School Nurse Corps Overview

School Nurse Corps (SNC) is a state-wide program approved and funded by the WA State Legislature. Since its inception in 1999, the program has addressed the limited access to registered nursing services in Washington State schools, particularly smaller, rural schools. Access to a registered nurse promotes student safety, improves attendance, fosters academic achievement, reduces health and educational disparities, and contributes to an engaged and informed citizenry and workforce. School Nurse Corps works to expand access to registered nurses, to support school-based health management in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, and to promote professional school nursing standards and practice.

Mission

School Nurse Corps, in partnership with schools, families, and communities, improves student health outcomes, safety, and readiness to learn. School Nurse Corps promotes equity by increasing student access to professional registered nurses and expanding a school district’s capacity to provide a safe and healthy learning environment.

Vision

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

Services

  • NCESD School Nurse Corps supports all school nurses and school administrators in the agency’s four-county service area, offering health services consultation and technical support, quality improvement support, school nurse orientation, mentoring, resources, and professional development opportunities.
  • Eligible school districts who elect to participate in School Nurse Corps receive funding to supplement registered nursing hours and commit to SNC program deliverables and school district responsibilities.
  • NCESD School Nurse Corps works collaboratively and in partnership with the AESD Network, WA State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), our three regional Health Districts, and NCESD Student Safety & Well-Being in addressing public health concerns in the TK-12 setting. For topics and resources specific to public health concerns in the school setting, including COVID-related resources, access: Public Health Resources

