Section 23.120 Standards for the School Nurse

Section 23

Section 23.120  Standards for

the School Nurse

a)         Content Knowledge

The school nurse with a

professional educator license endorsed in school support services for school

nurse (i.e., educator licensed school nurse) understands and practices within a

framework of professional nursing and education to provide a coordinated school

health program that encourages all students to achieve their optimal potential.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands that professional nursing is the foundation for

clinical decision-making through assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification,

planning, implementation, and evaluation, as it applies to all students in a

holistic and ethical manner.

B)        understands the concepts of health promotion and disease

prevention when addressing the health care needs of all students and others in

the school community.

C)        understands the intent of local, State, and federal rules and

regulations, their application to learners with disabilities, and their

potential impact on the school community.

D)        understands the significance of practicing within the legal

boundaries of professional school nursing.

E)        understands various technology-based productivity tools and

their application to school nursing practice.

F)         understands the concepts of the Illinois Learning Standards

(see 23 Ill. Adm. Code 1, Appendix D) when providing coordinated school health

services that integrate principles of health and education.

G)        understands the principles of public health as they apply to

the school population.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        acquires and continues to maintain current knowledge and

competency in school nursing practice in a holistic and ethical manner.

B)        collects accurate data in a systematic, organized, and ongoing

manner

ealth and education.

G)        understands the principles of public health as they apply to

the school population.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        acquires and continues to maintain current knowledge and

competency in school nursing practice in a holistic and ethical manner.

B)        collects accurate data in a systematic, organized, and ongoing

manner.

C)        analyzes and prioritizes data, utilizes scientific principles,

and applies professional judgment in determining an appropriate nursing

diagnosis.

D)        identifies expected outcomes derived from nursing diagnoses and

develops an individualized plan of care that specifies interventions to attain

expected outcomes.

E)        implements interventions identified in the plan of care and

evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes in a systematic, continuous,

and criterion-based manner.

F)         demonstrates skills in assessment and appropriate nursing

interventions and seeks available resources when addressing acute and chronic

health care needs of individuals in the school community.

G)        acts as liaison between the home, school, and community to

enhance the health and wellness of all individuals.

H)        acts as a resource integrating principles of health teaching,

health promotion, and disease prevention in the school community.

I)         participates in the development and evaluation of health

curricula, health instructional materials, and other health education

activities.

J)         implements public health mandates and participates in

environmental safety and health activities that promote self-care and safety.

K)        participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team in the

identification, evaluation, and placement of students into special education

programs and incorporates components of the individual health care plan into the

Individualized Educational Program or Section 504 Plan when indicated

nd participates in

environmental safety and health activities that promote self-care and safety.

K)        participates as a member of the multidisciplinary team in the

identification, evaluation, and placement of students into special education

programs and incorporates components of the individual health care plan into the

Individualized Educational Program or Section 504 Plan when indicated.

L)        recommends modifications of the school program for students who

require accommodations due to health needs.

M)       practices within the legal boundaries inherent in the nursing

license and evaluates school nursing practice in relation to professional

practices, standards, regulations, and policies.

N)        assigns and/or delegates tasks as defined in the Nurse Practice

Act [225 ILCS 65] and its implementing rules at 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1300.

O)        maintains confidentiality within legal, regulatory, and ethical

parameters of health and education.

P)         utilizes available technology, as appropriate to the work

setting, assuring that the information stored in the system is maintained in a

confidential manner.

Q)        applies the components of the Illinois Learning Standards when

implementing a coordinated school health program.

b)         Human Development and Learning

The educator

licensed school nurse understands human growth and development and provides a

continuum of care and learning experiences for the general and special education

populations that support the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical

well-being of all students.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the characteristics of normal, delayed, and

disordered patterns of human development and their impact on learning.

B)        understands the principles of brain development and the

interrelationship with physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth

across the life span

ysical

well-being of all students.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the characteristics of normal, delayed, and

disordered patterns of human development and their impact on learning.

