fbpx

School Nurse Corps

School Nurse Corps2022-04-04T16:16:59-07:00

School Nurse Corps Overview

Washington State School Nurse Corps was established and funded by the state legislature to support registered nursing services in small, rural school districts. For over 20 years, School Nurse Corps has promoted equitable access to student health services and expanded the capacity of school districts to provide safe and healthy learning environments and optimal health for each student. Through partnerships with schools, public health, and regional, state and national agencies, School Nurse Corps focuses on improving student health outcomes, safety and readiness to learn.

Vision

All children receive equitable, full access to school nursing services to be healthy, safe and successful in school and life.

Services

  • School district funding in support of registered nursing hours.
  • Health services support for school nurses and school district administrators, including consultative and technical services, quality improvement efforts, and school nurse orientation, mentoring, resource access and professional development opportunities.

Directory

DistrictNurseEmailPhone
BrewsterAllElvia Martinez, RNmmartinez@brewsterbears.org509.686.5656
BrewsterAllNicole Smith, RNnsmith@brewsterbears.org509.689.2581
Bridgeport AllSusan Sloan, RNssloan@bridgeport.wednet.edu509.682.2201
Cascade
AllCrystal Clabaugh, RNcclabaugh@cascadesd.org509.648.5832
Cascade
AllSam Jerome, RNsjerome@cascadesd.org509.433.0017
Cashmere
AllAmber Varrelman, RN
avarrelman@
cashmere.wednet.edu
509.782.2001
Coulee-Hartline AllSarah Kruger, RN
skruger@achwarriors.com509.632.5231
Eastmont Rock Island
Grant
Clovis Pt.
Emily Rader, RNradere@eastmont206.org509.632.5231
Eastmont Cascade
Eastmont JH
Erica Brooks, RN
brookse@eastmont206.org509.884.0523
509.884.2407
EastmontRI, Kenroy, Sterling PreKNick Lolos, RNlolosn@eastmont206.orgRI - 509.888.5023
Kenroy - 509.888.1443
Sterling - 509.884.7115
EastmontKenroy
Eastmont HS
Rochelle Jessup, RNjessupr@eastmont206.org509.884.1793 (Kenroy)
509.884.6665 (EHS)
Eastmont Lee
Sterling
Eastmont Academy
Sylvia Renteria, RN
renterias@eastmont206.org509.630.7639
Entiat
AllKelsey Browning, RN kbrowning@entiatschools.org509.888.5176
Ephrata Ephrata HS
Tiger Club Preschool
Pam Cleveringa, RN
pcleveringa@
ephrataschools.org
509.754.7232
EphrataEphrata MS
Parkway
Shellie Hansen, RNshansen@
ephrataschools.org
509.754.7232
EphrataGrant
Columbia Ridge
Brandy Hawkinsbhawkins@
ephrataschools.org
509.754.7267
Grand Coulee Dam AllMelissa Dunlap, RN
dunlapm@cmccares.org509.631.3165
Lake ChelanMS
HS
Amber Doede, RNdoedea@chelanschools.org509.888.6766
Lake ChelanChelan MS
Chelan HS
Donna Sibbers, RNsibbersd@chelanschools.org509.888.6766
Lake Chelan MOEErika Scroggie, RN
scroggiee@chelanschools.org509.682.4031 ext 4
MansfieldAllBrenda Webster RN
bwebster@mansfield.wednet.edu509.683.1012
Manson AllMichelle Rogge, RNmrogge@manson.org509.687.9502
509.687.9585
Methow Valley
AllAdriana Vanbianchi, RNavanbianchi@methow.org509.557.0012
Moses LakeColumbia MSPenny Mayo, Lead RNpmayo@mlsd161.org509.793.7577
Moses Lake