Directory

DistrictSchool AssignmentNurseContact
BrewsterAll SchoolsElvia Martinez, RNEmail Elvia
509-689-2581
BrewsterAll SchoolsNicole Smith, RNEmail Nicole
509-689-2581
BridgeportAll SchoolsSusan Sloan, RNEmail Susan
509-682-2201
CascadeCascade HS
Alpine Lakes
Discovery
Beaver Valley
Sam Jerome, RNEmail Sam
509-433-0017
CascadeIcicle River
Peshastin-Dryden
Homelink
Kodiak Cubs
Danica Morovic, RNEmail Danica
509-548-5832
CashmereAll SchoolsAmber Varrelman, RNEmail Amber
509-273-0315
Coulee-HartlineAll SchoolsSarah Kruger, RNEmail Sarah
509-632-5231
EastmontCascade
Jr High
Erica Brooks, RNEmail Erica
509-884-0523 (Cascade)
509-884-2407 (EJHS)
EastmontRock Island
Kenroy
Grant
Nick Lolos, RNEmail Nick
509-888-5023 (RI)
509-888-1442 (Kenroy)
509-884-0557 (Grant)
EastmontHigh School
Wee Cougars (EHS)
Rochelle Jessup, RNEmail Rochelle
509-884-1793 (Kenroy)
509-884-6665 (EHS)
EastmontLee
Sterling
Eastmont Academy
Wee Cougars PK
Sylvia Renteria, RNEmail Sylvia
509-630-7639
EastmontClovisDanielle Ibarra, RNEmail Dani
509-888-1400
EntiatAll SchoolsKelsey Browning, RNEmail Kelsey
509-888-5176
EphrataHigh School
Tiger Club Preschool
Pam Cleveringa, RNEmail Pam
509-754-7232
EphrataMiddle School
Parkway
Shellie Hansen, RNEmail Shellie
509-754-7233
EphrataGrant
Columbia Ridge
Brandy Hawkins, RNEmail Brandy
509-754-7267
Grand Coulee DamAll SchoolsElizabeth Poplawski, RNEmail Elizabeth
509-663-1442 ext. 342
Lake ChelanMiddle School
High School
Amber Doede, RNEmail Amber
509-888-6766
Lake ChelanMiddle School
High School
Donna Sibbers, RNEmail Donna
509-682-4061 Ext. 5
Lake ChelanElementary School
Lake Chelan Preschool
Holden Village
Erika Scroggie, RNEmail Erika
509-682-4031 ext. 4
MansfieldAll SchoolsCasi Bilyeu, RNEmail Casi
509-683-1012
MansonAll SchoolsMichelle Rogge, RNEmail Michelle
509-687-9502
509-687-9585
Methow ValleyAll SchoolsAdriana Vanbianachi, RNEmail Adriana
509-557-0012
Moses LakeColumbia MSPenny Mayo, Lead RNEmail Penny
509-793-7577
Moses LakeEarly Learning
Midway
Jennifer MaGee, RNEmail Jennifer
509-793-7547
Moses LakeGroff ES
Vanguard Academy
Liz Pray, RNEmail Liz
509-793-7576
Moses LakeFrontier MSDebbie Johnson, RNEmail Debbie
509-793-7575
Moses LakeMLHS
Digital CBTech
RS
Courtney Russell, RNEmail Courtney
509-793-7579
Moses LakeMLHS
Digital CBTech
RS
Michelle Starnes, RNEmail Michelle
509-793-7548
Moses LakeKnolls Vista
Park Orchard
Cindy Welsh, RNEmail Cindy
509-793-7549
Moses LakePenisula
Sage Point
Denise McDonald, RNEmail Denise
509-793-7578
Moses LakeLongview
Larson Heights
Amanda Lundberg, RNEmail Amanda
509-793-7573
Moses LakeLakeview
Garden Heights
Stephanie Bannon, RNEmail Stephanie
509-793-7574
Moses LakeNorth
Endeavor MS
Brittany Schmidt, RNEmail Brittany
509-855-0066
NespelemPreschool - Grade 8Robin Arnold, RNEmail Robin
509-634-4541 ext. 134
OkanoganAll SchoolsLacey Chamberlin, RNEmail Lacey
509-422-3580
OmakEast Oak
North Omak
Laura Snider, RNEmail Laura
509-826-2380
OmakMiddle School
High School
Debbie Lawrence, RNEmail Debbie
509-826-8395
OrondoAll SchoolsCasi Bilyeu, RNEmail Casi
509-784-1333
OrovilleAll SchoolsOlivia Booker, RNEmail Olivia
509-476-2281 ext 1037
PalisadesAll SchoolsKelsey Browning, RNEmail Kelsey
509-884-8071
Paschal ShermanAll SchoolsBen Swartsel, RNEmail Ben
509-422-7704 ext. 7704
PaterosAll SchoolNicole Day, RNEmail Nicole
509-923-2751
Pinnacles PrepAll SchoolsAmanda Peaslee, RNEmail Amanda
509-888-6464 ext 205
QuincyAncient Lakes
George
Pioneer
Middle School
Carrie Harris, RNEmail Carrie
509-787-8992 ext 3494
QuincyQHS
QIA
Monument
Mountain View
Cathie Hunt, RNEmail Cathie
509-787-8992 ext 3494
Soap LakeAll SchoolsJody Gustafson, RNEmail Jody
509-246-1323
St. Joseph's
Catholic School
All SchoolsAnn Benadom, RNEmail Ann
509-663-2644 ext 119
TonasketAll SchoolsJill Wehmeyer, RNEmail Jill
509-486-2161
WardenAll SchoolsJanna Benzel, RNEmail Janna
509-349-1812
WatervilleAll SchoolsKelsey Tollackson, RNEmail Kelsey
509-888-5599
WatervilleAll SchoolsJackie Finkbeiner, RNEmail Jackie
509-754-8585
WenatcheeLewis & Clark
Newberry
Breanna Gustafson, RNEmail Breanna
509-421-2736
WenatcheeWenatchee HS
Wenatchee Valley Tech Center
Jennefer Sanchez-Botello, RNEmail Jennefer
509-670-3538
WenatcheeWenatchee HS
Wenatchee Valley Tech Center
Kailyn Hudson, RNEmail Kailyn
509-470-1220
WenatcheeColumbia
Lincoln
Melanie Wallace, RNEmail Melanie
509-630-8141
WenatcheeFoothills
Orchard
Nicole Harper, RNEmail Nicole
509-670-8569
WenatcheeWashington
ECLC
Valley Academy
Taylor Mason, RN
Team Lead WSD
Email Taylor
509-679-4207
WenatcheeSunnyslope
Mission View
Shelly Zehm, RNEmail Shelly
509-668-7686
WenatcheePioneer
WestSide HS
Katy Borenson, RNEmail Katy
509-670-7807
Wilson CreekAll SchoolsSarah Kruger, RNEmail Sarah
509-345-2541

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

DistrictNurseEmailPhone
BrewsterNicole Smith, RNEmail Nicole509-589-2581
EphrataPam Cleveringa, RNEmail Pam509-754-7232
MansonMichelle Rogge, RNEmail Michelle509-687-9502
OmakDebbie Lawrence, RNEmail Debbie509-826-8395
WardenJanna Benzel, RNEmail Janna509-349-1812
WenatcheeMelanie Wallace, RNEmail Melanie509-630-8141

