The ADE School Nursing and Health Services page is designed to optimize student health and learning by advancing the practice of School Nursing in Arizona. The following resources, tools, and events are available to support you in your practice.
Our goal is to provide a supportive foundation that will put School Nurses on the path toward a long, healthy career in the Grand Canyon State.
Follow these helpful tips to get started:
Sign up for ourSchool Nurse Communicationsto stay up to date on important information including training and professional development opportunities through the health services resource guides.
Visit the School Nursing and Health Resources page for resources on nursing procedures, emergency guidelines, COVID-19, and common health issues.
Join the virtual School Nurse (SN) HUDDLESto connect with school nurses and health office staff across the state and receive support from ADE.
Bookmark thiswebpage for a quick and easy reference.
In 2014, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) reversed its "free care" policy. This allowed states more flexibility to offer school-based health services by allowing school districts to bill for care delivered to any Medicaid-enrolled child - not just children with an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Effective October 1, 2021, Arizona’s Medicaid agency (AHCCCS) began offering an expansion of its school-based claiming program and calls it Open Care.
Open Care brings critical benefits to Arizona’s schools because healthy kids are better learners. Schools currently provide health services to most students without reimbursement. But funding challenges mean many schools don’t have the qualified health personnel they need to provide these services. Open Care can expand schools’ access to Medicaid funding, which can permanently and sustainably increase the number of school-based personnel in places where children need them most. Children’s health and education truly go hand in hand (Children’s Action Alliance, 2022).
ADE with its ASAP partners and Children’s Action Alliance are working to assist schools to successfully participate in Open Care. We are interested in learning more about your experience with Open Care and what questions, concerns, barriers, or issues you have or have had in implementing Open Care. If you would like to share any information with us about Open Care services and billing at your school, please share these with us here.
On November 17th -19th, the Arizona School Nurse Access Program hosted the 2nd Annual School Nurse Convention in Chandler, AZ. About 100 school nurses attended this 3-day conference event, with sessions focused on school nurse leadership, building effective teams, and data! Tucson Unified School District and Maricopa Unified School District were among the presenters who showcased their amazing work in the practice of school nursing and school health collaboration. In addition, the National Association
of School Nurses traveled to deliver the Focus on the Framework: Leadership program, designed to help school nurses develop a deeper understanding of their role in leadership including the focus on the mindset of leadership and how the school nurse leads health practices in the school setting.
The Arizona School Nurse Access Program funds school nurses in rural school health offices provides professional development programs to increase school nursing competencies, and offers multiple statewide supports to increase school nurse professional development and professional learning communities. Through this program, 49 school nurses have been hired in rural areas and the number of school nurses who received their Nationally Certified School Nurse certification has tripled!
As the largest subset of healthcare workers, nurses are critical to America’s healthcare system. Nurses protect, promote, and optimize the health of their patients by preventing illness and injury, facilitating healing, and alleviating suffering. Nurses are role models, educators, and advocates. The well-being of nurses is fundamental to the health of our nation. The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN), is a program of the American Nurses Association Enterprise designed to improve the health of the Nation's 4.4M nurses - one nurse at a time. We encourage all school nurses and health office staff to visit the site and join this free program that offers challenges, commitments, blogs, and prizes to support you in being a healthy nurse.
More than half a million Arizonans are at-risk of losing AHCCCS coverage as a result of changes made to AHCCCS/KidsCare medical coverage. Children’s Action Alliance is here to provide resources to assist individuals and families retain AHCCCS or if losing coverage, how to find affordable comprehensive coverage.
AHCCCS (Medicaid in AZ) was not allowed to disenroll members during the pandemic. Membership has grown by about 1/3 to 2.5 million. Continuous Enrollment ended April 1, 2023.
AHCCCS (DES) must redetermine eligibility for all 2.5 million members. The redetermination process will take about 12 months. AHCCCS estimates 650,000 members are at risk of losing coverage during 2023. Approximately 350,000 people are in households that have not responded to AHCCCS’s attempt to reach them.
36% of the at-risk AHCCCS members are children (not yet 19 years of age).
Schools that invoice AHCCCS for therapeutic services may see a reduction in income.
AHCCCS members need to update their contact information as soon as possible or may be dropped for lack of response. Please see the attached flyer for consumers.
Arizona offers three stock medication programs for schools: Stock Inhalers, Epinephrine, and Narcan. A school may decide to participate in none, one, two, or all programs. The following information will help you learn more about each program and the necessary steps to complete to offer these programs at your school.
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) offers an online program, the School Surveillance and Medication Program (SSMP), to assist schools in participating in the stock programs. The SSMP walks you through the requirements including annual training and items that will be needed to implement the program. Currently, MCDPH is working with all Arizona public schools to implement the stock inhaler and epinephrine programs, collecting data and offering the annual standing orders assuming schools sign up through the SSMP and follow the requirements. By starting with the SSMP site, you will gather the information and tips to establish a stock medication program.