Early Learning
Midway
Jennifer MaGee, RNjmagee@mlsd161.org509.793.7547
Moses Lake
MLHS
Vanguard
CB Tech
Digital
Liz Pray, RN
epray@mlsd161.org509.793.7576
Moses Lake
Frontier
Groff
Debbie Johnson, RN
dejohnson@mlsd161.org509.793.7575
Moses Lake
Knolls Vista
Park Orchard
Courtney Russell, RN
crussell@mlsd161.org509.793.7579
Moses LakeLakeview
Garden Heights
Michelle Starnes, RNmstarnes@mlsd161.org 509.793.7548
Moses LakeMLHS
Vanguard
CB Tech
Digital
Cindy Welsh, RNcwelsh@mlsd161.org509.793.7549
Moses LakePeninsula
Sage Point
Denise McDonald, RNdmcdonald@mlsd161.org509.793.7578
Moses LakeLongview
Larson Heights
Amanda Lundberg, RNalungberg@mlsd161.org509.793.7573
Moses LakeEndeavor MS
North Elementary
Stephanie Bannon, RNsbannon@mlsd161.org509.793.7574
Nespelem Preschool - Grade 8Robin Arnold, RNrarnold@nsdeagles.org509.634.4541, X134
OkanoganAllLacey Chamberlin, RNlchamberlin@oksd.wednet.edu509.422.3580
Omak
East Omak
North Omak
Laura Snider, RN
lsnider@omaksd.org509.826.2380
Omak
Omak MS
Omak HS
Debbie Lawrence, RNdlawrence@omaksd.org509.826.8395
Orondo AllMarissa Ascanio, RN mascanio@orondo.wednet.edu509.784.1333
OrovilleAllJill Wehmeyer, RN509.476.3332
PalisadesAllKelsey Browning, RNkbrowning@palisades.wednet.edu509.888.5599
Paschal ShermanAllBen Swartsel, RNbenjamin.swartsel@psischiefs.org509.422.7704 ext. 7704
PaterosAllElvia Martinez, RNmmartinez@brewsterbears.org509.476.3332
Pinnacles PrepAllAmanda Peaslee, RNamanda@pinnaclesprep.org509.888.6464 ext 205
Quincy
QIA
Monument
Mountain View
Quincy HS
Shelley Story, RNsstory@qsd.wednet.edu509.787.8992 ext 3485
Quincy
Ancient Lakes
George
Pioneer
Quincy Middle
Carrie Harris, RNcharris@qsd.wednet.edu509.787.8992 ext 3494
Soap Lake
AllJody Gustafson, RN
jgustafson@slschools.org509.246.1323
St. Joseph’s Catholic SchoolAllAnn Benadom, RNnurse@
saintjosephcatholicschool.org
509.663.2644, x 119
Tonasket
AllJill Wehmeyer, RN
jwehmeyer@tonasket.
wednet.edu
509.486.2161
Warden AllKimberly Hansen, RN
khansen@warden.
wednet.edu
509.349.1812
Waterville AllKelsey Browning, RNkbrowning@waterville.
wednet.edu
509.888.5599
Waterville AllJackie Finkbeiner, RNjfinkbeiner@waterville.
wednet.edu
509.754.8585
WenatcheePioneer, WSHSBreanna Gustafson, RNgustafson.breanna@wenatcheeschools.org509.421.2736
WenatcheeWenatchee HSJennefer Botello, RNsanchezbotello.jennefer@wenatcheeschools.org509.670.3538
Wenatchee Lewis & Clark
Newberry
Jennifer Douglas, RN
douglas.jennifer@
wenatcheeschools.org
509.670.7807
WenatcheeWenatchee HSKailyn Hudson, RNhudson.kailyn@wenatcheeschools.org509.470.1220
Wenatchee Columbia
Lincoln
Melanie Wallace, RN
wallace.m@
wenatcheeschools.org
509.630.8141
WenatcheeFoothills, OrchardNicole Harper, RNharper.nicole@wenatcheeschools.org509.470.1220
WenatcheeWashington
Castlerock
Valley Academy
WIA
Taylor Mason, RN
Team Lead WSD
mason.taylor@
wenatcheeschools.org
509.679.4207
WenatcheeSunnyslope
Mission View
Shelly Zehm, RNzehm.shelly@wenatcheeschools.org509.668.7686
Wilson Creek
AllSarah Kruger, RN
nurse@wilsoncreek.org509.345.2541

Please report any directory additions or revisions to Sheila Salmon via email or phone at 509-400-5900.