B)        understands the principles of brain development and the

interrelationship with physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth

across the life span.

C)        understands the effects of biological, psychosocial, economic,

environmental, and technological conditions that influence human growth and

development and their impact on learning.

D)        understands the complex interactions of medications on the

educational, cognitive, physical, social, and emotional behaviors of all

students.

E)        recognizes how environment, culture, linguistic  background,

socioeconomic level, abuse/neglect, violence, and substance use affect growth

and development.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        applies knowledge of human growth and development and

developmental differences when providing health assessment, direct physical

care, health teaching, and guidance to all students.

B)        provides formal and informal instruction based on the Illinois

Learning Standards.

C)        recommends appropriate accommodations for individual students

with learning differences or needs, based on their level of development.

D)        assists all students to develop appropriate skills based on age

and developmental level that will help them advocate for themselves and become

knowledgeable health care consumers.

E)        demonstrates awareness of health issues and their impact in

different school-aged populations: preschool, primary, middle grade, and young

and older teens.

c)         Diversity

The educator

licensed school nurse understands how students, families, and communities

differ in their perspectives and approaches to health care and learning and

creates opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners

onstrates awareness of health issues and their impact in

different school-aged populations: preschool, primary, middle grade, and young

and older teens.

c)         Diversity

The educator

licensed school nurse understands how students, families, and communities

differ in their perspectives and approaches to health care and learning and

creates opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands how health practices and learning are influenced by

developmental/cognitive ability, individual strengths and needs, prior

learning, life experiences, gender, culture, family, community values, racial

and ethnic diversity, literacy, language, and socio-economic status.

B)        understands and is sensitive to cultural, racial, gender, and

ethnic diversity.

C)        understands ways in which similar behaviors may have different

meanings in different cultures and that some similar behaviors exist among

cultures.

D)        understands the impact of gender bias and sex-role

stereotyping.

E)        recognizes that a student's basic human needs must be met for

effective learning.

F)         understands the areas of exceptionality in learning as defined

in the federal and State statutes.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        demonstrates sensitivity to differences in students from

diverse ethnic, social, cultural, family compositions, and religious

backgrounds.

B)        delivers care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner

that is sensitive to and respectful of student and family diversity.

C)        facilitates learning in which individual differences and

cultural diversity are respected.

D)        designs assessments and intervention strategies appropriate to

students' gender, culture, stage of development, learning styles, strengths,

and needs.

E)        makes referrals for additional services or resources to assist

students with diverse needs that have an impact on learning

.

C)        facilitates learning in which individual differences and

cultural diversity are respected.

D)        designs assessments and intervention strategies appropriate to

students' gender, culture, stage of development, learning styles, strengths,

and needs.

E)        makes referrals for additional services or resources to assist

students with diverse needs that have an impact on learning.

F)         develops an individualized plan of care appropriate to

developmental/cognitive ability, individual strengths and needs, prior

learning, life experiences, gender, culture, family, community values, racial

and ethnic diversity, literacy, and language.

d)         Assessment and Evaluation

The educator

licensed school nurse understands various formal and informal assessment and

evaluation components of the nursing process to support the continual

development, optimal health, and learning potential of all students.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the significance of the critical relationship

between health and learning.

B)        understands the role of assessment in evaluating how students

learn, what they know and are able to do, and experiences that support their

optimal growth and development.

C)        understands the multidisciplinary components of a student case

study evaluation in determining special education eligibility and

implementation of health related services.

D)        understands the application of assessment and evaluation

results in the development of individual student program modifications.

E)        understands the role of assessment, planning, implementation,

and evaluation in a coordinated health program.

F)         recognizes and supports the rights of

students/parents/guardians in regard to assessment and evaluation

ealth related services.

D)        understands the application of assessment and evaluation

results in the development of individual student program modifications.

