For school nurses, school days are fast-paced, unpredictable, and often wildly busy. Staying organized amidst a flurry of acute health visits, emergency care, physicals and immunization records, medication needs, IHPs, health education, and screening programs is both an art and a science. Enter the concept of a monthly to-do calendar tailored explicitly for the unique demands school nurses face. Utilizing a similar version curated to your individual schedule and needs can be essential in prioritizing tasks and managing time efficiently while fostering a proactive approach to school health management.

Many health departments and school nurse organizations have state-specific calendars available, and schedules for various deadlines may vary, but a general outline is provided here. 

August

Review and revise school health policies and emergency plans, prepare health office and order supplies, schedule appropriate health trainings for school staff, gather and evaluate student health data and create a preliminary list of health issues, review immunization records and other health form submissions, prepare and send start-of-year health communication to families.

September

Inform teachers and authorized personnel about any health concerns of students and specific accommodations needed, arrange classroom visits to discuss health policies/procedures, and how/when to visit the school nurse, provide basic first aid supplies to staff, schedule mandated screening programs, and prepare for flu season!

October

Submit immunization compliance (or prepare to do so next month), review and update IHPs and IEPs, offer health education resources and exhibits that align with the health needs of students, continue prep and execution of screenings, monitor absentee levels and influenza activity.

November

Continue with screening programs including follow-ups and referrals, check-in with students with chronic conditions, revise IHPs and emergency plans - as needed, offer health education to students and families on handwashing, staying home when sick, flu season, etc.

December

Review student health records for completeness, collaborate with school counselor(s) and other support staff personnel, and continue referrals and follow-ups for screening programs.

January

Monitor communicable diseases, provide a mid-year update to school or district administrators on school health services and any health/safety concerns, and update IHPs and IEPs - as necessary.

February

Review screening programs for completeness, evaluate annual goals, begin preparations for summer school or camp health needs, and offer student education on hygiene, hydration, or other pertinent topics.

March/April

Create a communication outlining the requirements for the upcoming school year that need to be fulfilled by students and their families (i.e., immunizations), examine and assess health plans, evaluate the outcomes, make any necessary revisions, and schedule evaluation meeting(s).

May/June

Send parent/guardian communication regarding requirements for next school year, send notice to families for medications to be picked up, spend remaining budget dollars, and review/revise health and safety policies and procedures for next school year.

Summer Break 😎😴🥳

Or for those working on year-round school calendars, hopefully at least a little break!