Healthy Students, Thriving Schools: The Vital Role of Henderson County’s School Nurses

Logo for 'HCPS Community Partner Spotlight' featuring a red apple with a puzzle piece missing. The letters 'HCPS' are vertically aligned beside the apple, and the text 'Community Partner Spotlight' is displayed prominently across the center with blue and black accents.

When students are healthy, they can do their best in the classroom. That’s why the partnership between the Henderson County Department of Public Health and Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) is so important.

School nurses are employed by the Health Department and embedded in their school community. Henderson County is fortunate to have a school nurse assigned to each public school in the county. This is due to the support and partnership of the Henderson County Board of Commissioners, Henderson County Board of Health and Henderson County Board of Public Education.

“The partnership between the Department of Public Health and HCPS ensures every student has access to the care they need to thrive,” said David Jenkins, Henderson County Health Director. “By addressing health concerns in schools, we are removing barriers to learning and helping students reach their full potential.”

With more than 12,500 students across HCPS, school nurses provide a key service. They are often seen as the trusted faces students and staff turn to when they’re feeling unwell or injured. Their work goes far beyond first aid, addressing the full spectrum of school health needs to create an environment where learning can thrive.

Complete School Care

School nurses do many important jobs, including:

Managing Chronic Illnesses: Nurses manage care for students with conditions like diabetes or asthma. They also train teachers and staff to help these students.
Health Screenings and Referrals: School nurses ensure students get connected to the care they need from vision screenings to dental and mental health referrals.
Triaging illness and injuries: Having a school nurse on site helps children stay in class whenever possible. A school nurse can access sick children to determine need for further treatment. About 90% of students who see the school nurse are able to return to class.
Disease Prevention: School nurses respond to communicable disease outbreaks to keep schools safe.
Emergency Preparedness: School nurses develop emergency plans for children with severe or urgent health needs.
Oversee Medication Program in Schools: School nurses ensure that students are administered medication during school hours necessary for chronic illnesses or for short term recovery.

School Nurse Recognition

Each year, HCPS celebrates its school nurses with a special ceremony. This includes handwritten messages from students and staff at each school and appreciation from HCPS Leadership.

“We are grateful for our school nurses and the services they provide on a daily basis. It is a blessing to have a certified nurse in every school, thanks to the vision and commitment of the Henderson County Health Department and the Henderson County Board of Commissioners. These healthcare professionals are an integral part of the HCPS team, serving the health and wellness needs that improve student outcomes. This partnership is a shining example of the greatness that can be accomplished when agencies work hand in hand,” said HCPS Superintendent Mark R. Garrett.

Partnering with Families

School nurses don’t just serve students—they’re a bridge between families, teachers and healthcare providers. Parents can reach out to their school nurse if their child has any health condition or concern. Whether it’s developing a care plan for a chronic condition or addressing attendance issues due to health problems, school nurses are there to support families.

A Foundation for Success

Thanks to the efforts of community leaders, HCPS and the Department of Public Health, every public school in Henderson County now has a nurse. This underscores our commitment to remove health barriers so students can focus on learning and achieve their full potential.

Please contact your school nurse if your child has any type of health condition or concern. Together, we can make sure Henderson County’s students stay healthy, safe and ready to succeed.