E)        understands the role of assessment, planning, implementation,

and evaluation in a coordinated health program.

F)         recognizes and supports the rights of

students/parents/guardians in regard to assessment and evaluation.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        collects, prioritizes, and documents health data from students,

families, staff, and service agencies in a systematic, organized, and ongoing

manner.

B)        uses health assessment and evaluation results to support

appropriate provision of educational and school health services.

C)        recommends modifications of the school program for students who

require accommodations due to health needs.

D)        utilizes appropriate assessment and evaluation strategies to

enhance health promotion, disease prevention, and safety.

E)        apprises the student/parent/guardian of their rights in regard

to assessment and evaluation.

e)         Planning and Intervention

The educator

licensed school nurse uses the planning and intervention components of the

nursing process to develop and plan for a coordinated school health program

that meets the needs of students, families, staff, and community.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the principles of planning and intervention when

implementing a coordinated school health program.

B)        recognizes that a plan includes measurable goals and objectives

as applicable to individual student health and learning needs.

C)        understands that plans and interventions are educationally

relevant, developmentally appropriate, and sensitive to the social, cultural

and linguistic background of the child, family and staff.

D)        understands the development of plans and interventions that

comply with local, State, and federal laws and regulations

as applicable to individual student health and learning needs.

C)        understands that plans and interventions are educationally

relevant, developmentally appropriate, and sensitive to the social, cultural

and linguistic background of the child, family and staff.

D)        understands the development of plans and interventions that

comply with local, State, and federal laws and regulations.

E)        understands the need for collaboration with students, family,

staff, and community in the development of a plan.

F)         understands the application of current standards of school

nursing practice to planning and intervention.

G)        understands how to access and utilize information relative to

student health and learning issues.

H)        understands how to prioritize when developing a plan and

implementing interventions that provide for continuity of care and optimal

learning.

I)         understands the legal implications of timely documentation

pertaining to planned interventions and evaluations.

J)         understands how to develop and implement disease prevention,

health promotion, and screening programs.

K)        understands the development and implementation of health

related curricula.

L)        understands the importance of integrating technology in

appropriate aspects of health services.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        collaborates and establishes a plan and interventions that

correlate with the expectations of student goals based on health and learning

needs.

B)        develops student-focused plans with measurable goals and

objectives.

C)        develops educationally relevant and developmentally appropriate

plans and interventions that are sensitive to the social, cultural, and

linguistic background of the child, family, and staff.

D)        collaborates in the development of plans and interventions that

comply with local, State, and federal law and regulations

ops student-focused plans with measurable goals and

objectives.

C)        develops educationally relevant and developmentally appropriate

plans and interventions that are sensitive to the social, cultural, and

linguistic background of the child, family, and staff.

D)        collaborates in the development of plans and interventions that

comply with local, State, and federal law and regulations.

E)        applies current standards of school nursing practice when

developing plans and interventions that integrate technology into school health

services.

F)         utilizes multiple sources of information when prioritizing and

developing plans and interventions that provide for continuity of care and

optimal learning.

G)        develops and implements disease prevention, health promotion,

and screening programs based on individual, school, and community needs.

H)        documents

plans and interventions in a retrievable format.

I)         collaborates in the development and implementation of

health-related curricula that address the issues and needs of students, family,

staff, and community.

f)         Service Delivery

The educator

licensed school nurse understands and uses various intervention strategies in

the development of a coordinated school health program that assists students,

families, staff, and community to achieve optimal levels of wellness and

learning.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the assessment process in the delivery of school

health services in a coordinated school health program.

B)        understands classroom methods of instruction based on current

learning standards and theory appropriate to students' developmental levels and

diversity.

C)        understands the principles of individual and group health

counseling and teaching.

D)        understands the design, development, and evaluation of health

education curricula and other instructional materials

ealth program.

B)        understands classroom methods of instruction based on current

learning standards and theory appropriate to students' developmental levels and

diversity.

