VI. Students with Special Needs

Children with unique health conditions are living longer due to advances in medical technology and improved medical and nursing interventions. Such students with special health care needs may require specific technology, health services or program modifications in order to access the educational program. School nurses can promote and facilitate opportunities for these students.

Some students will require only initial assessment, periodic monitoring and support by the school nurse. Others will require sophisticated health care and support services, modification of programs and adaptations to meet safety requirements.

In order to benefit from their educational program, those students with complex needs may require clinical nursing services and supervision on a daily basis, frequent reassessment of health status, planning, intervention and evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, special preparation of school staff, and intense collaboration with the student, family, educators, and community health care providers.

In addition to clinical knowledge regarding children with disabilities, School Nurses should know the federal and state laws and regulations affecting nursing practice in school settings.