FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2015

Contact: Communications Office
(850) 245-4111

TALLAHASSEE—May 6 is National School Nurse Day. This year's theme, School Nurses: Caring for Others. Caring for Ourselves, addresses the significant healthcare roles of school nurses in school communities across the country, as well as important roles in creating a culture of health and care coordination. The Florida Department of Health celebrates School Nurse Day by honoring more than 1,200 registered nurses who serve Florida's 2.7 million school children. During the 2013–2014 school year, these registered school nurses and staff members provided 25.7 million health services in Florida's 67 school districts.

"Florida's school nurses work each school day to protect and promote the health of Florida's students," said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. "Healthy students learn better today and become the healthy workforce of tomorrow."

"The Department of Education joins the Department of Health with celebrating school nurses across the state of Florida," said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. "The school nurse has a crucial role within the school setting, one that supports the health of students and their success in the learning process."

"The Florida Association of School Health Nurses applauds the school nurse professionals in Florida for their contributions to health and the well-being of students," said Shelley Bumm, president for the Florida Association of School Nurses. "Students learn better when they are safe and have appropriate management of their health care needs."

Earlier this week, Governor Rick Scott signed a proclamation declaring May 6 School Nurse Day in Florida. This day of recognition serves as an opportunity to reaffirm the respect and appreciation Florida residents have for the significant healthcare contributions of registered school nurses.

The role of the school nurse encompasses multiple goals, including the provision of preventive and screening services, administration of medications and medical treatments, health education and assistance with decision-making about health, and immunization against preventable diseases. School nurses may also provide interventions for acute and chronic illness, injuries and emergencies, communicable diseases, obesity, substance use and abuse, mental health, dental disease, nutrition, and training and supervision of licensed practical nurses, health aides and school staff. Florida's registered school nurses are employed by the Department of Health, local school districts and community partners. As health professionals, they work daily to promote the health and well-being of Florida's children.

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.floridahealth.gov.