Objective: The objective of the Plainfield Public School District is to ensure the health and safety of all of its students and employees. Through the implementation of the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) the goal of achieving an optimal state of health is best achieved. Good health is achieved by addressing the well being of individuals as it pertains to ones physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual well being.

Coordinated School Heath Program for PPS

1. Health Education

Health education goals are achieved through a planned, sequential preK-12 curriculum that addresses the physical, mental, emotional and social dimensions of health. The curriculum is designed to motivate and assist students to maintain and improve their health, prevent disease, and reduce health related risk factors. The comprehensive health education curriculum includes a variety of topics such as personal health, family, community, mental and emotional health. Qualified trained teachers provide health education.

2. Physical Education

A planned, sequential Pre K-12 curriculum that provides cognitive content and learning experiences in a variety of activity such as basic movement skill; physical fitness; games; team, dual and individual sports. Quality physical education that promotes an active healthy lifestyle, through a variety of planned physical activities. Qualified trained teachers teach physical education.

3. Health Services

These services are provided to students to promote and maintain health by a registered nurse. Nurses utilize the nursing process in order to achieve the best outcomes for students. These goals are individualized and documented through assessing, planning and applying the appropriate interventions for each student. An Individual Health Plan (IHP) is used for any student with special needs and/or concerns. Documentation is currently accomplished through Genesis Educational Services which is licensed by PPS. 

4. Nutrition Services

Providing access to a variety of nutritious, appealing meals that accommodate the health and nutritional needs of all students is a goal for PPS. PPS follows the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans and its district nutrition policy. Sodexo Corporation provides these services to PPS.

5. Counseling and Psychological Services

Student Intervention and Family Support Services (SIFSS) provide services to improve students’ mental, emotional and social health. This team consists of a social worker, guidance counselor, school nurse, teachers, administrators, teachers and family liaisons. Together they work to achieve optimal outcomes for students so the can achieve the highest academic outcomes and be productive members of their community. Each school has a SIFSS team.

6. Healthy School Environment

The physical and aesthetic surroundings promote a safe psychosocial climate as well as the culture of our schools. The Buildings and Grounds Department provide these services throughout the district. Part of their role (but not exclusively) aids in a healthy environment through keeping the grounds safe and clean, building temperature control and the regulation of chemicals for various purposes.

7. Health Promotion for Staff

It is the goal of PPS to encourage good health for all of its employees. Nurses provide guidance and care on a one to one basis as well as collectively. By encouraging personnel to pursue a healthy lifestyle this may lead to higher morale, improved staff attendance and a lowering of health insurance costs.

8. Family and Community Involvement

An integrated school, parents and community approach is essential for enhancing the health and well being of students. Each school has a Parent and Teacher Organization (PTO) that helps bridge the community and individual schools. Plainfield has a city wide PTO which meets on a regular basis to discuss and promote community involvement collectively throughout the district.

The Role of the School Nurse and the Coordinated School Health Plan

1. Health Education

School nurses who are certified to teach health may collaborate with the physical education/health teacher and teach health classes. This is done in accordance with N.J.C.C.C.S. The lessons are in compliance with the districts policies and goals based on the students’ ages and grades.

2. Physical Education

The physical education teacher can refer to the school nurse regarding any student who has a physical or mental disability. It is the responsibility of the school nurse to notify the teacher of any doctors orders placing any type of restriction on a students ability to participate in phys ed.

3. Health Services

The school nurse is the primary provider of health care in the school setting. The nurse is responsible for obtaining and following physicians orders in accordance with the districts policies. The nurse utilizes the nursing process in order to achieve the optimal health outcomes for each student. Documentation is currently through Genesis software and is secured. Individual Health Plans (IHP) are maintained while teachers and staff are notified of any possible emergent situations regarding a student’s health. School Nurses are accountable to the New Jersey Board of Nursing and the Nurse Practice Act N.J.S.A. 45:11-23.

4. Nutrition Services

School nurses continually assess the food program at their individual schools and are encouraged to discuss the needs of the students through the appropriate channels. Students are assessed for any possible health related diseases related to the over or under consumption of food.

5. Counseling and Psychological Services

School nurses are an important part of the SIFSS team. Their input is invaluable when assessing the physical, mental and psychological needs of the students. The nurse is a resource for referrals, counseling and the needs of the family. School nurses are capable of case managing all students whether the needs of the students are medical or psychological.

6. Healthy School Environment

The nurse plays an important role in maintaining a healthy school environment. Indoor air quality and potential injury causing situations are possible conditions which the nurse may need to confer with the custodial staff.

7. Health Promotion for Staff

The school nurse serves as a resource person for all staff. Through health promotion and maintenance the nurse provides guidance and acts as a referral for employees. Nurses are available for accidents that occur during work hours and assist the employee to receive the proper interventions through workmen’s compensation.

8. Family/Community Involvement

School nurses reach out to families and the community on a daily basis. This is done when a student becomes ill while at school as well as answering the many questions parents and families may have pertaining to the health of a student/family. Plainfield district nurses often attend their schools’ PTO meetings to give presentations on any current topic that may affect our students, families and community.

School Nursing Services Plan

The school nurse is a health services specialist who assists students, families, and staff in attaining and maintaining optimal health and health attitudes. School nurses strengthen and facilitate the educational process by improving and protecting the health status of children and staff, and by identifying and assisting in the removal or modification of health related barriers to the learning process. (N.J. Department of Education, Office of Educational Support Services, 2001).

School nurses employed by the Plainfield Public School District (PPS) utilize the Coordinated School Health Plan (CSHP) as a means of integrating nursing care to all aspects of the educational system in Plainfield. This integration of professional nursing care can lead to better educational outcomes for our students.

Standards of School Nursing Practice are used as a guide for nurses employed by PPS. These standards are endorsed by the National Association of School Nurses, (2010). (Currently under revision)

Standard 1. Assessment

The school nurse collects comprehensive data pertinent to the healthcare consumer’s health and/ or the situation.

Standard 2 - Data

The school nurse analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnosis or issues.

Standard 3 – Outcomes Identification

The school nurse identifies expected outcomes for a plan individualized to the healthcare consumer or the situation.

Standard 4 - Planning

The school nurse develops a plan that describes strategies and alternatives to attain expected outcomes.

Standard 5 - Implementation

The school nurse implements the identified plan.

Standard 5a- Coordination of Care

The school nurse coordinates care delivery.

Standard 5b – Health Teaching and Promotion

The school nurse employs strategies to promote health and a safe environment.

Standard 5c - Consultation

The school nurse provides consultation to influence the identified plan, enhance the abilities of others and effect change.

Standard 6 - Evaluation

The school nurse evaluates progress toward the attainment of outcomes.