Information and Services from the Health Office
Our school nurse, Kristin Gormican, will be available on campus one day a week (Tuesday). The health office is located adjacent to the main office. The School Nurse can be reached by email at [email protected]. The school nurse will assist parents with the health needs of the students (e.g. medications needed at school, special health concerns, allergies etc.) and provide training for the staff so they can assist students when she is not on site.
Role of the Health Office Staff
A Registered Nurse (RN) is assigned to every school and is the first point of contact for your questions and concerns. They have a Baccalaureate degree or above, additional postgraduate education related to school health issues, and a School Nurse Health Services Credential through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
School nurses are the primary health care providers within the educational environment, promoting optimum health status and physical, mental, and emotional health so that all students may achieve their fullest potential as learners and people.
Only a school nurse can:
- Assess health needs
- Teach and promote health practices
- Provide health education, primary health care, emergency care, crisis management, and referrals
- Provide communicable disease control
- Perform mandated health screenings
- Train unlicensed staff to provide health care
Health Technicians (HT) and Special Education Health Technicians (SEHT) are unlicensed personnel with training in First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration, and Specialized Procedures as needed under the direct supervision of the credentialed school nurse. Another point of contact that can be reached if the school nurse is unavailable is the Nursing Cluster Coordinator, Sue Delira, who may be reached at [email protected] or 619-221-8090.
Forms and Health Information
Please contact the Health Office if you have a child with a health concern, need information about immunization requirements, or need health insurance. We can also provide information about accessing wellness and community resources.
Administration of Medications
The California Education Code states that any student who is required to take medication prescribed by a physician during the regular school day, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel if the district receives: (1.) a written statement from the physician detailing the method, amount and time schedules that the medication is to be taken and (2.) a written statement from the student's parent/guardian authorizing the school district to administer the medication. (E.C. 49422, 49423)
Prescription medications must be in the original pharmacy container with the original prescription label adhered to the container. Students may carry and self-administer prescription auto-injectable epinephrine and asthma inhalers if specific requirements are met.
No other prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, or alternative medications may be carried by students on their person, in a backpack or other container, except as indicated above and with the express knowledge and permission of the school nurse. Limited over-the-counter medications may be available at some school sites. They can be given only by a credentialed school nurse or trained health technician with parent/guardian consent on file.
Contact the school nurse if you have questions.
Insurance for Children
San Diego Unified School District has Certified Enrollment Clerks to help you enroll your child in Medi-Cal or Covered California insurance. To contact the district's Certified Enrollment Clerks (CEC), call (619) 571-3332 for additional information to qualify or contact the school nurse at your child's school. A list of community and public health clinics throughout San Diego, plus other community resources, is also available.
Operation School Bell
This program offers free clothing for students in grades K-6 for families who could use this service. It provides new clothing and personal grooming products to children. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the school nurse about obtaining a voucher.
Immunization Records
All students' immunization records will be reviewed in compliance with California state law. The Health Office will contact you if your child's record is outdated. For more information about immunization requirements, go to http://www.shotsforschool.org.
Vision, Dental, and Hearing Screenings
California mandates several screenings throughout the year for various grades, such as vision, dental, and hearing. Mandated screenings are done in K, 2nd, 5th, and 8th grades. We will contact you following the screenings if further follow-up is advised. Boys in 1st grade or above may be screened for color deficiency. We can provide information on vision and dental programs available to children.
Medical Alert Identification
It is recommended that students who have potentially life-threatening conditions wear medical alert identification. All students who are diagnosed with diabetes, critical asthma, uncontrolled seizure disorders, heart defects, bee sting or other serious allergies, or other conditions should wear Medical Alert identification. Call your local pharmacist for instructions on how to obtain one.
District Wellness Policy and Wellness Resources
Obesity is a serious health concern, and our children are at risk. The Federal government realizes this fact and has set goals to try to battle this. Children spend approximately 900 hours a year in school. School districts that receive federal money must improve their food services and physical education.
Each school district is required to create a Wellness Policy that reflects these mandatory changes. Because San Diego Unified is a large district, our Wellness Policy follows the Coordinated School Health model. Our Wellness Policy incorporates the following aspects: nutrition, physical education, health education, health services, counseling and support services, healthy school environment, health promotion for staff, and family/community involvement.
Contact the school principal if you are interested in participating as a parent on our School Site Wellness Council. Here are wellness resources for promoting wellness at home and school.
We are here to promote your student's functioning at his/her optimum wellness and support their educational program. Let us know how we can be of assistance.
Best Regards,
School Nurse