In the current dialogue surrounding school reopenings, we often encounter a wave of “reopen schools!” statements. While the desire for kids to return to in-person education is completely understandable, simply insisting on reopening fails to address the complex challenges that make this difficult, if not impossible, at present. The situation is not straightforward, and it certainly cannot be deemed safe until widespread vaccination is achieved.
Reopening schools isn’t solely about the students; we recognize that in-person instruction is vital, especially since virtual learning has proven challenging for many, particularly younger children. The past year has felt like an unending cycle of frustration, and we understand the impact it has had on children’s educational experiences.
However, safely reopening schools requires a robust team of adults, many of whom may be immunocompromised or not yet vaccinated. These individuals will be in close contact with hundreds of children who may not wear masks consistently or may inadvertently bring germs into the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the adults involved and be transparent about what is being asked of them.
Moreover, it is not just teachers who are at risk; other school personnel, including office staff, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, and social workers, are also affected. Among them, school nurses are particularly vulnerable as they navigate health crises in the school environment.
For those who volunteer at schools or participate in board meetings, it may come as a shock to learn that there was already a significant shortage of school nurses in the U.S. prior to the pandemic. According to the National Association of School Nurses, 25% of schools do not have a nurse, and 35% only employ part-time nurses.
The consequences of lacking a full-time school nurse are serious. Without a dedicated health professional, schools may need to rely on untrained staff to manage medical emergencies, administer medications, and handle chronic health conditions like asthma or diabetes. While educators may have basic first-aid training, they cannot replace the expertise of trained medical personnel during emergencies.
School nurses also take on a multitude of responsibilities crucial to safeguarding children’s health. They provide valuable consultations to school leaders, educate students and families about health practices, and train staff on health protocols. As noted by Jenna Thompson, a school nurse from the Maplewood District, “Many people think we just hand out band-aids, but we do so much more. We manage chronic conditions and support students in staying healthy enough to learn.”
The pandemic has only exacerbated the challenges that school nurses face. They now juggle responsibilities such as monitoring COVID-19 protocols, conducting daily health screenings, and isolating symptomatic students, all while fearing for their own health and safety in cramped nurse’s offices that do not allow for social distancing.
It is not surprising that many school nurses are experiencing burnout and may be unwilling to return to unsafe working conditions, fearing they could contract COVID-19 and inadvertently expose students and their families.
For instance, Olivia Marks, a former school nurse in Springfield, expressed her concerns in a heartfelt op-ed. She loved her role, which went beyond basic health checks, involving care for children with special needs and chronic illnesses. However, once she learned that her school would not enforce strict health measures, she made the difficult decision to resign. “I couldn’t risk spreading the virus to my students or colleagues,” she stated. “Returning without adequate precautions would betray the trust I built with families.”
Amy’s story is just one of many, reflecting the growing number of school staff nationwide who are leaving the profession due to health and safety concerns amidst the pandemic.
The value of school nurses, pandemic or not, is undeniable. Research shows that having a full-time nurse in schools correlates with reduced student absenteeism, improved health outcomes, and increased immunization rates. With the lingering uncertainty about the long-term effects of COVID-19 on children, the need for skilled nurses in educational settings has never been more critical.
As we discuss plans to reopen schools, we must prioritize having full-time, well-supported nurses in our educational institutions. This is a vital step towards ensuring a safe learning environment, alongside providing adequate space for isolating symptomatic children and ensuring nurses have proper protective equipment.
While we all share a desire to return to normalcy, we must only do so when it is truly safe for everyone involved. Ensuring that our schools are staffed with competent nursing professionals is a key element of that equation.
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Summary
The conversation about reopening schools must include a focus on the essential role of school nurses. With existing shortages and the added pressures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is vital to ensure these professionals are present, protected, and supported in order to create a safe learning environment for students.
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