundations for the Specialty Practice of School Nursing Conference each August specifically designed for school nurses (RN and LSN) with 0-5 years of experience.

MDH School Health Services

The State School Nurse / School Health Services consultants provide monthly school health services webinars during the school year, technical assistance and consultation, and professional school nurse resources.  To learn more email: health.school.health@state.mn.us  MDH School Health Services also publishes a newsletter (fall, winter, spring).  Visit Minnesota Department of Health and scroll to the bottom to sign up for email updates.