The demands of school nurses have increased in recent years. Not only do they need to keep track of the immediate health concerns of students that may be ill, they also must give children medications, keep track of immunization records, and serve as the liaisons between schools and outside medical professionals. An alarming trend across the country has been cutting some of the nurse positions. This means that many nurses split their time during the days and week between multiple buildings.
The Role of Health Clerks
To help with the time crunch and increased demands within school health offices, some districts have added health clerk positions. These individuals are trained to provide basic first aid to students who need assistance. In addition to this, they may review student immunization date to make sure that it is up-to-date based on the always changing state regulations. Depending on the school, health office, and student needs they are able to perform many responsibilities that allow the school nurse to do other tasks.
The Oxnard Union High School District recently voted to reinstate six health clerks back into their schools. Each of the campuses will have a health clerk back to take care of items so the school nurse will not have to risk student health and safety when away doing clerical and administrative work. The district recognized that while the cost of the clerks will be almost $200,000 a year, it is a safety concern. During school board meetings, officials noted that a school nurse without a health clerk is similar to a doctor without a receptionist.
The clerks are able to field calls from classrooms, handle general first aid concerns when students come to the office, and help during emergency situations. With their assistance, schools nurses can focus on specific student needs without being pulled in too many directions.
With school budget drafting periods for the next school year starting now, districts need to assess whether or not health clerks would be beneficial for their schools. Perhaps some buildings need an individual full time, while others may be able to share this person between two close schools. The end product needs to be coming up with a plan that will help the school nurse and keep the health and safety of all students at the top of the priority list.