District Nurse Coordinator:  Darlene Becker, RN

Bristol Virginia Public Schools employee one full time Registered Professional Nurse, who coordinates nursing services.  There are currently six part-time nurses employed in a contractual agreement with Wellmont Wellcare and the School Board.

The primary goal of schools is education, however school health services are an essential component of today's education program.  Schools bring together large populations of students and staff with multiple needs in the areas of first aid management, detection of contagious diseases, routine medication administration and specialized health care procedures.  Nurses provide and coordinate much of this care and serve as a professional in-service trainer to the educational staff.  Communication to parents regarding health conditions is a primary part of the nurse's  liaison work to the community and medical profession.

Nurses provide health education upon request in the areas of personal hygiene, growth and development and safety.  Promotional programs in these areas are coordinated with national health themes in different months of the school year and with the support of the Wellmont Wellcare staff.

Nurses have become an integral part of the educational system and provide a level of care and confidence to the students, staff and community in promoting health for life.

The school nurse provides the following services:

• Provides nursing assessments/services for student enrollment, childcare department, and staff in areas of first aid management, detection of contagious diseases, routine medication administration and specialized health care procedures.
• Administers medications during school hours with a "Permission for Medication"  form signed by parent/guardian and physician.
• Communication to parents regarding health referrals from screenings for vision, dental, scoliosis and other health conditions.