Parents everywhere are cheering, kids are groaning, and teachers and school nurses are preparing themselves for another school year. It’s back to school time, and everyone is getting ready for what they hope to be a safe, healthy, and successful school year. While the process of preparing for the year is different in every school and district, here are some great tips to help you get your year off to a good start:
- Check on certifications – Make sure that all of your licenses and certifications are up to date. Look into certifications and training for other teachers and administrators, as well, so that you are aware of others in the building who have had CPR training, can handle procedures such as epinephrine injections, and other medical necessities.
- Order supplies – Look through your supplies and check expiration dates on leftover medications and products from the previous school year. Discard and replace those that are out of date and be sure that your office is well stocked with all of the necessities to start the year. Find out about turnaround times and requisitions procedures, as they may have changed from the previous year.
- Spend some time on Pinterest – Pinterest isn’t just for teachers! School nurses can find a plethora of great ideas all over Pinterest. Look for fun décor ideas for your office and cute little treats to make the kids time with you a little brighter. There are lots of printables and useful organization ideas, as well.
- Get to know new staff – When the staff is familiar and comfortable with each other, it is easier for a school to run like a well-oiled machine. Find out who the new teachers and faculty are in the building and stop by for a chat. It will be far easier to communicate when there is a serious need if the ice has already been broken with some friendly banter.
- Prepare for back to school night – Back to school night or open house is a great time to say hello to returning students and get to know those that are new to the school. You may wish to have medical information forms ready to send home with those who attend to give them a head start on their back-to-school paperwork. Also, be sure to have your doors open to speak with parents of students that may have medical issues that you need to be aware of.
- Review action plans for students with known medical issues – Take a look at treatment plans from the previous year and schedule time with parents to review and update those plans for the new school year. If possible, reach out to them before the first day of school to make the transition time more smooth and comfortable for everyone.
While we all may be sad that summer is coming to an end, with a little preparation and effort, the new school year can get off to a great start for both you and your students! Happy Back-to-School!