C)        understands the principles of individual and group health

counseling and teaching.

D)        understands the design, development, and evaluation of health

education curricula and other instructional materials.

E)        understands the role and responsibility of a health resource

professional with respect to students, staff, families, and community.

F)         understands

the application of holistic health principles.

G)        understands

developmentally appropriate self-care.

H)        understands the implications of independent professional

nursing judgment in the delivery of school health services.

I)         understands the legal and ethical basis for policies and

guidelines that address management of medications, specialized care, and

confidentiality.

J)         understands the importance of seeking and maintaining current

knowledge and understanding of mandated health examinations, immunizations, and

screening.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        evaluates the delivery of school health services in a

coordinated school health program.

B)        provides classroom health instruction based on current learning

standards and theory, appropriate to students' developmental levels and

diversity.

C)        provides individual and group health counseling and teaching

that incorporate individual strengths, offer maximum opportunity to make

informed health choices, and promote students' participation in health care

decisions and learning.

D)        participates in the design and development of health education

curricula, instructional materials, and other health education activities.

E)        promotes self-care through education of students, families, and

staff by providing health information and resource materials.

F)         applies

holistic health principles

ote students' participation in health care

decisions and learning.

D)        participates in the design and development of health education

curricula, instructional materials, and other health education activities.

E)        promotes self-care through education of students, families, and

staff by providing health information and resource materials.

F)         applies

holistic health principles.

G)        applies current professional standards of nursing practice (see

"School Nursing, Scope and Standards of Practice, 2

nd

Edition"

(2011), published by the National Association of School Nurses, Inc., 1100

Wayne Avenue #925, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 and available at www.nasn.org;

no later amendments to or editions of these standards are incorporated by this

Section) and uses independent nursing judgment when delivering school health

services.

H)        contributes to the development and implementation of

health-related policies and procedures that comply with the Nurse Practice Act

and the School Code.

I)         implements

health-related policies and procedures.

J)         administers medications and performs specialized procedures in

compliance with State and district policy guidelines.

g)         Learning Environment

The educator

licensed school nurse understands and uses principles of health promotion and

disease prevention to promote a safe and healthy learning environment.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands principles of health promotion and disease and

injury prevention.

B)        understands how to conduct school health assessments to

identify current health issues and the need for programs.

C)        understands how to develop and implement health programs that

support a safe and healthy learning environment

nt.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands principles of health promotion and disease and

injury prevention.

B)        understands how to conduct school health assessments to

identify current health issues and the need for programs.

C)        understands how to develop and implement health programs that

support a safe and healthy learning environment.

D)        understands how to collaborate with school community, board of

education, health authorities, and community health agencies to develop and

implement health policies and procedures based on current standards of practice

that support a safe and healthy learning environment.

E)        understands how to evaluate interventions and appropriately

communicate findings.

F)         understands the responsibilities of orienting, training,

documenting competency, supervising, and evaluating tasks delegated to health

assistants, aides, and unlicensed assistive personnel as appropriate to the

school setting.

G)        understands

how to adapt technology for school health services.

H)        understands how environmental health concepts affect school

health and safety.

I)         understands

how individual actions affect the environment.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)       incorporates principles of health promotion and disease

prevention.

B)        conducts school health assessments to identify current health

issues and the need for programs.

C)        develops and implements health programs based on current

professional standards of practice in nursing and health care, current trends,

sources of funding, school policies, and local, State, and federal

laws/regulations.

D)       develops and implements health policies and procedures in

collaboration with the school community, board of education, and health

authorities, and community health agencies

s and implements health programs based on current

professional standards of practice in nursing and health care, current trends,

sources of funding, school policies, and local, State, and federal

laws/regulations.

D)       develops and implements health policies and procedures in

collaboration with the school community, board of education, and health

authorities, and community health agencies.

E)        evaluates ongoing health and safety issues for outcomes of

quality care and appropriately communicates findings.

