School Nursing
Helping keep children healthy, safe, and ready to learn
The school nurse is a crucial member of the educational team who attends to the health and well-being of all students and is a liaison with the family and medical care sources. If you have questions about countywide school nursing or information on this page, contact Corinne McCarthy, Coordinator for School Nursing.
Join the School Nurses Mailing List
Don't miss out on this networking opportunity—join the School Nurses Mailing List today! It's easy to join; all you need is an email address. Consider joining both at home and at school so you don't miss out.
To subscribe, please email your request to Roxanna Bayon at roxanna.bayon@sdcoe.net. You will receive a confirmation email once you've been added to the list.
More to Explore
- Professional Organizations
- Individual Student Healthcare Plan Templates/Sample Policies and Procedures
- Naloxone Toolkit
- Current Health Topics
- Drug Impairment Intervention Toolkit
- Professional Development and Events
- Epinephrine Standing Order for California Schools
- Additional Resources
Professional Organizations
Individual Student Healthcare Plan Templates/Sample Policies and Procedures
The disease / disorder-based Individual Student Healthcare Plan (ISHP) templates are provided by credentialed school nurses from all over San Diego County. Many thanks to all those who have contributed and will contribute as we add to the list.
There are many approaches to developing ISHPs for our students. These Word templates are downloadable and editable and merely provide a starting point for individualizing the care and approach our students need and deserve. Some students with multiple concerns may require sections from several of the templates to be incorporated into their ISHP.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W XYZ
A
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Adrenal Insufficiency
- Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
- Anaphylaxis
- Anemia
- Angioedema
- Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery
- Anxiety
- Aplastic Anemia
- Asthma Symptom Action Plan (ASAP)
- Autism
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
B
C
- C4-Quadriplegia
- Central Line
- Cerebral Palsy
- Chiari's Malformation
- Chronic Kidney Stones
- Chronic Renal Failure
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
- Conversion Disorder
- Costochondritis
- Cystic Fibrosis
D
- Depression
- Diabetes Type I
- Diabetes Type I Independent
- Diabetes Type II
- Diapering/Toileting Procedure
- Diapering/Toileting Procedure Slides
- Down Syndrome
- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- Dysmenorrhea
- Dysthymia
E
- Encephalitis - Status Post
- Encopresis
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
- Epidermolysis Bullosa
- Ewing's Sarcoma
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
- Phenylketonuria
- Pituitary Adenoma-Hormonal Imbalance
- Post Concussion Syndrome
- Post Rattlesnake Bite
- Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome
- Prader Willi Syndrome
- Pseudotumor Cerebri
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Pulmonary Atresia
Q
R
S
- Schizophrenia
- Severe Allergic Reaction-Anaphylaxis
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- Spondyloarthritis
- Status Post Care Gastrointestinal Bleed
- Steroid Hyperglycemia
- Student with 1-1 LVN at school
- Suicidal Ideation
- Syncope
T
- Toileting/Diapering Procedure
- Toileting/Diapering Procedure Slides
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Trisomy 21
- Tubular Sclerosis
U
V
W
XYZ
Naloxone Toolkit
As you may be aware, there is an opioid epidemic impacting people of all ages in this country. Thankfully, the documented impact on teens in San Diego County remains extremely low. But even one child using drugs and putting their life in jeopardy is one too many. To promote awareness and aid districts in obtaining naloxone, a life-saving drug that reverses an opioid overdose, SDCOE has gathered a variety of resources to provide instruction and guidance in this process.
The California Department of Health Care Services' (DHCS) Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) is funded by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and administered by DHCS to combat opioid overdose-related deaths throughout California. The NDP aims to address the opioid crisis by reducing opioid overdose deaths through the provision of free naloxone, in its nasal spray formulation. Since October 2018, qualified organizations and entities have been able to request free naloxone from DHCS. SDCOE recommends all county districts partner with DHCS.
Supporting Documents and Information
- California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) — Naloxone Distribution Project (NDP) Website
- California DHCS - Statewide Standing Order and Training Video for Naloxone
- California DHCS — Naloxone Distribution (NDP) Flier
- California DHCS — Naloxone Distribution (NDP) Overview
- SAMHSA Overdose, Prevention and Response Toolkit
- Template — Standing Physician Orders (.docx)
- Sample — Naloxone Policy and Procedure (.docx)
- Sample — Opioid Antagonist Board Policy (.doc)
- Overview — Assembly Bill #1748, Chapter 557 (PDF)
- Overview — CA Education Code Section 49414.3 (PDF)
- California School Nurse Organization- Guideline for Specialized Health-Care Services in Educational Settings: Opioid Antagonist (includes all documents to meet CA Ed Code 49414.3; training guidelines, checklists, request for volunteers, etc)
Other sources for free Narcan for schools
-
SAY San Diego
SAY San Diego can provide free training regarding fentanyl and opioid risks, how to recognize opioid overdose symptoms, and how to use Naloxone to try and reverse the overdose. We can distribute Narcan nasal spray and Fentanyl test strips to those who attend the training and request it. Our services, the Narcan nasal spray, and Fentanyl test strips are provided at no cost. SAY is funded by the County of San Diego to do alcohol and other drug prevention in the community and in collaboration with the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego. SAY can provide this training anywhere in San Diego County.
