School Nursing in a Pandemic: Striving for Excellence in Santa Fe Public Schools

Abstract

When the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic led to school closures around the nation in March 2020, the role of the school nurse changed significantly, and it has continued to evolve as districts grapple with how to safely meet students' academic needs while also protecting the health of their communities. Nurses working for Santa Fe Public Schools in New Mexico have taken their new roles seriously and have been working closely with their district leaders, the New Mexico Department of Health, School Health Advocates, and the Public Education Department to facilitate evidence-based policies and procedures. Activities have included cohorting, contact tracing, resource development, education (of staff and families), planning and implementation of safety procedures, coordination of surveillance testing, and staff screening, along with finding new, COVID safe ways to provide standard school nursing services, including immunization administration, hearing and vision screening, teaching, and promoting wellness and mental health.

Keywords: COVID-19; hybrid education; public health; school nurses.

Figure 1.

This document illustrates Santa Fe Public Schools mask requirements and was distributed to families prior to their students attending hybrid. It was created by Myrna Barbee-Lee

Figure 2.

This document was created by an SFPS nurse to provide clear instruction to families of symptomatic students being sent home from school Note. SFPS = Santa Fe Public Schools; COVID-19 = coronavirus disease 2019.

Figure 3.

This informational graphic was created by an SFPS nurse Gillian Norris and is used by district nurses to guide contact tracing Note. SFPS = Santa Fe Public Schools; COVID = coronavirus disease 2019; NMDOH = New Mexico Department of Health.