title: An innovative program to address learning barriers in small schools: Washington State School Nurse Corps.
abstract: While all schools in Washington State have had to deal with shrinking financial resources, small, rural school districts, with fewer than 2,000 students, face unique circumstances that further challenge their ability to meet rising student health needs. This article will explore how small districts utilize the services of the Washington State School Nurse Corps (SNC), an innovative program that supports student health and safety while reducing barriers to learning. Through direct registered nursing services and regional nurse administrative consultation and technical assistance, the SNC strengthens rural school districts' capacity to provide a safe and healthy learning environment. In addition, we will examine current research that links health and learning to discover how the SNC model is successful in addressing health risks as barriers to learning. Lastly, as resources continue to dwindle, partnerships between schools, the SNC, and state and local health and education organizations will be critical in maintaining health services and learning support to small, rural schools.
authors.affiliation: Educational Service District 105, Yakima, WA, USA.
authors.forename: Gail Ann
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Fast
authors.forename: Lorali
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gray
authors.forename: Mona
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Miles-Koehler
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000451:nursing*; D017146:Models, Organizational; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012572:School Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012573:School Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012574:Schools / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014861:Washington