Washington State ESD SNC Nurse Administrators

ESDAdministratorEmailPhone
OSPI Health Services
Annie Hetzel
annie.hetzel@k12.wa.us360.725.6040
ESD 171 WenatcheeCathy Meuretcathyme@ncesd.org509.665.2625
ESD 101 SpokaneJulie Schultz
jschultz@esd101.net509.789.3583
ESD 105 YakimaMary Lou Shean
marylou.shean@esd105.org509.454.3129
ESD 112 VancouverColleen Wahto
colleen.wahto@esd112.org360.952.3572
ESD 113 OlympiaLynn Nelson
lnelson@esd113.k12.wa.us360.464.6866
ESD 114 BremertonWendy Joneswjones@oesd114.org206.276.1980
ESD 121 Renton
ESD 123 PascoLes Stahlnecker
lstahlnecker@esd123.org509.544.5746
ESD 189 AnacortesLynnette Ondeck
londeck@nwesd.org360.299.4013

Please report any directory additions or revisions to Sheila Salmon via email or phone at 509-400-5900.

Calendar

NCESD School Nurse Corps Calendar lists events related to School Nursing and School Nurse Case Management: educational events, webinars, meetings and tasks. Click the title for information about the event, including registration and/or connection information.

You can also view an updated list of professional development opportunities for school nurses on the “Professional Development” tab or you can view/download/print here.

To post an event:
Event postings are related to school nurse practice. Postings require: event title, date, start and end time, location (with street address), and an event description (including a contact name, phone or email, and, if applicable, an agenda, electronic address and event code, event flyer, or photo).

There is no charge for event postings.

Please submit posting requests to: Sheila Salmon at sheilas@ncesd.org

Please note that all requests are subject to review. We hold the right to refuse a posting without explanation.

Professional Development

This list of professional development opportunities for school nurses is compiled by the NCESD School Nurse Corps team. We update this document regularly and it is automatically reflected below. You can download and/or print the document too. If you have questions, please contact Sheila Salmon for assistance.

Resource Guide

The Resource Guide is a collection of frequently used resources for school nurses to use in practice and adapt as needed. Developed and maintained by School Nurse Corps Nurse Administrators, this electronic guide compiles resources in a single location and is maintained on the ESD 189 website.

Please direct any questions or suggestions about this guide to Cathy Meuret at NCESD (509-665-2625).

Resource Guide Table of Contents

Section 1 – Resource Guide Overview
Section 2 – School Nurse Practice
Section 3 – Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHPs) and Emergency Care Plans (ECPs)
Section 4 – Chronic Conditions Commonly Seen in Schools
Section 5 – Medications
Section 6 – Health Screenings
Section 7 – Immunizations and Communicable Diseases
Section 8 – Management of Emergencies/Disaster Preparedness
Section 9 – Health Education and Staff Training Resources
Section 10 – Legal Issues
Section 11 – Special Education / 504 / Home Hospital Planning Resources
Section 12 – Data Collection / Reports / School Nurse Research
Section 13 – School Nurse Corps Program
Section 14 – Links and Resources
Section 15 – Forms and Templates

Disclaimer: The Resource Guide is not an official publication. It is not endorsed by any agency or organization. The inclusion of links to particular resources is not intended to endorse any particular product, service, or information source, but rather to provide examples that WA State School Nurses have found useful.

Practice Manuals and Guides

School Nurse practice is directed by national and state laws, regulations and standards. The following manuals and guides, developed by WA State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), WA State Department of Health (DOH), WA State Health and Human Services (HHS), National Association of School Nurses (NASN), and other national and state agencies, provide guidelines and evidence-based practices for school nurse actions and responsibilities in the PreK – 12 setting.

Refer to the Resource Guide for links to related WA State RCWs and WACs.

Practices Manuals and Guides

Technical Manuals and Job Aids

WA State Health Codes

School Nurse Case Management

In addition to the School Nurse Corps, North Central ESD serves as a Washington School Nurse Case Management site. The Nurse Case Management Program, developed in 2010, is the result of a partnership between Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and their Institutional Education and Health Services Departments.

School Nurse Case Managers work with students who are at risk of failing academically due to health-related issues, such as chronic health conditions or emotional concerns that interfere with their ability to participate regularly and fully in school activities. Case Managers work collaboratively with the student, the district’s School Nurse, staff and administrators, providers, parents/families and community agencies, addressing factors that contribute to student absenteeism and poor academic performance and limit student potential.

