SCASN Announcements

  • Happy School Nurse Day 2025!

    HAPPY SCHOOL NURSE DAY

    Happy School Nurse’s Day

    No one truly understands what a school nurse does—until they become one. It's a job full of contradictions: a love-hate relationship that pulls at your heart and tests your limits. To outsiders, especially nurses in other settings, it may look like a laid-back gig: handing out Band-Aids, passing out ice packs, and coasting through the day. They couldn’t be more wrong.

     

    School nurses are often the sole healthcare provider on campus—the Lone Ranger of the school. Everyone comes to us: children arriving straight from carpool, clutching their stomachs because mom said, “Try to make it through the day, and if not, go see the nurse.” You send them on their way to class, only to have them return in 5 minutes. We are the jack-of-all-trades, master of none.

     

    Autonomy is both a gift and a burden. While we often enjoy the independence, it can lead to a crushing sense of isolation and helplessness. Emergencies always seem to occur when the health room is full of students. We’re faced with everything from minor complaints to life-threatening emergencies: a student feigning illness, another gasping for air with an asthma attack, one confused from low blood sugar, another one walks in with their arm held at their side with an obvious deformity.

     

    All of this while phones ring, parents wait on hold, and a teacher waits for the field trip first aid bag and medications. One parent is concerned about sunblock and heat indexes; another wants to review the puberty education video. Suddenly, another parent storms in, upset over something their child claims you did.

    We confront new challenges daily, often without prior experience. Students now come to school with complex, chronic medical conditions requiring advanced care. We serve as primary care for many, while administrators and others with no medical background try to dictate how things should be done—regardless of the written orders. Just when you feel confident in the care you’re delivering, someone swoops in with criticism, leaving you overwhelmed and on the verge of tears.

     

    Many parents are doing all they can—working multiple jobs, often without the flexibility to leave and pick up a sick child. Some are out of paid leave, facing the threat of job loss if they leave work. As nurses, we constantly weigh whether we’re seeing neglect or simply a family struggling to stay afloat. It's easy to judge—until you've walked in their shoes.

     

    Then there’s the mountain of paperwork and endless meetings. You wonder, “Why am I doing this? I could earn more elsewhere, get paid overtime.” But then you remember the students—the ones who melt your heart or drive you crazy, but just need your comfort. The student you sent to the doctor who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, the child who finally got glasses and can now see the board. These moments remind you why you do what you do. The paperwork never ends—you may one day be found buried under IHPs and immunization records—but the impact you make is immeasurable.

     

    Our time with students is short, but powerful. So take a moment to reflect on the good. Let the victories lift you up when the rest weighs you down. School nursing is a roller coaster: slow climbs, wild drops, and chaotic turns. You feel like you can’t hold on—but you do. Because you're a school nurse.

     

    The cycle repeats until the school year ends. Then one day, in the middle of summer, that one student—the one who tested every ounce of your patience—spots you, runs over, and hugs you tightly. “This is MY school nurse,” they proudly tell their parents.

     

    We’re far too busy to play cards. And if we had any, they’d be covered in vomit, pee, poop, blood, tears—and yes, some of those tears would be ours.

     

    Thank you for being a school nurse. Thank you for serving the children and families of South Carolina.

    — Dawn MacAdams, MSN, RN, NCSN

    School Nurse Day 2025

  • There are 61 Nationally Board Certified School Nurses listed in SC.

    This is the largest number of Nationally Certified School Nurses in SC in over a decade. Look and see who is certified under our Certification tab. 

  • School Nurse Position Opening at Pace Academy

    Job Description: Registered Nurse (RN) - School Nurse

    Position Title: School Registered Nurse

    Location: PACE Academy, Columbia, South Carolina Pace Academy is a charter school that currently has 215 students in grades 2-8.

    Reports To: Executive Director

    Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt

    Job Summary: The School Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing comprehensive health services to students, staff, and the school community in accordance with South Carolina state laws and regulations. The RN will oversee the health and safety of students, manage health conditions, administer medications, and provide emergency care when necessary. The position involves collaboration with
    educators, administrators, and parents to support the health and well-being of students, ensuring a safe learning environment.

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

    1. Health Assessments and Screenings:

    • Conduct initial health assessments for students upon enrollment and follow-up health screenings for vision, hearing, scoliosis, and other health conditions as required by South Carolina law.
    • Maintain records of screenings and notify parents/guardians of any concerns or required follow-up.

    2. Medical Administration:

    • Administer prescribed medications to students according to physician orders and in compliance with school policies and South Carolina regulations.
    • Ensure proper documentation of medication administration, and provide ongoing monitoring for any adverse reactions.

    3. Emergency Response:

    • Provide immediate first aid and emergency care for injuries, illnesses, or medical emergencies during school hours.
    • Develop and implement emergency care plans for students with chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, epilepsy) and ensure school
      personnel are informed of these plans.

    4. Health Records Management:

    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date student health records, including immunization records, medical history, and treatment plans.
    • Comply with state regulations regarding the confidentiality and security of health records.

    5. Health Education and Promotion:

    • Educate students, staff, and parents on health issues such as hygiene, nutrition, mental health, and illness prevention.
    • Provide guidance on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention within the school community.

    6. Collaboration with School Personnel:

    • Collaborate with teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents to support students with health-related needs.
    • Advise school staff on procedures for managing students with health conditions in the classroom, including special accommodations if necessary.

