NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY
National School Nurse Day on the Wednesday of National Nurses Week honors all school nurses who care for the children in the schools every day. School nurses promote learning through healthy children.
School nurses are often the first place a student thinks to go when they don’t feel well or have been hurt. But they also provide a wealth of information that supports a successful education as well. The observance reminds us of all the reasons the nurse is available to your school. They provide more than bandaids for scrapes on the playground and check for fevers when a child shows the first sign of illness. School nurses are first responders for medical concerns and administer mid-day doses of medication.
They advocate for students, too. In a school setting, school nurses make referrals for pediatric care when necessary. As a team member, school nurses play a vital role in guiding students to healthy lifestyles.
All the roles of a school nurse lead to healthier students who are better prepared for learning.
HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalSchoolNurseDay
Thank a school nurse you know! Send them a card of appreciation or a gift you know they will enjoy. Give them a shout out using #NationalSchoolNurseDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL SCHOOL NURSE DAY HISTORY
On July 4, 1968, the National Education Association established the Department of School Nurses (DSN), an association dedicated to the advancement of school nursing practice and the health of school-age children. Over the next few years, each state established its own school nurses association under the umbrella of the Department of School Nurses. In 1974, President Ford proclaimed the fourth Wednesday in January as National School Nurse Day. School nurses are now nationally recognized and celebrated for contributing to the health and well-being of the nation’s students. For more information on this day visit the National School Nurse Day website.
