THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL NURSE

WHEREAS, the role and function of the school nurse is an essential part of the health and wellbeing of the children in our schools; and

WHEREAS, the school nurse possesses special skills in health data assessment, analysis and planning which aid in dealing with and resolving health problems which may otherwise impede a child's education; and

WHEREAS, the full recognition and utilization of the special skills of the school nurse benefit not only the children but also the family, faculty and entire community; and

WHEREAS, the daily encounter with children's health problems and their resolution coupled with the proper educational background make many school nurses fitting candidates to do research in this particular area; and

WHEREAS, the educational requirements of a school nurse are essentially equal to or greater than that of other members of the faculty:

RESOLVED, that FNHP/AFT promotes the recognition of school nurses as qualified members of the faculty with specialized skills and duties. Such skills and duties should be enumerated in a written guideline and incorporated into the collective bargaining agreements so as to define and protect it as bargaining unit work; and

RESOLVED, that FNHP/AFT promotes a fuller understanding, recognition and utilization of the school nurse's proper skills in providing and aiding quality education. (Executive Council)