    7. Compliance with State Laws and Regulations:

    • Ensure all nursing practices comply with South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) regulations, including immunization requirements and health reporting.
    • Stay current with updates on state health regulations and school health policies.

    8. Preventive Care and Health Monitoring:

    • Monitor students with chronic health conditions and make referrals to specialists or healthcare providers when necessary.
    • Implement and follow up on school-wide health initiatives and vaccination programs as directed by the school district.

    9. Parent and Guardian Communication:

    • Maintain regular communication with parents or guardians regarding student health concerns, treatments, and any required follow-up care.
    • Provide resources and referrals for community health services when appropriate.

    10. Professional Development:

    • Participate in continuing education programs, workshops, and conferences to stay updated on nursing practices, school health services, and legal requirements.

    Qualifications:

    • Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in South Carolina.
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
    • Valid CPR, First Aid, and AED certifications.
    • Experience in pediatric or school nursing is preferred.
    • Knowledge of South Carolina state health laws and school health regulations.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
    • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

    Physical Requirements:

    • Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
    • Ability to stand, walk, bend, and kneel for extended periods.
    • Ability to perform first aid and emergency procedures as needed.

    Working Conditions:

    • Work is performed in a school setting during regular school hours.
    • Some exposure to student illnesses or injuries.
    • Occasional travel between school sites may be required.


    Salary and Benefits:

    • Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
    • Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.


    Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a copy of their RN license to melanie.vaughn@choosepace.org

    This job description is aligned with the legal and professional requirements for
    Registered Nurses in the state of South Carolina. It reflects the responsibilities and qualifications as mandated by South Carolina law, including adherence to school health regulations and practices.

  • A Letter from our Outgoing SC NASN Director, Angella Hamer

  • Register for Kyah's EPICourse

    Learn more about anaphylaxis, its causes, and the proper emergency response using our educational resources. This section contains videos on different topics in food allergies and downloadable graphics to help promote and guide food allergy response.

    Take our free, online training courses to learn about food allergies anaphylaxis, and how to administer epinephrine. Created in collaboration with the University of Arizona College of Public Health and the Western Region Public Health Training Center (WRPHTC), these training courses prepare individuals to quickly and safely respond to food allergy emergencies.

  • Upcoming SC Epilepsy Events!

    October
    • 10/10 at 7pm:  Virtual Support Group for Caregivers (request link to participate)
    • 10/15 at 7pm:  Virtual Support Group for People with Epilepsy  (must be 14 y/o, request link to participate)
    November
    • 11/1, 4-8pm:  Groucho's Percentage Night, Summerville location
    • 11/3, 4-7pm:  Purple with a Purpose Oyster Roast, Bohemian Bull - James Island location All you can eat Oysters, BBQ and sides, Live music by The Yacht Club
    • 11/10, 7pm:  Consumed by Fire's Walk with Jesus Tour with Caleb & John and Megan Danielle. Freedom Church in Moncks Corner, SC
    • 11/15-17:  Epilepsy Escape Weekend for adults with epilepsy, Camp Kinard in Batesburg-Leesville
    • 11/18:  Epilepsy Warriors Golf Tournament at Fox Run Golf Club in Simpsonville
    • 11/23, 6-8pm:  Glow Golf at Mabeline Gym in Hanahan 
    • 11/29:  Electric Minds hosts their second live music show at Steel Hands Brewing in Columbia
  • Walk to End Epilepsy November 10, 2024

  • Charter school in N. Charleston secures grant to fund special CPR program

    Check out this story!

  • FDA Approves First Epinephrine Nasal Spray to Treat Anaphylaxis

  • Info on Free CEU's from Missouri

    Missouri DHSS School Health Program (State School Nurse Consultant) has partnered with MU to created a few ground breaking school nurse courses for school nurses with contact hours, FREE of cost.  This is open to ALL school nurses, not just MO nurses.  The three courses available, listed below, meets the educational needs for school nurses at any stage of their practice.  Please feel free to share these courses with your members/colleagues. 
    • New School Nurse Orientation– This self-paced course features modules on the unique role of the Specialty Practice of School Nursing, Health Office Management, Students with Special Healthcare Needs, and Health Promotion, Disease Prevention, and Screening. This course is an invaluable asset for new school nurses or school nurses-to-be, ensuring the highest quality of care in their educational communities. 
      • 5.25 nursing contact hours
    • Puberty Education for School Nurses– This self-paced training is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of school nurses so they can confidently teach puberty education to upper elementary students. Brief, 30 minute modules are based on key topics: 1. Class climate 2. Classroom management 3. Answering student questions 4. Communication with parent/guardians. Downloadable handouts and transcripts accompany the audio-video presentations done by Wendy Sellers, a nationally known puberty education expert. A fifth module provides Resources, including lesson plans that are aligned with Missouri standards.
      • 2.0 nursing contact hours
    • Comprehensive School Nursing– This self-paced course does not have any per-requisites and is intended for school nurses. It features modules on health assessments, the development of individualized health plans, and the management of mental health conditions, including adolescent depression. Additionally, it provides insights into contemporary legal issues and current policy statements essential to school nursing.
      • Up to 20 nursing contact hours
    Find out more information at showmeschoolhealth.org.
    Angie Midnight-Oest, MSN, RN, NCSN
    Missouri Association School Nurse
    President
  • Two Richland One Nurses Receive the Daisy Award.

    The DAISY Award is a recognition program to celebrate and recognize nurses by collecting nominations from patients, families, and co-workers. It is run by our partners as a way to thank nurses for the care and kindness they provide.