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, MSN, RN, NCSN
Email Annie360-725-6040
ESD 171 WenatcheeCathy Meuret, RN, BSN, MAEdEmail Cathy509-665-2625
ESD 101 SpokaneAlma McNamee, MHA, RNEmail Alma509-953-4592
ESD 105 YakimaMary Lou Shean, MS, BSN, RN
Email Mary Lou509-454-3129
ESD 112 VancouverColleen Wahto, RN, BSNEmail Colleen360-952-3577
ESD 113 OlympiaLynn Nelson, RN, MSN, NCSN
Email Lynn360-464-6866
ESD 114 BremertonWendy Jones, RNEmail Wendy206-276-1980
ESD 121 RentonSusan Keller, RN, MSN, NCSNEmail Susan425-917-7763
ESD 123 PascoLes Stahlnecker, RN, MS
Email Les509-544-5746
ESD 189 AnacortesLynnette Ondeck, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
Email Lynnette360-299-4013

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

Calendar

The school nurse Calendar lists scheduled events of interest to school nurses, including professional development (PD) courses, meetings, and tasks. Click a Calendar entry to access a description and registration information.

Professional Development Enroller

NCESD uses a web service, Professional Development Enroller (pdEnroller) to manage training activities. By creating a pdEnroller account, a school nurse can enroll in listed professional development courses, purchase clock hours, and maintain an electronic education record. Access information about pdEnroller, including account creation, at About pdEnroller.

SNC School Nurses: Contact Sheila Salmon before registering for a course with a registration fee.

Additional PD Listings

In pdEnroller, search event postings by organizer (individual ESDs, All Regions, OSPI, or AESD) or by title. Examples of title search terms: school nurse, nurse, RN, or a specific content title, such as Qmlativ, Skyward, sexual health, nutrition.

Additional PD listings of both scheduled and recorded events are posted on the “Professional Development” tab. The PD document can be viewed, downloaded, or printed.

Calendar Postings

Requests to post events to the school nurse calendar may be sent to Sheila Salmon. All requests are subject to review, and SNC maintains the right to decline requests.

Professional Development

The Professional Development (PD) List for School Nurses includes links to both future scheduled events and past event recordings.

School nurses must create a pdEnroller account to enroll in listed professional development courses. To create an account, see About pdEnroller. SNC School Nurses: Contact Sheila Salmon before registering for a course with a registration fee.

Online Guides

School Nurse Resource Guide

A collection of valuable, frequently requested resources to assist the school nurse. This guide is maintained by School Nurse Corps Nurse Administrators and housed on the ESD 189 website.

Access the School Nurse Resource Guide

Resource Guide Contents

Disclaimer: This is not an official publication. It is not endorsed by any agency or organization. The inclusion of links to resources are not intended to endorse any particular products, services or information sources.

Student Health Services Guidebook

A guide to health services management in the TK-12 school environment, with procedural strategies to assist school nurses, health services staff, and school administrators.

The Student Health Services Guidebook is maintained by School Nurse Corps Nurse Administrators and housed on the ESD 105 website.

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

Resources

NCESD School Nurse Google Drive

The Access-All School Nurses folder on the NCESD Nursing Google Drive houses a wide range of guidelines, resources, and tools. School nurses in the NCESD service area are granted access permission to the folder on verification of their district email address. Contact Sheila Salmon to request folder access.

Multiple subfolders keep resources organized and readily accessible. Four examples: Meetings, Practice Manuals, Skyward/Qmlativ, and Toolkits.

  • Meetings – NCESD School Nurse Meeting recordings, presentations, and shared resources.
  • Practice Manuals – OSPI, DOH, WA State and national agency manuals and guidelines on health services management and practice in the TK-12 school environment.
  • Skyward/Qmlativ – Job aids and resources specific to health services documentation in the electronic Skyward/Qmlativ Student Information System (SIS).
  • Toolkits – Collections of authoritative and adaptable resources organized by topic. Toolkit titles include Allergies/Anaphylaxis, Asthma, Behavioral Health, Diabetes, Medication Management, Naloxone, and many more.