The Stock Albuterol Program in Schools was put in place in 2017 by state law HB 2208, Emergency administration of inhalers by trained personnel; immunity; definitions, and is in law as ARS 15-158. The Arizona Asthma Coalition has a thorough description of the program. Questions specific to the implementation may be sent to Ashley Lowe via email at [email protected].
If a school opts to implement the Stock Inhaler Program there are rules, R7-2-810 Emergency Administration of Inhalers, in place by the State Board of Education regarding training, obtaining the medication standing order, and administering procedures in emergencies.
The Stock Epinephrine Program in Schools was put into place in 2018 by state law HB 2085, Emergency administration of epinephrine auto-injectors by trained personnel; immunity and is in law as ARS 15-157.
If a school opts to implement the Stock Epinephrine Program there are rules, R7-2-809 Emergency Administration of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine, in place by the State Board of Education regarding training, storage, and use of the medication in schools. The Kyah Rayne Foundation also helps with the Stock Epinephrine Program in Schools.
The Stock Narcan Program is part of the AZ Opioid Epidemic Act/Action Plan implemented in 2018. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) has a website with information offering a standing order for Narcan and a form to complete to receive a supply of the medication. ADHS also offers some links to Narcan administration training though none are specific for schools. Development of training for schools is in development and discussions are underway to incorporate the Stock Narcan Program within the SSMP. This site will be revised as updates are available.
If you are looking for more resources and how to implement this program within your school, please click here.
Upcoming Training and Professional Development Opportunities
We strive to provide ample opportunities to further the knowledge of school nursing and health services! We encourage participants to attend events if available for the opportunity to engage in the conversation and provide an audience for our presenters and connect with your health service staff. Please view the upcoming training, conferences, and/ or professional development events offered across the state of Arizona.
The 2024 Annual Arizona Immunization Conference will take place on April 23rd and 24th at the Mesa Convention Center. The purpose of the 2024 Annual Arizona Immunization Conference is to provide professional development, immunization updates, and practical program guidance for vaccine professionals as we celebrate past successes and travel toward the future.
Registration is now open. View the website for more information and to register.
SafeTALK is a four hour face-to-face workshop featuring powerful presentations, audiovisuals, and skills practice. At this workshop, you'll learn how to prevent suicide by recognizing signs, engaging someone, and connecting them to an intervention resource for further support. Sessions are offered February 28, April 24, or May 22, 2024.
Virtual training and professional development opportunities will be recorded and made available on-demand following the event. Participants are encouraged to attend events if available for the opportunity to engage in the conversation and provide an audience for our presenters. View our recorded and upcoming professional development webinars below.
The Arizona Department of Education hosted a discussion on Hypermobility/Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Hypermobility is now estimated to be a problem for around 1% of the general population. When students and parents seek information on hypermobility, the available information often paints a bleak picture. This leads parents and students down a pathway of seeking early disability, rather than working toward improvements. Dr. Neilson offered a different perspective on this condition, where we seek to help our patients improve their clinical status and overcome limitations. This webinar will give viewers the necessary information to help support students on their journey into the future.
Objectives:
Identify findings and clinical presentations associated with hypermobility
Describe the physiology underlying complications of hypermobility
Advocate for health habits and interventions for students with hypermobility-related problems
The Arizona School Nurse Access Program at the Arizona Department of Education hosted a discussion on Emergency Operations Plans (EOP). Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 15-341(A)(31) requires that each school site have an emergency operations plan that meets the minimum state requirements. In addition, modifications to ARS 15-341 (A) (31) will go into law on October 31st, 2023, and states emergency response plans must address how the school and emergency responders will communicate with and provide assistance to students with disabilities. This webinar informed attendees of the minimum requirements that go into basic and inclusive planning and highlight the school nurse's role in responding.
School nursing is a unique specialty in the nursing profession, one that is often quite foreign to nurses when they enter this field of practice with only acute care experience. This webinar provided experienced school nurses with a refresher about the scope of practice and standards of nursing practice as it relates to our state nursing practice laws and introduced new nurses to this important school nursing practice information.
Presentation Outcomes:
List at least two unique differences between a nurse's scope of practice and standards of practice
Discuss the state scope of practice for nurses and two ways they apply to the school nurse.
State two components of the school nurse’s standard of practice and their application.
Understand the role of nurse delegation to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) staff while maintaining the delivery of safe student care in the school setting.
Recognize the five Delegation Principles as the right task, the right circumstance, the right person, the right direction and communication, and the right supervision and evaluation.
