Health Counseling

School Nurse: Ms. Ruiz

" To promote and maintain optimum physical, mental, and social health, and prevention of disease

The Three Major Areas of Responsibility:

I. Health Education/ Prevention

A. Observes and provides health education needs applying to the school, community, and individual.

B. Plays the role as a resource individual to the school staff and adapts current health concepts to the education arena.

C. Coordinates the health program with class curriculums to ensure that each student receives sufficient instruction to be a health-oriented individual.

D. Efficiently uses health service activities as a means for direct/indirect teaching (ex: relating health films for respective health services).

E. Uses available/appropriate resources within the community to promote maximum delivery of health care services and instruction. Such resources include: The Department of Public Health and Social Services, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Guam Memorial Hospital, Private Medical and Dental Clinics, the American Red Cross, The Courts, Juvenile, Attorney General's office, Vocational Rehabilitation, Non-Profit organizations, the Guam Police Department, and the Guam Legal Services.

II. Health Services

A. Practices within the stipulated limits of school policy.

B. Administers temporary and necessary care procedures to the individual student that is sick or injured.

C. Maintains accurate, updated records of health information on all students, in addition to offering interpretation of specific medical conditions (acute or limiting) relevant to the needs of the student.

D. Performs the necessary procedures to detecting the health defects of a student. These procedures include: Taking height-weight measurement, documenting/finding a student's nutritional and health history, vision and hearing screening, reviewing immunization records, periodic inspections of the skin and scalp, recognizing emotional symptoms, and recognizing abused or neglected students.

E. Takes part in disease control through the establishment and implementation of certain community health programs. These health programs include (and is not limited to): (a) Pupil immunizations - cooperates with the local Department of Public Health resources for tuberculosis sking tests, immunization clinics, etc. (b) Management of suspected and diagnosed cases of infections, contagious diseases such as hepatitis, mononucleosis, mumps, chickenpox, measles, and influenza.(c) Detection and control of pediculosis, ringworm, impetigo, scabies, and pink eye.

F. Partakes as a member of the special services committee for the admision, review, and dismissal of certain students regarding the special services and education program.

III Health Counseling

A. Uses confidential information with good, sound judgement and professional skill.

B. Provides health counseling for teachers, parents, and students with follow up for correction or management of health or other specific problems, including scheduling parent-teacher-nurse conferences if there is a need for diagnostic or remedial services within the school structure or a medical or health care facility in the community.

C. Interprets and initiates the school health program in such a way that promotes and maintains a positive school-community relationship.