Kentucky School Nurse Certification Program |
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The School Nurse Certification Program in the Department of Nursing at Western Kentucky University exists to prepare the registered nurse to fulfill the multiple roles of the school nurse in K-12 settings. The certification is developed in collaboration with the Educational Professional Standards Board, Kentucky Department of Education.
Primary Role: The school nurse's primary role is to support student learning by acting as an advocate and liaison between the home, the school, and the medical community regarding concerns that are likely to affect a student's ability to learn (NASN 1999). The school nurse provides comprehensive services in all eight components of a coordinated school health program (Marx, Wooley, and Northrup 1998):
Bachelor of Science in Nursing: The School Nurse Certification Program is developed in the context of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program to facilitate the educational mobility of diploma and Associate Degree Nurses.
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Health services-Serves as the coordinator of the health services program, provides nursing care, and advocates for health rights. |
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Health education-Provides appropriate health information that promotes informed health care decisions, promotes health, prevents disease, and enhances school performance. |
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Environment-Identifies health and safety concerns in the school community and promotes a safe and nurturing school environment. |
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Nutrition-Supports school food service programs and promotes and promotes the benefits of healthy eating patterns. |
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Physical education/activity-Promotes health activities, physical education, and sports policies/practices that promote safety and good sportsmanship. |
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Counseling/mental health-Provides health counseling, assesses mental health needs, provides intervention, refers students to appropriate school staff or community agencies, and provides follow-up once treatment is prescribed. |
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Parent/community involvement-Promotes community participation in assuring a health school and serves as school liaison to a health advisory committee. |
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Staff wellness-Provides health education and counseling, promotes health activities and environment for school staff. |
For more information or application procedures please contact Ms. Shelia Catlett at:
270.745.6916 or by email at: shelia.cattlett@wku.edu
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