§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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

(Source:  Amended at 38 Ill. Reg. 6230, effective February 27, 2014)