School Nurse
Washington School Nurse
Welcome to Washington Middle School. My name is Stephanie Nash and I am the school nurse. My job is to support your child’s health and learning this year especially during these challenging times. I can speak to you on the phone, or through online platforms.
COVID-19 Resources
I can help you sort out possible COVID-19 symptoms and to access help for testing. There is a wide variety of resources on the King County website. You can access free COVID-19 screening through the Public Health SCAN program for your children. Visit the Scan Public Heath website for more details. Use the code SCANKIDS as a quick way to bypass the daily limits for testing.
Annual Health Information Form
Please let me know if your child has a health condition which might impact his or her learning by completing this form either online though the Source (Sept 1-30), by the paper copy in the first day packet or by letting me know by email or phone.
Expanded Health Services
All SPS students can access mental and physical health services through our many school-based health centers. Services include:
- Well-child exam
- sports physicals
- immunizations and flu shots
- mental health support
- reproductive health care
- access for health insurance
- prescriptions for medications for chronic conditions such as asthma
Visit the Washington Middle School Wellness Center for more information.
Flu Clinics Coming
It is important for all of us to get an annual flu shot, especially those with chronic conditions such as asthma or those who live with family members who have weak immune systems. Flu and COVID-19 symptoms are almost the same. People who are at-risk for COVID-19 are also at-risk for the flu.
SVNA accepts insurance and cash for adults and children. Children who are uninsured may qualify for a no-cost flu vaccination.
Immunizations
We want to protect every student from communicable diseases especially during COVID-19. If your child is lacking school-district required vaccines, I will contact you. It is possible that I am missing records of vaccines your child has already had.
There are teen vaccines that are not required for school but are recommended by the Center for Disease Control. These are:
- Hepatitis A (2 doses)
- Meningococcal B (2 doses)
- Meningococcal A(1 or 2 doses)
- HPV (2 or 3 doses)
All of these are available through the School-based health centers or through the King County website.
Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ)
I may use the SDQ screening tool in grades 6 and 9 to help identify students who may need additional supports to thrive academically and socially. Parents, school staff may use this tool to give feedback about how well the student in any grade is doing in four areas: emotions, focus, behavior and getting along with others.
You can see more information about this screening tool at the SDQ website.
Vision, Hearing or Scoliosis Screening
Students in grades Pre-K, K, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 usually get near and far vision and hearing screened. I am not sure how this will be done during remote learning yet. I can help you find resources to take care of these health care needs.
Important Health Information
Immunizations Up to Date?
Washington State Law requires every student to provide proof of immunization compliance to attend school. If you received a letter from Health Services about immunizations your student needs for school, please make sure your student receives the immunization(s) listed in the letter or provide documents to indicate exemptions.
Send the immunization record to the school nurse or have your health care provider fax the record to the nurse.
Life-Threatening Health Conditions
If your student has a life-threatening health condition (Diabetes, Allergies, Seizure disorder, Asthma, etc.), the following items must be provided on or before the first day of school:
- Life-Saving Medication
- Medication Authorization forms
- Treatment Supplies
To ensure your student’s health and safety during the school day, Washington State Law requires that your student be excluded from school until these items are received by the school nurse. Please let your school nurse know if you have any barriers to providing these items so they can offer support.
See SPS Policy 3413 for more information regarding the exclusion process.
Annual Student Health Updates
Please report any health issue your child has that could impact safety and learning to the school nurse.
How to complete the Annual Student Health Update form:
- Visit The Source
- Complete a paper copy of the Annual Student Health Update form
- You may also contact the nurse directly by phone or email
Medication Form
Ask your health provider to complete the Authorization for Medications Taken at School.
- Each medication requires its own form
- Your health care provider must sign the form
- You must sign the form
This is required for ALL medications.
Medication
All medications must be in their original container and labeled with the student’s name. Prescription medication must have a pharmacy label.
Emergency medications must be in the building on or before the first day of school.
Check medication expiration dates! Try to get medications that will last the entire school year.
Flu Shots Help Save Lives!
Schedule a flu shot for your student and family members. Here’s how:
- Contact a School-Based Health Center (students only)
- Seek care from your healthcare provider
Watch for announcements for upcoming flu shot clinics.
Protection from Respiratory Illness
Take actions to help manage the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, and keep each other safe.
- Get vaccinated
- If you feel sick, stay home
- Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms
- Wash your hands frequently
- Keep hands away from your face
If you test positive for COVID-19, notify your school, and isolate at home for five full days.
Register Your Student for a School-Based Health Center
Your student can go to any School-Based Health Center within the district. Please call the clinic to make an appointment.