One school. One School Nurse.
That is the policy being recommended in a report released today by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
The organisation says the current standard of one nurse for every 750 students is inadequate because it allows for nurses to be spread out over several schools in some instances.
The AAP says it’s crucial with today’s obesity epidemic and rising tide of chronic illnesses to have a registered school nurse stationed full time at every school to help with the growing array of student health issues.
More students are suffering from obesity as well as asthma, autism, eating disorders, food allergies, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
In addition, students with special needs who previously attended separate classes on another campus are now more often being mainstreamed into regular classrooms.
Some districts are using creative methods to find funds for school nurses.
Some education officials are seeking Medicaid reimbursements for putting a nurse on staff. Other districts are forming partnerships with local hospitals to get nurses on campuses.
A recent American study concluded that for every dollar spent on school nurses, $2.20 is saved in potential loss of time for teachers, principals and, other educators.