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Massachusetts Nurse :: September
2005
School Nursing 101: As the MSNO prepares
to celebrate its 100th, the MNA offers its thanks for a job well
done
 The rapid changes occurring in our society and in
our health care system present many challenges for today’s school
nurse. Many students come to school shouldering a background of
profound health risks, which, in turn, affect their academic progress
and success. Modern technology and pharmacology have made it possible
for students with special health care needs to participate within
the mainstream educational setting. Through the professional expertise
of the school nurse, student health needs are assessed, identified
and monitored. The school nurse functions with other professionals
in the school community to facilitate health and wellness so that
each student will have the opportunity for academic success.
School nursing is a specialty nursing practice that requires extensive
preparation  and knowledge in multiple areas, including:
- School nursing practice
- Public health
- Emergency care
- Communication
- Program management
- Health education
- Environmental/safety laws and issues
- Special education regulations
- Human growth and development
The new definition of school nursing According
to the National Association of School Nurses, “School nursing is
a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the
well-being, academic success and lifelong achievement of students.”
To that end, school nurses facilitate positive student responses
to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with
actual and/or potential health problems; provide case management
services; and actively collaborate with others to build student
and family capacity for adaptation, self-management, self-advocacy
and learning.
100 years of school nursing
 The year 2005 marks the 100th anniversary of school nursing in Massachusetts.
According to Dorothy Keeney, a school nurse in Boston and chairperson
of the MSNO’s, Region 8, school nursing in Boston arose as an outgrowth
of pioneering efforts by the city to improve the health and medical
care of students. In order to address high absenteeism prevailing
then among students—in part due to many being excluded because of
the era’s high incidence of contagious diseases—the Boston School
Committee on Nov. 14, 1905 turned to the assistance of nurses. On
Dec. 6, 1905, Annie McKay accepted the challenge of becoming the
first school nurse in Boston, thus making Massachusetts and nursing
history.
Sixty-five years later the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization
(MSNO) was formed and, since then, it has been a strong voice for
school nurses throughout the commonwealth. With approximately 800
members, its roster includes school nurses, school administrators,
public health nurses, practitioners, consultants, educators and
retired school nurses.
The MNSO is active on many legislative fronts and it is working
diligently to pass legislation that will mandate a registered professional
school nurse in every school in the commonwealth. In addition, the
MSNO is working to promote pay equity on par with other professionals
Attention school and municipal public health nurses: legislative
action alert!
School nursing issues takes center stage
on Beacon Hill, across the state
To commemorate its industry’s centennial, the MSNO
will hold a two-day event on Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 in Boston at the
Raddison Hotel at 200 Stuart St. For details, visit www.msno.org/events.
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