SAY can provide training to:
- Parents, community members, community groups, civic organizations
- School staff and students (middle and high school)
- Law enforcement and first responder
- Military personnel
- Transitional age youth (ages 12 -25)
- College students and staff
- Trade schools
- Justice involved youth and adults
To request free presentations, receive Narcan Nasal Spray and/or Fentanyl Test Strips please contact:
William Perno, wperno@saysandiego.org or Claudia Ciarmoli, cciarmoli@saysandiego.org
Current Health Topics
CHDP Physicals for Kindergarten/1st Grade Entry
CDE confirmed that the sunset of the CHDP program has cancelled the requirement where students were required to get CHDP physicals for Kindergarten/First grade entry. It is no longer a mandate after July 1, 2024.
Type I Diabetes information
Pursuant to California Education Code Section 49452.6, this type 1 diabetes information provided by the California Department of Public Health is for local educational agencies to provide to parents and guardians of incoming elementary school students beginning Jan. 1, 2023. The fact sheet includes information about risk factors, warning signs, screening tests, and treatments.
CDC - Guidance for preventing spread of infections in schools
On May 17, 2024 the CDC released consolidated, evidence-based guidance for preventing the spread of infections in K-12 schools. The guidance includes everyday actions that schools can take to prevent and control the spread of respiratory and stomach viruses, such as influenza and norovirus, and bacterial illness, such as strep throat. This guidance is designed to maximize school attendance and its benefits for all students, while also preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Being in school provides many benefits, including ongoing learning and social and emotional development.
Flu Season
- Parent letter about triple threat of RSV, flu, and COVID-19
- Parent letter about flu season
- CDPH communications toolkit
- San Diego County influenza webpage
- Flu shot locations in San Diego County and across the state
- Tips To Help You Stay Safe This Flu Season
- Get a flu vaccine
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory illnesses like the flu.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, limit your contact with others as much as possible so you don’t spread your infection to them.
AB 367 Menstrual Equity
Extreme Heat
- CDPH health guidance for schools on sports and strenuous outdoor activities during extreme heat (rev. May 22, 2024)
- SDCOE tips and resources for staying safe during extreme heat
Mpox
- Parent letter about Mpox
- Fact sheet on Mpox (for staff members)
Mpox Frequently Asked Questions
Answers provided by San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency. For more information and resources visit the county's Mpox webpage.
What criterion would there be to close a classroom or school because of mpox?
There is no need for classroom closures due to a mpox case. Mpox is largely transmitted by close direct skin to skin contact. If there were a case in a school-aged child the close contacts would be notified and would be instructed to monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Contacts who continue to be asymptomatic can continue their daily activities including attending school.
Are schools planning to provide testing for mpox for students and staff?
Schools would not be providing testing or evaluation for mpox on their campuses. For a person to have mpox they would need to have a vesicular/pustular rash and you cannot be tested for mpox unless you have a rash. Evaluation for mpox in suspected cases should be performed by a licensed medical professional who would then decide if testing were indicated.
Will schools be doing contact tracing if there is mpox?
At this time, schools will not be doing contact tracing for mpox; however, if schools have concerns about a possible case, they should contact their county epi schools point of contact.
Will parents be notified when someone in that school had mpox?
Close contacts of a student with mpox will be notified and that would be done through the County Department of Public Health. The risk to the general school population if there were a case of mpox is low and therefore noncontacts would not need to be notified.
What would constitute a “cluster” or “outbreak” for mpox in a school?
Currently, there is no CDC definition of what would be considered a “cluster” or “outbreak” of mpox cases in a school.
Will schools post mpox cases on their websites, as they do COVID-19?
At this time, it is not clear that there would be a need to post mpox cases on school websites.
Will there be a mpox decision tree?
At this time, it is not clear that there would be a need for a mpox decision tree.
Will students have to test for mpox before school entry or before sports participation?
