NASN position statement: the role of the school nurse and school-based health centers

Abstract

The National Association of School Nurses holds the position that a combination of school nursing services and school-based health centers (SBHCs) can facilitate positive health outcomes for students. SBHC services complement the work of the school nurses, who are responsible for the entire population of students, by providing a referral site for students without another medical home. SBHCs may provide primary nursing, medical, dental, mental health and other services to those students enrolled in the SBHC program. When available, SBHCs should be integrated with school nursing services to provide a continuum of health services to keep students healthy, in school, and ready to learn. Funding for SBHCs and school nurses typically comes from different sources, so the relationship should by complementary and not competitive.