NCSN key terms

A written nursing plan describing a student's specific health needs, the interventions school staff will carry out, and the expected outcomes. It is based on the nursing process and guides daily care and emergency response.

A short, action-oriented document telling school staff exactly what to do when a student has a specific health emergency, such as a seizure or severe allergic reaction. It is kept where responsible adults can reach it quickly.

A written plan from a student's clinician listing daily controller medication, rescue medication steps, and green, yellow, and red zone symptoms. It helps staff respond consistently and know when emergency care is needed.

A written plan describing a student's seizure types, any rescue medication and its timing, and when to call emergency services. It guides staff response and supports a safe return to class afterward.

Giving prescription or over-the-counter medication during the school day under provider authorization, parent consent, and district policy, with secure storage and documentation. Errors and adverse reactions must be reported and tracked.

A coordinated process preparing a student with special health care needs to move between schools, grade levels, or into adult services. It includes transferring health plans, teaching self-management skills, and updating consents.

A written accommodation plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act that provides supports and services so a student with a disability can access school programs on an equal basis. It does not require specialized instruction.

The legal right of eligible students with disabilities to special education and related services provided at public expense, under public supervision, and consistent with the student's individualized education program.

The legal requirement that students with disabilities be educated alongside peers without disabilities to the maximum extent appropriate, with removal only when supports in the regular setting cannot meet their needs.

A federal law protecting the privacy of students' education records. It defines who may access records, gives parents and eligible students rights to review and amend them, and limits disclosure without consent.

A federal law setting national standards for protecting health information held by covered entities such as hospitals and clinics. School health records usually fall under FERPA, so nurses must know which law governs a given record.

A person required by state law to report suspected child abuse, neglect, or exploitation to designated authorities. School nurses are typically mandated reporters and must follow state timelines and reporting procedures.

A legal rule allowing minors to consent to certain health services, such as some mental health or reproductive care, without a parent. State rules vary and affect what the school nurse may do or disclose.

A failure to act as a reasonably prudent professional would in similar circumstances, resulting in harm. The elements are duty, breach of duty, causation, and damages.

Assigning a specific nursing task to an unlicensed assistive person while the nurse keeps accountability for the outcome. It requires assessing the student, training and supervising the delegatee, and following state nurse practice law.

The range of activities a nurse is legally permitted to perform, defined by state nurse practice acts, licensure, and professional standards. School nurses must recognize when a task exceeds their authority or needs a provider order.

A written provider directive authorizing a nurse to carry out a specific intervention, such as giving rescue medication, for any student meeting defined criteria without a new individual order each time.

The degree of care and skill a reasonably prudent nurse with similar training would provide in similar circumstances. It is shaped by professional guidelines and policy and is used to judge whether nursing actions were appropriate.

Organizing communication and services among the student, family, health care providers, and school staff so health needs are met consistently across settings. It includes sharing plans, tracking referrals, and closing gaps.

Working with teachers, counselors, clinicians, and families as a team, each contributing expertise, to meet student health and learning goals. It depends on clear communication and shared understanding of roles.

Using the best available research together with clinical expertise and student and family preferences to guide nursing decisions. In schools it means choosing screenings and interventions with demonstrated benefit.

An ongoing, data-driven effort to improve care processes and outcomes through small repeated tests of change. School nurses use it to strengthen screening follow-up, medication safety, and documentation.

Rapid sorting of students with illness or injury to decide who needs emergency care at once, who can be observed in the health office, and who can return to class. It relies on brief focused assessment and vital signs.

A severe, rapidly developing allergic reaction that can compromise the airway and circulation. School nurses must recognize it early, give epinephrine without delay, and activate emergency medical services.

A structured, gradual plan for returning a student to academic activity after a concussion, using rest breaks and reduced workload as needed. It is coordinated with the health care provider and the school team.

A brief procedure, often acuity testing, used to identify students who may have vision problems and need a comprehensive eye examination. It is not diagnostic, so results require referral and documented follow-up.

A brief procedure that detects possible hearing loss, commonly pure-tone testing at set frequencies and intensities. Students who do not pass are rescreened and then referred for audiological evaluation.

The process of connecting a student with a concern to a provider, family, or service and then confirming that care was received. Follow-up closes the loop and documents the outcome.

Measuring height and weight to calculate body mass index and track growth patterns over time. Results are shared with families as part of health promotion and are interpreted cautiously rather than as a diagnosis.

State rules requiring proof of certain vaccinations, or a valid exemption, before a student may attend school. The nurse verifies records, tracks compliance, and applies exclusion procedures during outbreaks.

A legal allowance, based on medical, religious, or personal grounds depending on state law, that permits school attendance without required vaccinations. Who qualifies and what documentation is needed varies by state.

Keeping a student with a contagious illness out of school for a defined period, based on public health guidance, to prevent spread. Readmission depends on elapsed time, treatment, or symptom resolution.

A CDC model organizing school health into ten components, such as health services, nutrition, physical activity, and family engagement, with the whole child at the center. It guides coordinated school health planning.

A school-wide framework of increasingly intensive academic, behavioral, and social-emotional supports matched to student need. School nurses contribute health data and link students to tiered services.

A brief, structured set of questions used to identify students with thoughts of self-harm who need immediate safety planning and referral. A positive screen requires same-day evaluation and parent contact under protocol.

An approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and creates safe, predictable, empowering interactions. It avoids re-traumatization and emphasizes trust, choice, and support rather than punishment or blame.

Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment: a public health approach for identifying risky substance use, offering short counseling, and connecting students to services when more support is needed.

A group of parents, staff, students, and community members that advises the district on school health programs and policies. It supports needs assessment, wellness policy, and community partnerships.

A systematic process of collecting data on student health, services, and gaps to set priorities and plan programs. Results guide staffing, budgeting, and later evaluation of the program.

A written all-hazards plan describing how a school will respond to emergencies, including roles, communication, evacuation, and family reunification. The nurse contributes medical response planning, supplies, and training.