F)        orients, trains, and supervises the performance of tasks

delegated to health assistants and unlicensed assistive personnel as

appropriate to the school setting.

G)       incorporates and utilizes technology for school health services.

H)       incorporates principles of environmental health into the

provision of school health services.

I)         teaches the consequences of individual actions as they relate

to the environment.

h)         Communication

The educator

licensed school nurse understands and uses effective communication and

technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and partnerships that

address the health, safety, and learning needs of all students.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands language development, communication techniques, and

the role of communication in learning.

B)        understands

the value, ethics, and dynamics of communication.

C)        understands written, verbal, nonverbal, and visual

communication processes.

D)        understands technology-based productivity tools and their

application to school nursing practice.

E)        understands

the impact of diversity on effective communication.

F)         understands the professional and legal implications of

confidentiality and personal privacy, including the Illinois School Student

Records Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

ion processes.

D)        understands technology-based productivity tools and their

application to school nursing practice.

E)        understands

the impact of diversity on effective communication.

F)         understands the professional and legal implications of

confidentiality and personal privacy, including the Illinois School Student

Records Act and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.

G)        understands how the development of professional networking

enhances the health and learning of school-age populations.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        promotes

and models positive, effective communication.

B)        uses various communication methods and tools to enrich learning

opportunities.

C)        utilizes various strategies to communicate effectively in a

diverse school community.

D)        utilizes

available technology to enhance communication.

E)        promotes and models ethical practices for confidential and

private communication.

F)         interprets and articulates health-related information and its

potential impact on students' learning within the school and the community.

G)       promotes informational linkages within the health care

community.

i)          Collaborative Relationships

The educator

licensed school nurse understands and develops collaborative relationships with

colleagues, families, and the community to support students' learning and

well-being.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands schools as organizations within the context of the

larger community.

B)        understands the dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration

that enhances health and learning.

C)        understands how diversity influences collaboration with

families and the school community.

D)        recognizes the need for cooperative action in order to

implement an effective, coordinated school health program

chools as organizations within the context of the

larger community.

B)        understands the dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration

that enhances health and learning.

C)        understands how diversity influences collaboration with

families and the school community.

D)        recognizes the need for cooperative action in order to

implement an effective, coordinated school health program.

E)        understands how partnerships among schools and families,

businesses, community groups, government agencies, and higher education

maximize the use of resources and promote health and learning.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        initiates contact with and acts as a liaison among the home,

school, community health agencies, community organizations, and private medical

sector to enhance the health and wellness of the school community.

B)        collaborates with the student, family, staff, and community in

the development of goals, time-lines, and decisions related to health care,

service delivery, and healthy lifestyles.

C)        considers cultural factors when cooperating with families and

the school community to facilitate student health and learning.

D)        participates in collaborative decision-making and

problem-solving with other professionals to promote students' success.

j)          Professional Conduct and Ethics

The educator

licensed school nurse understands school nursing as a professional specialty

and maintains standards of professional conduct and ethics.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands that the school nurse is the only health

professional in the school setting who is prepared in both education and

nursing.

B)        understands how federal/State/local laws and regulations govern

school health practice.

C)        understands the school nurse's position within the school

organization.

D)        understands current health and educational policies and

guidelines

understands that the school nurse is the only health

professional in the school setting who is prepared in both education and

nursing.

B)        understands how federal/State/local laws and regulations govern

school health practice.

C)        understands the school nurse's position within the school

organization.

D)        understands current health and educational policies and

guidelines.

E)        understands the professional code of conduct and ethical

practice guidelines embodied in the standards referred to in subsection

(f)(2)(G) of this Section and the Nurse Practice Act.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        maintains professional credentials and participates in regular

relevant continuing education.

B)        practices within the regulatory parameters of health and

practices within the organizational structure of the school system.

C)        practices within current health and educational policies and

guidelines.

