We had hoped for improvement. Just last spring, the CDC announced that those vaccinated could forgo masks indoors, provided they maintained social distancing of six feet. With rising vaccination rates and declining case numbers, the outlook seemed positive. Then came the delta variant, highly contagious and swiftly spreading among children. In July, the CDC changed its stance, now recommending that even vaccinated individuals wear masks indoors. This shift has stirred controversy, and the virus continues to surge, especially among children returning to school.
Our children must be in school, surrounded by their peers and educators. However, the responsibility of ensuring their safety largely falls on our school nurses. With thousands of students returning to school in recent weeks, many are already facing quarantine, a situation exacerbated by misguided political decisions—such as the actions of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis controversially made masks optional in schools through an executive order, claiming he was collaborating with parents, students, and elected officials. What about the teachers and nurses, Ron? What about the safety of thousands of children interacting daily? He even suggested that students experiencing “COVID-19 harassment”—which could include mask mandates and testing requirements—are eligible for a Hope Scholarship, allowing transfers to private or different public schools. What an outrageous stance!
Fortunately, a judge deemed this unconstitutional, allowing school districts to implement mask requirements in classrooms. In Tampa, FL, school nurse Sarah Williams is confronting the fallout from DeSantis’ directive. According to reports, her Hillsborough County district has had to isolate or quarantine over 13,000 educators and staff, with more than 2,500 testing positive.
“We’re on the front lines of COVID every day,” she stated. “It’s an overwhelming situation affecting our district, our state, and everyone involved.”
How can we ensure our nurses are safe from the virus while allowing them to address the myriad health needs of students? They are not just battling COVID; millions of students rely on them for daily medications and care for minor injuries.
School nurse Melissa Carter shared with CNN, “We manage chronic health issues like diabetes, asthma, and allergies, and on top of that, we have to address mental health concerns. There’s anxiety about returning to school and depression from prolonged isolation.”
Consider these alarming statistics: The CDC recommends one nurse for every 750 students. Yet many schools, educating thousands, often have only one nurse, or in some cases, none at all. A 2018 national study published in the Journal of School Nursing revealed that 35% of schools employ part-time nurses, 39% have full-time nurses, and 25% lack nurses entirely. These numbers highlight a critical shortage.
The pressure placed on school nurses is genuinely unfair, particularly when parents send symptomatic children to school. As we have learned throughout the pandemic, nearly any symptom warrants caution.
“The pandemic has underscored that direct care is only one aspect of what school nurses do. They consult with school leaders, educate families on health safety, train staff, and manage cases for students with significant health issues,” says Frontline Education. Their findings show that schools with full-time nurses experience substantial benefits, such as improved student attendance, more accurate medical records, higher vaccination rates, and better health outcomes for students with chronic conditions.
Eileen Clark, a school nurse in Monmouth County, NJ, expresses the shared concerns of many. She wants students to be in school and for nurses to be respected for their efforts. Clark’s greatest fear is the potential for school closures. “Kids need to be in school. We need to be in school,” she asserts, hoping that protective measures will enable a safe return to learning.
We must prioritize the safety and support of the nurses caring for our children. They deserve recognition for their hard work, and the outcome of this pandemic cannot rest solely on their shoulders. Communication with school officials and parents about the importance of masks and vaccinations is critical in combating this virus. Science must guide us as we navigate this ongoing challenge.
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Summary:
School nurses are essential yet often overwhelmed, especially in the current climate of the ongoing pandemic. They face significant challenges in ensuring the health and safety of students while managing chronic health conditions and mental health issues. As schools navigate these unprecedented times, it is crucial to support and advocate for the well-being of school nurses and recognize their invaluable contributions to student health.
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