A Pennsylvania elementary school nurse stands by her desk. | Photo by Ben Hasty / MediaNews Group / Reading Eagle via Getty Images
When most school buildings shuttered in April, the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) sent out a survey to its members. The nonprofit specialty nursing organization wanted to know what school nurses were doing during the pandemic.
The findings showed that school nurses were still working with students and families, even if they couldn’t see them in person. Of the nearly 5,000 nurses who responded, over 70 percent said they were still helping to manage the health plans of students with chronic health conditions. Over 40 percent were holding virtual office hours, and nearly one-third were assisting with remote meal deliveries.
“School nurses have a role whether school is meeting virtually or in person,” says Donna Mazyck,…