The objectives of the program are to:

  • Improve health and self-management of health conditions
  • Increase student attendance
  • Improve academic achievement

Since the program’s inception, case management services have been implemented in eleven school districts in Educational Service Districts 171, 123 and 113. Districts were selected based on multiple risk factors such as high levels of poverty and unemployment, and a demonstrated need for more school nursing hours.

The Washington School Nurse Case Management Program is supported by Federal Title 1 Part D, Health Services funding. Districts eligible for case management services meet specific criteria outlined in the Title 1, Part D program and demonstrate a need for increased nursing hours as documented by the Washington State Assessment of District Student Health Services. Funding in North Central Washington supports School Nurse Case Management in two school districts.

Forms:

Check and Connect © Forms:

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

Manuals and Tools:

Presentations:


© 2018 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Orientation

The Introduction to School Nursing program provides information and resources to help registered nurses transition to the specialty practice of school nursing. This orientation program is intended for nurses new to the school nurse role or who have limited experience working in a school environment.

Documents

Welcome to the School Nurse Lending Library

The School Nurse Corps Lending Library contains Books, Hearing Screening Audiometers, Staff Curriculum, Student Curriculum, Training Kits and Models, Vision Screening: SPOT Screener and Vision Screening: WA State Vision Screening Kits. Library materials are available to all school nurses in Chelan, Douglas, Grant and Okanogan counties as well as other healthcare professionals. The library’s collection is managed in an electronic system, Lend-Items. To request a library account, contact Sheila Salmon at sheilas@ncesd.org. A completed SNC Lending Library Borrower Agreement is required.

School Nurse Toolkits

School Nurse Competency

About the School Nurse Role

School nursing is a unique and challenging specialty within the nursing profession. The school nurse is often the only licensed healthcare professional in a school district, providing health services oversight for district students ranging from grades Pre-K to 12. With expertise in health improvement and health management, primary prevention, emergency response, care coordination, and team collaborations, school nurses are uniquely qualified to support school and student efforts toward academic success. On a day-to-day basis, the school nurse conducts student assessments of physical and behavioral issues and social determinants of health status, develops healthcare plans and emergency care plans, conducts staff training, connects with parents, connects with student support staff, such as counselors, therapists and special education teachers, connects with providers, conducts a wide range of service referrals to meet student needs, ensures screening and reporting requirements are met, ensures that medication management and administration and treatments are performed safely, collects district, state and national health data, manages health room activities, and serves as the health consultant on issues impacting student and staff health and safety. The work is varied, rewarding and fast-paced, with a workload impacted by school nurse-to-student ratios, student health conditions, and potentially limited contract hours. School nurses adhere to nationally-defined scope and standards of practice and are required to maintain competence in the position.

Employment Categories

Classified School Nurse Position

A nurse in a classified position may hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) or advanced nursing degree from an accredited program or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), a Washington State Registered Nurse license, or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Classified positions are district support positions that do not require certification or licensure (or are not eligible for WA State certification) to perform a job. Classified nurse positions align with non-teaching support staff under a district’s classified employee contract and pay scale.

Certificated School Nurse Position

A school nurse in a certificated position holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing or advanced nursing degree from an accredited program, a Washington State Registered Nurse license, and Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certification from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Certificated school nurse positions align with the district’s teacher contract and pay scale. A district may require their school nurse to obtain and maintain school nurse ESA certification.

School Nurse Certifications

WA State ESA Certification for School Nurses

Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificates are awarded to qualified registered nurses by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) under administration of the State of Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB). For information on ESA certification qualifications, various levels of certification, renewal requirements, and temporary permits, refer to: OSPI Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificates.

