INFORMATIONAL LETTER # 58

 

POLICY CODE:  JLC-/GCAAB

 

 

TO:                 Superintendents of Schools, School Principals

 

FROM:              J. Duke Albanese, Commissioner

 

DATE:             March 5, 2001

 

SUBJECT:            Information on school health including the new school nurse consultant

 

    The Department of Education is pleased to inform you that the position of School Nurse Consultant has been filled.  DeEtte Hall comes to this position with significant experience in school health and public health.  She may be reached at (207) 624-6688 or e-mail deette.hall@state.me.us.

 

    There are several school health issues to bring to your attention.

·        Please be aware that it is expected that all school nurses be certified through the Department of Education.  This is true regardless of whether they are employed by the school district, contracted through a community health organization, or provided through arrangements with Public Health Nursing.

·        The Coordinated School Health Program web site has been launched.  The web address is www.mainecshp.com.   The web site will provide information on the eight (8) components of school health, a calendar of events, hot topics, and recourses on school health issues.  The DRAFT Maine School Health Guidelines on the 8 components are available on the web site for review and comment.  Comments are most welcome.

·        A school nurse survey is being conducted electronically on the Coordinated School Health Program web site.  Please encourage your school nurses to complete this survey if they have not already done so.  School nurses may access the survey through the CSHP web site www.mainecshp.com.  School nurses that provide their e-mail address through the survey will be added to the new Maine School Nurse Listserv.  This listserv will be a forum for school nurses to talk with their counterparts throughout the State.

·        A school nurse summer institute is being planned for August 13 – 15.  The three-day institute will include a day of orientation for new school nurses, a day of train the trainer on ‘medication administration by non-licensed personnel’, and a day of staff development and updates for all school nurses.  More information will be forthcoming.