D)        practices within the code of professional conduct delineated in

the standards referred to in subsection (f)(2)(G) of this Section and follows

current health and education directives.

E)        delivers care that promotes and preserves students' and

families' autonomy, dignity, cultural differences, and rights.

k)         Reflection and Professional Growth

The educator

licensed school nurse is a reflective practitioner who actively seeks

opportunities to grow professionally.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands that lifelong learning is an integral part of

professional growth.

B)        understands that the process of continuous improvement is

necessary to advance school health services.

C)        understands current areas of research and resources that are

available for professional development.

D)        understands and participates in self-assessment, critical

thinking, and problem-solving

rstands that lifelong learning is an integral part of

professional growth.

B)        understands that the process of continuous improvement is

necessary to advance school health services.

C)        understands current areas of research and resources that are

available for professional development.

D)        understands and participates in self-assessment, critical

thinking, and problem-solving.

E)        understands the importance of acquiring and maintaining the

skills to practice in the specialty area of school nursing.

F)         understands that professional growth is evaluated in relation

to the standards referred to in subsection (f)(2)(G) of this Section, relevant

statutes, guidelines, policies, and research.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        participates in regular professional dialogue and continuous

learning to support personal development as a lifelong learner and health

educator.

B)        uses observation, data collection, pedagogical knowledge, and

research as sources for active reflection, evaluation, and revision of

practice.

C)        consults with and utilizes the expertise of others as resources

for problem-solving, for generating new ideas, and for seeking and giving

feedback.

D)        assesses his or her own practice and needs and plans for

continuing professional development.

E)        analyzes, evaluates, and reflects on the effectiveness of

interventions in relation to outcomes.

F)         participates as a member of professional nursing and

educational organizations.

l)          Leadership and Advocacy

The educator

licensed school nurse is a member of the educational team, a leader and

facilitator of change, and an advocate for students, the school, and the

community.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the importance of the school nurse's leadership and

advocacy roles.

B)        understands the changing parameters of the professional school

nurse's scope of practice

chool nurse is a member of the educational team, a leader and

facilitator of change, and an advocate for students, the school, and the

community.

1)         Knowledge Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        understands the importance of the school nurse's leadership and

advocacy roles.

B)        understands the changing parameters of the professional school

nurse's scope of practice.

C)        recognizes the impact of social, economic, and political issues

and the legislative process on the nature and provision of health services to

students and the community.

D)        understands effective models, programs, and services available

in the school/community environment.

E)        understands the components of resource management relative to

school health services.

F)         understands the process of referral and follow-up in the

provision of health and educational services.

G)        understands the impact of cultural diversity and family

dynamics on students' learning.

H)        understands

the need to support students' self-advocacy.

2)         Performance Indicators – The competent school nurse:

A)        empowers the school community to effectively use health and

wellness resources to make informed decisions.

B)         serves as mentor and role model for students, families, and

peers.

C)         increases public awareness of school nurses' role and positive

impact on student success.

D)        develops and implements a plan for professional leadership.

E)         promotes school nursing as a professional nursing specialty.

F)         uses research and best practice guidelines to develop

appropriate problem-solving strategies.

G)        participates in policy making on local, State, and federal

levels that have an impact on the school community.

H)        identifies areas of health needs and utilizes appropriate

consultation, resources, and services.

I)          participates in resource management of the school health

services

s research and best practice guidelines to develop

appropriate problem-solving strategies.

G)        participates in policy making on local, State, and federal

levels that have an impact on the school community.

H)        identifies areas of health needs and utilizes appropriate

consultation, resources, and services.

I)          participates in resource management of the school health

services.

J)          advocates for the school health community.

K)        makes appropriate and timely referrals, including provisions

for continuity of care and follow-up.

L)         provides services that acknowledge cultural diversity and

family dynamics.

M)        extends services to students that build on individual

strengths, provide opportunities for positive lifestyle choices, and encourage

planning and direction for their own health care.