School Nursing

School nurse and student taking care of a hand injury — 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 Jackie Stiles, Coordinator, School Nursing, Student Wellness and School Culture Department.

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Health Topics

Infectious Disease Prevention Guidance and Resources

In May 2024, public health guidance around COVID-19 was dissolved into general guidance for preventing the spread of infections and respiratory viruses.

Included below are the current guidelines being followed in schools and by employers in California.

The only requirements still in place is the Cal/OSHA reporting and recordkeeping requirements, which remain in effect until Feb. 3, 2026. It requires that the employer keep a record of and track all COVID-19 cases with the employee's name, contact information, occupation, location where the employee worked, the date of the last day at the workplace, and the date of the positive COVID-19 test and/or COVID-19 diagnosis. These records must be retained for two years. It also requires that information on COVID-19 cases be provided to the local health department with jurisdiction over the workplace, CDPH, the Division, and NIOSH immediately upon request, and when required by law.

Guidance for preventing the spread of infections in schools (CDC)

On May 17, 2024 the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.

Guidance for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses when your sick (CDC)

On May 17, 2024, CDC also released guidance for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses when you're sick. The guide includes core prevention strategies to protect yourselves and others from respiratory viruses when experiencing symptoms. CDPH recommends following the CDC guidance on Preventing the Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick for confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 infection.

Considerations when a child has symptoms of illness in child care or school (CDPH)

On Oct. 2, 2023, California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in consultation with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Department of Education (CDE), released considerations when a child has symptoms of illness in child care or school. This guidance is intended to support decision-making for situations when an individual child has symptoms of illness in child care or school settings. General recommendations and symptom-based considerations are provided.

Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Guidance: Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Resources

As of Feb. 3, 2025, there is no longer a specific set of regulatory requirements relating to COVID-19 prevention in the workplace. Employers will still be required to maintain a safe and healthful place of employment as required by Labor Code section 6400, and must establish, implement, and maintain an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) as required by Title 8, California Code of Regulations, section 3203. If an employer identifies COVID-19 as a workplace hazard at their place of employment, then the employer must identify, evaluate, and correct any unsafe or unhealthy conditions, work practices, or work procedures that are associated with COVID-19.

County Resources for 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.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. It begins with a fever that lasts for a few days followed by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis, and a rash that typically appears first on the face then the rest of the body. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old. The best way to prevent measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Templates

Parent letter about monitoring measles outbreaks

Resources

Flu Season

Resources

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.

Type I Diabetes

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.

Sewage and Pollution Issues in South San Diego County

The County of San Diego is monitoring the Tijuana River Valley and beach water sewage crisis in South San Diego County and the potential impacts on health and quality of life.

To support the community, the county’s website provides information and resources on the health concerns and impacts from sewage and pollution on the surrounding communities.

They have a dedicated page of resources for schools, including guidance around reducing exposure to harmful gases and poor air quality associated with this crisis.

Individuals are encouraged to report air quality concerns to the County of San Diego through the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District, which is actively investigating numerous odor complaints from communities surrounding the Tijuana River Valley.

Report odor complaints to the San Diego County Air Pollution Control District:

Mobile app (available on Google Play and the App Store)
Phone at 858-586-2650
Email to apcdcomp@sdapcd.org, or
Visit online

The Tijuana River Research Project at SDSU is also asking individuals who show negative health symptoms associated with pollution in the region to share details by taking their Community Health Survey. Adults should submit information on behalf of their child.

Tools and Resources

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.

School Nursing

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