"School nursing is a specialized practice of professional nursing that advances the well being, academic success, and life-long achievement of students. To that end, school nurses facilitate positive student responses to normal development; promote health and safety; intervene with actual and potential health problems; provide case management services; and actively collaborate with others to build student and family capacity for adaptation, self management, self advocacy, and learning." This definition was adopted at the NASN Board of Directors meeting in Providence, Rhode Island in June 1999

OUR MISSION...
To facilitate a safe and healthy environment and optimum health status for students and staff so that maximal physical, emotional, and intellectual growth can occur.

PHILOSOPHY
It has been shown that the quality and quantity of education for each student is in direct proportion to his or her physical, mental, emotional and social levels of health. As health is a basic key to education, it should be part of the total school services available to every student. Sound health allows each student to function to their full capacity. As a major social institution, public schools have access to more young people than any other organization. Schools have a great opportunity to promote good health in future generations. "Healthy children are better learners".

GOALS
Prevention/ control of health problems have historically been the focus of school health. As society has evolved, so has school nursing. Goals now also include, but are not limited to: health education, direct health care, education enhancement and staff wellness.

IMPLEMENTATION
A complete School Health Program has many facets. The School Health Program at Kearney Public Schools upholds standards established by the State of Nebraska, The National School Nurses Association and the National Nurses Association. District standards recognize data collection and assessment of students, staff and community. Programs are planned utilizing the nursing process