Note: this blog was originally published in April 2019. For updated statistics on the school nurse shortage, visit EducationWeek.

CBS recently covered news on the school nurse shortage as a part of their “School Matters” series, and some are calling it a growing national crisis. They say “only three out of five schools across the country have a full-time school nurse… often forcing school administrators, with no medical training, to step in and provide some level of care.”

A shortage of school nurses is worrisome for our growing students, as many young students may be unaware of their own health needs and conditions. Some administrations may think a part-time school nurse is enough — but what does a student, teacher, or administrator do in the event of an emergency? Are they supposed to rely on one another to figure out what to do? Is the school staff 100% familiar with the process and procedures for calling outside medical help, sending a student to a hospital, and contacting the family?

“Students [deserve to have access to] the resources they need to be in school and be ready to learn.”

Donna Mazyck, Executive Director at NASN

Since a school nurse is the health care provider that many students see on the most regular basis, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) identifies schools as primary locations to address student health issues. Donna Mazyck, Executive Director of NASN, says this issue is a “crisis” and that “…40 percent of schools across the country do not have a full-time nurse, and 25 percent don’t have a nurse at all.” She states, “Students [deserve to have access to] the resources they need to be in school and be ready to learn.” Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least one registered nurse in every school.

And, we, here at Magnus, couldn’t agree more! Students deserve to have their health needs managed effectively while at school, as well as having someone they can trust to be there for them. Schools that utilize a digital Student Health Record (SHR) solution such as Magnus Health not only reduce their administrative workload, but also effectively manage their student health records and are better prepared in case of an emergency.

Watch our on-demand webinar to learn how a solution like Magnus Health can streamline student health management at your school — with or without a nurse on staff.