Pahokee school nurse: Up-to-date forms help to establish child's care plan

Elle More Williams Parker, school nurse at Pahokee Senior High School

What are your tips for parents before the first day of school?

Establish a routine with your child a week before school starts. Schedule bedtime to ensure at least eight hours of sleep. Limit social media time and the use of electronics at least two hours prior to bedtime.

Update your child's immunizations over the summer and schedule a physical if your child is new to the district. Contact your school to find out the requirements that your child may need. If your child will be participating in sports, obtain the guidelines and forms from your school for you and your child's physician to complete.

What should parents do if their children need special medical care at school?

Please update any changes in your child's health condition on your registration form or with your child's school. Visit with your child's health care provider over the summer to complete the proper forms that will ensure continuity of care while your child is at school.

Meet with your school nurse the week before your child returns to school and discuss any special care needs. Bring completed medication and treatment forms from your health care provider with the signatures of a parent and the doctor so appropriate training can occur. Medication should be labeled in its original container (not expired) and match the physician authorization form. Bring a current picture of your child, as this is required for dispensing medication.

What are some of the challenges you experience as a school nurse?

It's difficult when parent questionnaires and forms are not returned to the school nurse. The data provided is necessary to establish a care plan for each student.

When I am unable to reach parents in an emergency due to nonworking phone numbers, it proves challenging. Please ensure that your child's school has your current phone numbers on file. When a child is absent due to medical reasons, please inform the school nurse as early as possible.

What motivates you as a school nurse?

My passion to be a school nurse began when I was in elementary school in the islands of Jamaica. I saw the positive impact my public health nurse made in my life during special visits at my school. She inspired me to become a school nurse to help students to succeed by providing them with the best care.

Caring for students, teachers, staff members and parents with a holistic approach, seeing the lasting impact and knowing that I make a positive difference motivates me. I enjoy seeing the students grow, mature and begin advocating for themselves as they strive for excellence.

Having the support of my supervisor and colleagues is rewarding. I am grateful to the school nurse at Pahokee Middle School, my son's former school nurse, who encouraged me to apply to the Health Care District of Palm Beach County'sSchool Health program and fulfill my longtime passion of serving as a school nurse. Being a part of the Health Care District, an organization that is making a difference in the lives of students and a positive impact in the community, continues to inspire me every day.

Contributed by the Health Care District of Palm Beach County

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