Notes from the Lincoln High School Nurse

Hi, I am Kathy Ryan. The 2008-2009 school year will be my third year as a school nurse with San Diego Unified School District. I worked at Bell Junior High in 2006, and was excited at the opportunity to open the Health Center for the Lincoln Hornets in 2007.

I have been a Registered Nurse for 30 years. As a Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science in Nursing and a California School Nurse Credential I have worked in a variety of hospital, community health and family practice settings. I teach Community Health, Health Assessment and Nursing Leadership to nursing students at the University of Oklahoma College of Nursing at Sharp HealthCare.

I am a member of National Association of School Nurses (NASN) as well as Government Relations Chair for the San Diego/Imperial Section of the California School Nurse Organization. I am CPR and First Aid Certified.

We welcome parents, family members and community members to stop by our Health Center for a tour or to discuss any concerns or questions. Parents are also encouraged to become active members of the Wellness Council or volunteer at the school.

The Health Office at Lincoln High School is open 5 days a week during the school year. The office is located in the Administrative wing of the school in Room 136. Our phone number is (619) 266-6502. Our fax number is (619) 266-6606. Phone messages may be left in the voice mail system.

.LINCOLN HIGH SCHOOL HEALTH CENTER

Children should be in school, healthy and ready to learn

School Health Services are established at the school site to promote the health of students through disease prevention, case finding, referral for intervention and remediation of health problems. School health services are vital in providing triage for illness and injuries, first aid and direct services for students with special needs. We also provide health counseling and education for students, staff, and parents.

The following services are available to students and families:

· Administration of Tuberculin skin tests
· Collaboration with other school staff regarding student needs and referrals
· Communication with staff to address the medical needs of students
· Routine first aid and health assessments of students
· Health counseling
· Healthy Families/Medi-Cal referral
· Medication administration (routine and emergency)
· Medical Referrals and resources
· Meet with parents/student guardians as necessary
· Meet with students to address health and mental health needs
· Monitor attendance and communicates with appropriate supports
· Monitor Immunizations of students, provides immunizations for students to maintain status
· Provide referrals for substance abuse rehabilitation programs
· Special Education assessments for students with medical needs
· Sports physical
· Vision, hearing and dental screening and referrals
Medications at School: We are able to administer over-the-counter medications and prescription medications with a signed consent and physician order. Parents/guardians need to contact the school nurse to complete the required forms so their teen may receive the medication(s) during school hours.

Health Problems: Please inform the school nurse about any health issues your teen may have. This will ensure their safety and welfare. These include, but are not limited to, asthma, diabetes, seizure disorders, sickle cell disease, cancer, allergic reactions requiring Epi-pen, orthopedic problems, or hearing problems.

Attendance: Regular school attendance is critical for your teen’s success at school. Please notify the Attendance Office if your teen is out for more than 3 days. Extended absences related to health/surgeries should always be reported ASAP to the school nurse.

Links

bphsbvt@hotmail.com (Healthy Start)

http://www.asthmaactionamerica.org/ (Asthma resources)

http://www.coolnurse.com/ (Information to help today’s teen and young adult achieve and maintain a high level of health, fitness and well-being

http://www.efrconline.org/ (Exceptional Family Resource Center)

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/ (Epilepsy resources)

www.ccssd.org (Center for Community Solutions -Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Prevention)

www.cdc.gov (Centers for Disease Control)

www.CHADD.com (ADHD information)

www.NAMI.com (Mental Health information)

www.sandi.net (San Diego Unified School District)

www.sharp.com/hospice (Bereavement support)

www.teenagehealthfreak.org (website devoted to all teen health issues)

www.webmd.com (Medical information)

http://www.coolnurse.com/