To obtain initial ESA certification, new school nurses must complete a Professional Transitions course approved by PESB. Nurses are encouraged to complete a course that focuses specifically on school nursing. Approved nursing courses are offered by Pacific Lutheran University Center for Continued Nursing Learning, University of Washington School of Nursing, and Washington State University School of Nursing. For information about approved courses and course contacts, see: Professional Transitions to the Public Schools: Initial ESA Certification

All school nurses, particularly those new to the school nurse role or new to school nursing in Washington State, are encouraged to complete an ESA certification course for school nurses, whether or not their position requires ESA certification. These courses introduce:

  • National, state and local school and special education laws and policies and their application to decision-making processes in the educational setting
  • Professional school nursing standards and code of ethics to inform practice
  • Appropriate strategies to support student outcomes, including scientifically-based practices, collaborative teaming, and ethical decision making
  • How to work within a schools culture to create an environment that fosters student safety, health and learning
  • How to collaborate with team members, including parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, and others to support learning outcomes for all students
  • How to access resources in the school setting and community

WA State Conditional ESA for School Nurses

A Conditional ESA Certificate is available for employers that would like to hire a nurse to a certificated school nurse position on the basis of experience and expertise, recognizing that the nurse does not meet the required qualifications to obtain ESA Certification. The Conditional ESA Certificate is valid for two years or less and may be renewed. This certificate must be initiated by the employer. Once the employer request has been submitted to OSPI, the nurse can submit an application for a conditional certificate. See the OSPI Conditional ESA webpage for information

Maintaining ESA Certification

Continuing education is a requirement for ESA certification renewal. For educators, continuing education units of credit are referred to as “clock hours”. For ESA certificated staff who hold a WA State Department of Health registered nurse license, acceptable units of credit for ESA renewal include other credit types – those that satisfy the continuing education requirements for their nursing license. ESA certificated school nurses may use continuing education units (CEUs), college credits and clock hours to meet ESA renewal requirements. For additional information, see “Department of Health License Hours as Clock Hours” on the OSPI Continuing Education Clock Hours webpage. ESA certificated nurses are encouraged to check professional development events to determine whether units of credit are available and to maintain documentation of professional development completion in a professional portfolio.

Maintaining Competency for State Licensure

All registered nurses and licensed practical nurses in Washington State are required to actively practice and to earn continuing education hours to meet the clinical competency requirement for licensure renewal. A range of professional development activities meet the continuing education requirement for licensure renewal. See Nurse Licensing Continuing Competency.

National School Nurse Certification

The National Certified School Nurse (NCSN) credential is awarded by the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBCSN). Obtaining national certification in the school nursing specialty is a mark of professional distinction for a school nurse, reflecting competence and professionalism.

pdEnroller

pdEnroller is a web service used by all Washington State Educational Service Districts to manage professional development courses. pdEnroller supports a course calendar that is searchable by state and by ESD region, course descriptions, course enrollment, course payment, course enrollment cancellation, course evaluations, clock hour purchases, and clock hour tracking. Users are responsible for creating their personal pdEnroller account and maintaining accurate profile information. See NCESD pdEnroller

Professional Practice Resources

Continuing Education and Resources

National Association of School Nurses (NASN)

NASN has many resources, tools, and continuing education opportunities. Some materials and continuing education are also available to non-members.

NCESD CE Credits Online

CE Credits Online offers courses that are approved for clock hours through NCESD and are eligible for graduate-level professional development credit towards Washington State License Renewal from our regionally-accredited university partners. Purchase courses and clock hours through NCESD and graduate credits through CE Credits Online.

HEAL WA

HEAL WA is Washington State’s online library for all health practitioners. Create your own free HEAL WA account and access ejournals, ebooks, toolkits, databases, drug information, and continuing education, including Nursing Reference Center Plus.

Our School Nurse Corps Staff


Cathy Meuret

Nurse Corps Director
Email Cathy Meuret
509-665-2625

Melissa Barajas

Covid 19 Screening/Testing Coordinator
Email Melissa Barajas
509-793-4228

Sheila Salmon

Administrative Assistant
Email Sheila Salmon
509-400-5900

Latest Program News

Promoting Employee Safety Across the Region

November 21st, 2022|

The North Central Washington Workers' Compensation Program (NCWWCP)’s Safety Incentive Program is a unique opportunity for all NCESD school districts to participate in. The program promotes a strong safety culture to keep employees safe while meeting industry leading practices.

NCESD Offers GLAD® Training to Teachers in the Region

October 25th, 2022|

Recently, NCESD trainers completed a GLAD® training in Manson School District in a third-grade classroom and included teachers from Brewster, Tonasket, Cascade, and Lake Chelan. In this short week of instruction teachers saw students develop voice, practice responsible decision-making, problem solving, and other social emotional competencies as they worked in teams and individually.

View All News

Staff Resources

Go to Top