School Nurse Day May 8, 2024

Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) celebrates and acknowledges the accomplishments of school nurses in Minnesota and their efforts to meet the needs of today’s students by providing and advocating for quality student-centered care and offers gratitude for the state’s school nurses, who contribute to our local communities by supporting students to stay healthy, in school, safe, and ready to learn, and keeping parents and guardians at work, not just on this National School Nurse Day, but in every opportunity throughout the year.

"School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidenced-based practice are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care and collaborate to design systems that allow individual and communities to develop their full potential." National Association of School Nurses.

Access to a school nurse is a health equity issue. As often the most utilized and sometimes the only healthcare provider for students, those without access to a school nurse are at a distinct disadvantage. School nurses strive to provide quality health care for all students and address health disparities.

Minnesota school nurses have served a critical role in improving public health and in ensuring student’s academic success, address the home and community factors (e.g., social determinants) that impact students’ health and act as a liaison to the school community, families, and healthcare providers on behalf of children’s health by promoting wellness and improving health outcomes.

Student Access to School Nursing, National Association of School Nurses recommends all students should have access to school nursing care by a registered, professional school nurse all day, every day.

We honor all school nurses making a difference in the lives of children today and every day!