NCESD Public Health Resources

NCESD School Nurse Corps works collaboratively and in partnership with the AESD Network, WA State Department of Health (DOH), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), regional Health Districts, and NCESD Student Safety & Well-Being in addressing public health concerns in the TK-12 setting, including infectious disease management, environmental health concerns, school-based opioid response, and more. For topics and resources specific to public health concerns in the school setting, including COVID-related resources, access: Public Health Resources

NCESD School Nurse Lending Library

A library of equipment and materials to lend at no charge. Staff training and student screening equipment, manuals, texts, and curriculum. Library materials are available to all school nurses in the NCESD service area free of charge. Contact Sheila Salmon to request a library account.

NCESD YouTube Channel

A library of recorded school nurse meetings and presentations. Subscribe to the School Nurse Corps Youtube channel.

NCESD Newsletters

Keep up-to-date on information that impacts school nursing and health services. Subscribe to receive NCESD  electronic news and updates directly to your inbox. Here are some recommended newsletters from the NCESD:

Access archived School Nurse Newsletters

OSPI “Stay Connected” Resources

OSPI distributes news and updates on a variety of student health topics directly via email newsletters and alerts, and/or social media updates, including Twitter, Facebook or Flickr. School nurses are encouraged to subscribe to OSPI Health Services, Healthy Youth Survey, School Safety, and any other topics of interest. For subscription information, see:  OSPI Stay Connected.

HEALWA

HEALWA is WA State’s online library for all health practitioners. All nurses in WA State can create a free account to access eJournals, eBooks, toolkits, drug information, and continuing education, including Nursing Reference Center Plus.

Orientation

Getting Started 

The NCESD School Nurse Demographic Form provides School Nurse Corps with necessary information to support your success in your school nurse position. Complete and forward the form to: Sheila Salmon

Orientation Opportunities

NCESD Introduction to School Nursing – This course program provides an overview of the school nurse specialty, focusing on state and national practice scope and standards, state laws and regulations, current care guidelines, and resources. This course is intended for nurses new to the school nurse role, those with limited experience working in a school environment, and those who have many years of experience but would like to review the latest presentations and materials. This 2 day course is scheduled in August prior to the start of the school year. Orientation materials are posted in the Access-All School Nurses / Orientation folder

NCESD Introduction to Skyward/Qmlativ – This course introduces the electronic student information system (SIS), either Skyward or Qmlativ, in use at participant school districts. This 4 hour course is scheduled in August prior to the start of the school year.Skyward/Qmlativ materials are posted in the Access-All School Nurses / Skyward/Qmlaitiv folder

Modified Orientation Sessions – May be scheduled during the school year for nurses moving into school nursing after the school year begins. 

Resource Access

To gain access to the School Nurse Google Drive, please complete the NCESD School Nurse Demographic Form and submit to Sheila Salmon. Note: If you previously saved the folder “Access – All School Nurses” in your quick access you will want to unpin it before pinning the new folder.

Common Accounts

  • pdEnroller By creating a NCESD pdEnroller account, a school nurse can enroll in listed professional development courses, purchase clock hours, and maintain an electronic education record, both as a participant and as an instructor. Access information about pdEnroller, including account creation, course cancellation policies, and more, at About pdEnroller
  • National Provider Identifier (NPI) Registered nurses require an NPI identifier to bill Medicaid for nursing services provided to students (e.g., WA HCA School-Based Health Care Services [SBHS]). Apply via the application portal at: National Plan & Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) 
  • Secure Access Washington (SAW) The Washington State portal supports access to state services, license applications and renewals, and some WA DOH school-based health programs. SAW account application instructions are available at: WABON SAW Account 
  • WA State Immunization Information System (IIS) School Module  School nurses require a Full Access account that supports vaccination view/add/edit as well as roster revisions and printing functions. See WA DOH IIS School Module – Creating Accounts 

BEST School Nurse Mentor Program

The NCESD Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) School Nurse Mentor program provides support for novice school nurses. School nurse mentors serve as teachers, coaches, protectors, sounding boards, resources, role models, sponsors, and challengers, helping new school nurses gain confidence s as they aid novice nurses in their development. Mentors assist the novice school nurse in:

  • building confidence in health services management skills
  • building collegial relationships with school staff and administrators
  • building a professional network
  • task prioritization

Melanie Wallace, RN, BEST School Nurse Mentor, Wenatchee School District (right),  and Amanda Peaslee, RN, Pinnacles Prep school nurse (left) during a mentoring session. 

On completion of NCESD Introduction to School Nursing, a novice school nurse is matched with a BEST school nurse mentor, with a goal of a 2-year mentoring relationship.