Students will not have to test for mpox before participation in school or sports. People can only spread mpox if they have symptoms/a rash. There is no screening of persons for mpox without symptoms because there is no asymptomatic testing. If there is a concern for a mpox case, that person needs to be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional.
What hygienic measures must be taken to prevent spread of mpox in schools? What about after a mpox case?
The same disinfectants used for emerging infections to clean surfaces and classrooms on the EPA list are sufficient for mpox. These measures are not dissimilar from the hygiene measures recommended to schools for COVID-19.
What extra precautions should parents and educators of kids with special health care needs take to protect them from mpox?
Continued basic hygiene measures should be employed which includes hand washing and cleaning of commonly used surfaces in the school.
What else are schools doing to prepare for mpox?
The risk to the general population, including schools, with mpox is very low. Mpox is a very different disease than COVID-19. HHSA continues to partner with schools to educate them about current public health guidelines.
Drug Impairment Intervention Toolkit
This toolkit aims to share sample protocols/policies, templates, and resources that align with best practices when identifying and supporting students who are possibly under the influence of drugs.
These materials were created by the SDCOE’s Student Wellness and School Culture Department with input from more than 200 California credentialed school nurses and San Diego physicians.
Possible Drug Impairment Action/Intervention Flowchart
The flowchart is for use by all school personnel. To customize the flowchart for your school community, click on the document to be taken to the template.
Resources
Drug Impairment Assessment
This assessment document is to be used only by licensed personnel who are trained in assessment after determining the person is stable to remain on the school site.
The assessment was created based on input from more than 300 registered credentialed school nurses in California, and can be customized based on your school policies and procedures.
The information gathered in this document is meant to support the student. Collaboration with social workers, counselors, administrators and families is essential to ensure the best possible outcome for all students moving forward
I Choose My Future, a captivating presentation and video series designed with students in mind, provides viewers with comprehensive, straightforward insight into how substance abuse impacts the individual, their families, and society.
The drug prevention and awareness resource guide includes materials, data, and curriculum, around the dangers of opioids and other drugs, and training on naloxone, the opioid-reversing drug available to all schools in the county.
Information and Resources for Parents
- County of San Diego Substance Use Disorder Treatment Services
- National Institute on Drug Abuse
- Operation Prevention San Diego
- California Safe and Supportive Schools
- SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- San Diego Al-Anon Family Groups
- San Diego County Health and Human Services Behavioral Health Services Directories for Children, Youth , and Families
Information and Resources for Students
Youth Mental Health
- BrightLife Kids: For parents or caregivers and kids 0-12 years old and is available via iOS (on Android mid-2024).
- Soluna: For teens and young adults ages 13-25, and is available via iOS and Android.
Professional Development and Events
School Nurses Institute (Virtual)
9/17/2024 | 10/01/2024 | 11/5/2024 | 12/3/2024 | 1/07/2025 | 2/4/2025
School Nurses Resource Meeting (Virtual)
9/12/2024 | 10/17/2024 | 11/14/2024 | 12/12/2024 | 1/09/2025 | 2/06/2025 | 3/13/2025 | 4/10/2025 | 5/07/2025
Unlicensed School Health Personnel Training Lecture Series (Virtual)
9/24/2024 | 10/15/2024 | 11/19/2024 | 12/10/2024 | 1/21/2025 | 2/25/2025
Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (Virtual)
10/30/2024
Please visit the Health and Well-Being page for a complete list of professional development opportunities and events offered by SDCOE.
Epinephrine Standing Order for California Schools
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE), issued in April 2024 a statewide standing order to help reduce morbidity and mortality associated with anaphylaxis by facilitating the distribution and administration of epinephrine in California schools. This standing order authorizes a California school (public, charter or private), school district or county office of education to obtain epinephrine auto-injectors for elementary schools, junior high schools, middle schools, and high schools.
You can find additional information on the CDPH and CDE websites.
CDPH Standing Order Site - Home (ca.gov)
Administration of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors - Health Services & School Nursing (CDE)
Additional Resources
Diseases and Conditions
San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency compiles the latest resources on diseases, conditions, and vaccines, on its website. You can find materials for each disease, including fact sheets, infographics, brochures, and more.
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main contacts
Mara Madrigal-Weiss
Executive Director,
Student Wellness and School Culture
Linda Vista Campus
mmadrigal@sdcoe.net
858-298-2068
Corinne McCarthy
Coordinator, School Nursing
Student Wellness and School Culture
Linda Vista Campus
corinne.mccarthy@sdcoe.net
858-298-2094
Roxanna Bayon
Administrative Assistant III,
Student Wellness and School Culture
Linda Vista Campus
roxanna.bayon@sdcoe.net
858-298-2075