School Health Services Orientation
Each fall the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) holds an orientation session for registered nurses new to the specialty practice area of school nursing. The goal is to help new school nurses transition to this role by providing information and resources that can help make their first years more successful. This professional development is for those nurses who will be working for the first time in or with a Wisconsin school district. It is appropriate for school nurses who have worked in a school setting zero to three years. Information regarding registration for this annual fall training is posted under "New Items" on the main School Health Services website.
Information modules covering topics related to school health services are available for viewing and listed below. Modules are listed by those applicable to registered nurses/school nurses and those applicable to school health services assistive personnel.
School Nurse
- Wisconsin School Health Services Related Laws (for school nurses)
- Delegation in the School Setting for New School Nurses
- The University of Missouri, Show Me School Health website contains courses available to Wisconsin school nurses and offers free NCPD contact hours during the 2024/2025 school year. The New School Nurse Orientation module contains information that is NOT Wisconsin specific. Wisconsin school nurses must register (free) to enroll in the below courses.
- The Puberty Education for School Nurses is a self-paced training 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 parents/guardians. Downloadable handouts and transcripts accompany the audio-video presentations done by Wendy Sellers, a nationally known puberty education expert. Note the fifth module is Missouri specific.
- Comprehensive School Nursing 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.
School Health Assistive Personnel