Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

VIA CHRISTI REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, Wichita, KS
School Nurse Program

What is it?
The SNP coordinates health care services for private and parochial schools that do not have the financial capabilities to have an on-staff school nurse. Most of these schools are in the lower income areas of the community. By partnering with community nursing schools, the county health department and other community resources, we are able to provide required screenings such as vision, hearing, dental, height and weight and blood pressure. Referrals for follow-up care are made as needed. Health education presentations cover subjects such as asthma, personal hygiene, hand washing, nutrition and safety. A grant funded program entitled "School Steps" was done in some of the schools and educated both the children and parents on the importance of healthier eating, cooking and fitness. Many of the students walked dozens of miles over a period of time and were rewarded with gift certificates for new sneakers. Many of the parents also became much more involved in the overall "healthier" lifestyle that was promoted through this one particular grant and managed by Via Christi's school nurse. The Tiger Woods Foundation saw the merit and importance of "School Steps" and provided funding to continue the program into a second year, which was the first time that particular foundation had supported a Via Christi event.

Who is it for?
Parochial and private schools that do not have a school nurse on staff due to financial resources.

Why do they do it?
Healthy children are better learners, and this service also follows the mission of Via Christi, which is to serve the underserved populations. Many of the children cared for by this program do not have access to regular health care. During the school year of 2005-2006, 30 schools were assisted by the School Nurse Program in varying degrees of service. Examples of outcomes: of 96 referrals at seven schools, 61 percent were seen by a physician and received new glasses or prescriptions. Of 25 emergent dental referrals from six schools, 68 percent received immediate dental care. A total of 5, 647 received a screening of some sort during the school year.

Contact: Mary Wiseman
RN, Via Christi School Nurse Program Coordinator
316-946-5047
mary_wiseman@via-christi.org