Resources

School Nurse Competence

Nurses have the responsibility to maintain competence and continue personal and professional growth (American Nurses Association {ANA}, 2010). In the unique role of school nursing, nurses require expertise in health improvement and health management, primary prevention, public health, emergency response, care coordination, and team collaboration to support student health and safety efforts successfully. School nurses have a professional obligation to engage in self-evaluation and to demonstrate professional growth and currency with nursing practice in the setting where nursing practice is provided (National Association of School Nurses [NASN, 2013]). Ongoing professional development is key to maintaining and building competence in the school nurse specialty.

State and national school nurse certifications are encouraged as indicators of preparation and role competence. A professional portfolio is encouraged as a tool to articulate a school nurse’s competence and continuous personal and professional growth journey.

WA State ESA Certification

In Washington State, Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificates are awarded to many professional roles that, while they do not necessarily involve teaching, play a part in supporting a student’s education. School nurses are eligible for ESA certification, which demonstrates preparation for this unique nursing position. Information on obtaining and maintaining ESA certification is available at: OSPI Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certificates

WA State Initial ESA Certificate for School Nurses

The Initial ESA Certificate is the first tier full certificate issued for the school nurse role. To obtain this certificate, a school nurse must meet eligibility qualifications and complete a Professional Transitions course, preferably a course designed specifically for school nurses. Approved nursing courses are offered by PLU Center for Continued Nursing Learning, UW School of Nursing, and WSU School of Nursing. For information about approved courses and course contacts visit Professional Transitions to Public Schools: Initial ESA Certification

WA State Conditional ESA Certificate for School Nurses

The Conditional ESA Certificate for school nurses is available to school districts for employers that would like to hire a registered nurse to a certificated school nurse position when the nurse does not meet eligibility qualifications for an Initial ESA Certificate. A request for a conditional certificate must be initiated by the school district. For information about conditional certificates, see OSPI Conditional ESA

Maintaining ESA Certification

Registered nurses who hold Initial ESA certification are required to complete 100 hours of professional development, among other requirements, to renew their Initial ESA certificate. See OSPI ESA School Nurse Renewal.

Acceptable units of credit for ESA renewal include clock hours and any that satisfy the continuing education requirements for Washington State RN licensure. See “DOH License Hours as Clock Hours” at OSPI Continuing Education Clock Hours.

National School Nurse Certification

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

Professional Portfolio

School nurses are encouraged to develop and maintain a professional portfolio as a method of validating their personal and professional accomplishments. A portfolio can articulate nursing practice in a way that is meaningful for the school nurse’s supervisor, whether a non-licensed school administrator or a similarly licensed health service professional.

Suggested components include artifacts that align with school nurse scope and standards and school nurse framework principles, including:

  • professional mission statement
  • resume
  • job description
  • contract
  • annual professional goals status
  • self, peer, supervisory evaluations
  • certification status
  • professional development status
  • letters of recommendation/appreciation
  • awards
  • written feedback from parents, staff, healthcare professionals
  • leadership activities
  • volunteer activities

Evaluation

School Nurse Performance Evaluations

Clinical supervision of a nurse is based on knowledge of the laws, regulations, and rules governing nursing practice, nursing practice standards, and nursing performance standards. In a school setting, a registered nurse (RN) or advanced registered nurse practitioner ( ARNP) may be supervised by a similarly-licensed health service professional. However, in some settings, the RN or ARNP is supervised by a non-licensed school administrator. In these situations, the non-licensed administrator may evaluate the nurse on matters other than the practice of nursing, such as terms and conditions of employment and employee performance. Only an RN or ARNP licensed under chapter 18.79 RCW may supervise, direct, or evaluate a licensed nurse working in a school setting with respect to the practice of nursing. (RCW 28A.210.305).

Nurses should evaluate their practice in relationship to professional nursing practice standards, practice guidelines, relevant statutes, and regulations (ANA, 2010).

Professional Portfolio

School nurses are encouraged to develop and maintain a professional portfolio. A portfolio can articulate nursing practice in a way that is meaningful for the school nurse’s supervisor, whether a non-licensed school administrator or a similarly licensed health service professional. 

See the Competence tab on this page for professional portfolio recommendations.

Resources

Our School Nurse Corps Staff


Cathy Meuret

Nurse Corps Director
Email Cathy Meuret
509-665-2625

Lanea Cate

School Nurse Team Leader
Email Lanea Cate
509-480-1523

Sheila Salmon

Administrative Assistant
Email Sheila Salmon
509-400-5900