Nursing Philosophy
At San Marcos Unified School District, our Nursing and Wellness team is dedicated to promoting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all students through compassionate, trauma-informed care. We prioritize prevention, early intervention, and health education to empower students with the knowledge and tools to maintain lifelong wellness. Collaboration with families, educators, and community partners ensures that every student receives comprehensive, culturally responsive care. Our nurses advocate for student health and safety, supporting the whole child in achieving their full potential. Committed to professional excellence, we continuously strive to provide evidence-based, ethical care that meets the diverse needs of our school community.
Role of the Health Office Staff
Each school is supported by a Registered Nurse (RN), who serves as the primary point of contact for any health-related concerns. These RNs hold Baccalaureate degrees or higher, have completed post-graduate education in school health, and are credentialed or are in progress to be credentialed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
School nurses play a critical role in maintaining the overall well-being of students. They focus on promoting physical, mental, and emotional health, enabling students to reach their fullest potential in both learning and personal growth.
School nurses are uniquely qualified to:
- State mandated audio-visual screening
- Visual acuity assessment
- Hearing assessment (audiometry)
- Developing, training, implementing and monitoring specialized physical health care procedures for students with chronic health conditions.
- Facilitating access to health care for students and staff
- Interpreting medical orders, medical reports and terminology for non-medical staff
- Orientating and supervising school staff, including Health Aides, who are carrying out health care procedures assigned by the school nurse
- Educational presentations to staff on issues such as first aid, allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), seizure disorder, and diabetes care
- Collaborating with school staff on 504 and IEP plans for students with special needs
- Advocating for increased nursing services, career education, mentoring new nurses, and serving as preceptors for school nurse candidates
Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs) offer a range of health services to students, including first aid, illness/injury screening, and medication administration (oral, aerosol, and injectable). They also provide emergency care and assist with specialized medical procedures as directed by the RN.
Health Aides (HAs) are trained in First Aid, CPR, Medication Administration, and other specialized procedures. While unlicensed, they work under the direct supervision of a credentialed school nurse to support student health.
What to Expect in the Health Office
Health Offices may be staffed by RNs or HAs. To ensure consistent and comprehensive care for students, our Health Office team maintains continuous communication. If a Health Aide has any questions or requires guidance, a Registered Nurse is always available for support.