List the best practice steps for nurses to use to assure UAPs are prepared and able to complete delegated activities in the school setting.
The rapid spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 in Arizona has had devastating consequences, yet we lack vital information about these health consequences. The CoVHORT study at the University of Arizona and Arizona State University is a collaborative effort between public health and medical researchers to try and learn how COVID-19 affects the residents of Arizona. Listen to CoVHORT CATS and the AZ CoVORT as individuals from the study speak on the epidemiology of COVID in youth, the impact of COVID on the whole Child, and how families can get involved.
At the end of the webinar, attendees will:
Understand the epidemiology of COVID in youth.
Identify the impacts of COVID on the whole child.
Learn how families can contribute to our understanding of COVD and long-COVID
The Arizona Department of Education hosted a webinar: Implementing SB 1654: How Schools Can Successfully Meet the Law's Requirements and Establish Seizure Action Plans at Their School. During theis session, participants received information about the law and details for complying with the law. In addition, participants were informed about training requirements and participated in a Q&A. The recording and slides are now available.
On the April School Nurse Huddle, Morgan Scadden, Sensory Screening Program Manager at the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), presented on the Sensory Screening Program at the Arizona Department of Health Services and the changes being made to the ADHS Sensory Screener Training. The recording and slides are now available.
On March 9th, 2023 from 3:30 to 4:45 PM, the Arizona Department of Education hosted a free discussion, A Holistic Approach to Family-School Partnerships, led by the Arizona State University REACH Institute. Research overwhelmingly demonstrates that involving families in educational partnerships is essential to student success. Approaching this work through a holistic lens is critical for creating and sustaining positive relationships between schools and families. This session focused on the benefits of these partnerships, the challenges of engaging families, and strategies to facilitate family engagement. A holistic approach encompassing a culturally responsive and trauma-informed framework was highlighted.
Objectives: Gain an understanding of the critical value of creating and maintaining positive family-school partnerships to promote student success; Articulate an understanding and engage in practices to work with students and families from a sociocultural perspective; Increase their knowledge of tangible strategies with which to engage families and students; Recognize contextual factors that impact family-school partnerships.
School Nurses in Arizona must maintain a broad knowledge base, have confidence in their skills, and be comfortable practicing independently. Because of this, it is important to have access to a reliable support system. ADE facilitates fun and engaging networking opportunities designed to provide new and experienced school nurses with information, encouragement, and support to help build their confidence, knowledge, and expertise.
NEW! School Nurse Huddles: Third Wednesday Of Every Month
Join us to connect and chat with school nurses and health office staff from across the state to share ideas, address challenges, gather updates, and receive support. Huddles are hosted every month by an RN Health Consultant and School Health & Wellness Specialist with ADE. Meetings have a relaxed structure where participants are encouraged to come and go as they, please.
Have a topic you would like to be addressed in an upcoming HUDDLE? Email Us!
Sign up for our School Nurse Listserv below to stay updated on the most recent school health office staff activities including professional development offerings, school nurse committee meetings, the release of new resource guides, and other important updates for school health office staff. All information can be located here.
School Nurse Committees provide a platform where Arizona school nurses can go to impact change within the state. Committees meet virtually regularly to address a specific need or new initiative that falls within the school nurse's scope of practice. Additional committees will form as new initiatives emerge, all school nurses are welcome and encouraged to join!
The purpose of the Arizona School Nurse Data Committee is to establish a regular opportunity for school nurses to meet, share ideas and questions about school health data collected and to work collaboratively to collect, analyze and understand school health data to improve the health of school-age children and to enhance school nursing in Arizona. It is expected that members of the committee will assist with topics of interest for scheduled meetings and support activities the committee elects to address through acceptance of assignments to further the goals of the committee.
The Arizona Department of Education, School Safety & Social Wellness Unit, will support the efforts of the School Nurse Data Committee by hosting the committee meetings and providing staff support to facilitate note-taking and other administrative activities required by the committee. Partners including other state agencies and Arizona nursing organizations will be recruited to support the committee activities as needed to assure successful committee outcomes.
The committee members will select a chair to guide the committee and this position will be selected at least annually, providing an opportunity for committee members to serve as chair if interested. School nurses can join the committee at any time to assist with the work of the committee and the members will set the frequency and time of meetings.
We are currently recruiting those interested in joining this committee. Sign up HERE!
A Seizure Action Plan (SAP) contains the essential information schools need to help a student who has seizures. The lack of a standard SAP has led to a variety of different plans in practice across Arizona. This puts undue stress on school and health care providers when it comes time to collect and interpret plans into an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.
Phoenix Children's Hospital has partnered with ADE and the Epilepsy Foundation of Arizona to develop a simplified SAP that can be adopted statewide. The SAP Committee is currently seeking the help of school nurses to push this effort forward!
