Utilizing School Nurses for Pandemic Preparedness: A Case Study from Palm Beach County, FL

Background: The Health Care District provides a registered nurse in each public school in Palm Beach County, FL. During the H1N1 epidemic in 2009-2010, nurses were utilized to assess students with Influenza Like Illnesses (ILIs).

Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate how school nurses can be utilized to help the community respond to a pandemic.

Significance: In pandemic situations, communities must use all health care resources in an effective manner. School nurses are a valuable and cost-effective resource during these times.

Methodology: At the beginning of the H1N1 epidemic, school nurses received training in assessment of children with ILIs. This education began with a discussion of the case definition. Nursing assessment was reviewed and nurses were taught how to identify students who are at high risk for complications of influenza and thus would require additional services. School nurses document all visits in an electronic medical record. This data base was searched for visits coded as ILIs.

Findings: School nurses provided 4,246 assessments to students with ILIs. These assessments would cost an average of $45 in a private setting. Utilizing that cost, the school nurses provided over $190,000 of services to the community.

Conclusion: The School Nurse is a cost effective health care provider that can be utilized in pandemic preparedness.