Interested in joining the SAP Committee? Sign up HERE!
2023/2024 SY Past Seizure Action Plan Committee Meeting Minutes
The purpose of the Arizona School Nurse Leadership Committee is to establish a regular opportunity for school nurses serving in leadership roles within school districts to meet, share ideas and questions, and work collaboratively on school nursing practice to enhance school nursing in Arizona. It is expected that members of the committee will assist with selecting topics of interest for scheduled meetings and support activities the committee elects to address through acceptance of assignments to further the goals of the committee.
The Arizona Department of Education, School Safety & Social Wellness Unit, will support the efforts of the School Nurse Leadership Committee by hosting the committee meetings, assisting with data and information gathering as needed, and providing staff support to facilitate note-taking and other administrative activities required by the committee. Partners including other state agencies and Arizona nursing organizations will be recruited to support the committee activities as needed to assure successful committee outcomes.
The committee members will select a chair to guide the committee and this position will be selected at least annually, providing an opportunity for committee members to serve as chair if interested. School nurse leaders can join the committee at any time to assist with the work of the committee and the members will set the frequency and time of meetings.
We are currently recruiting those interested in joining this committee. Sign up HERE!
The purpose of the Arizona School Nurse Professional Development Committee is to establish a regular opportunity for school nurses to meet, discuss and help plan professional development events such as webinars, conferences, and other activities to support the education needs of school nurses and health staff in school health offices throughout Arizona. It is expected that members of the committee will assist with selecting topics of interest for scheduled events and suggest and/or help secure speakers for topics identified.
The Arizona Department of Education, School Safety & Social Wellness Unit, will support the efforts of the School Nurse Professional Development Committee by hosting the committee meetings, assisting with data needed to plan events, and providing staff support to facilitate planning, promoting, and organizing professional opportunities. Partners including other state agencies and Arizona nursing organizations will be recruited to support the committee activities as needed to assure successful professional development outcomes.
The committee will select a chair to guide the committee from members of the committee. School nurses can join the committee at any time to assist with the work of the committee and the members will set the frequency and time of meetings.
We are currently recruiting those interested in joining this committee. Sign up HERE!
ADE partnered with the School Nurse Organization of Arizona (SNOA) to support school nurses and health staff across the state through a survey. The survey has allowed ADE to identify professional development priorities, learn of the top five chronic health conditions in Arizona schools, determine how to engage school nurses in future school health efforts and identify COVID-19-related needs schools have or anticipate having.
Thank you to our 390 respondents to the 2021 survey. The full report is available in this pdf. We are using the responses to establish professional development (PD) opportunities, enhance our technical assistance for school nurses and guide our partnerships with the School Nurses Organization of Arizona (SNOA), the Arizona Nurses Association (AzNA), the Arizona Foundation for the Future of Nursing (AzFFN) and other state agencies including the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to enhance our support of school nursing. Join us in this effort by attending our virtual PD offerings, school nurse committees, or SN HUDDLES. Together we can advance school nursing and bring additional resources and supports to your health office.
Resources
School Nursing and Health Services has a dedicated page for resources that support the work of school nursing and health offices. This page is updated frequently, so please ensure that you are keeping up to date with relevant support. In addition, view the updated school nurse padlet below for direct links to additional resources, toolkits, support, and on-demand learning!
How can we improve school nursing and health services in Arizona? Email Us today!
Patricia (Pat) VanMaanen, MS, BSN, RN, has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, currently working as a health consultant to address health issues across a variety of clinical, community, and state-level projects. Pat has provided health care and social service project management, policy analysis, technical writing, needs assessments and community surveys, and other services, often with a focus on children’s health. She supports clients’ understanding of health needs by analyzing public health data and identifying how diseases, conditions, and social determinants affect specific populations and geographic areas.
Pat holds a Master of Science from Texas Woman’s University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Michigan. She serves or has served on several boards and advisory committees including the Arizona Public Health Association, the American Nurses Association PAC Board, the First Things First State Health Advisory Committee (Co-Chair), the Arizona Nurses Association Public Policy Committee, the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center Community Benefit and Health Equity Committee (formerly CHIN) and the Children’s Action Alliance Healthy Children Coalition.
She is the 2019 recipient of the Arizona Public Health Association Harold B Woodward Achievement Award, the First Things First 2014 Champion for Young Children Award, the 2009 recipient of the Reach Out and Read Arizona Early Literacy Leader of the Year, and the 2007 recipient of the Arizona Public Health Association Senator Andy Nichols Honor Award.
Project AWARE is a federal initiative funded by SAMHSA to build and expand the partnership between education and mental health systems at both the state and local levels.