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Student Health Services

School nurse smiling at young child

Student Health Services works to promote child and adolescent health and reduce health-related risk behaviors. It is comprised of school nurses, a school health services supervisor, a coordinator, and a medical consultant.

The Role of the School Nurse

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) defines school nursing as a specialized practice of professional nursing that protects and promotes student health, supports optimal physical and emotional development, and advances academic success. School nurses serve as a critical link between health care and education by coordinating care, addressing health needs during the school day, and advocating for high-quality, student-centered services.

Student Health Services is dedicated to fostering the health and well-being of all children and adolescents and reducing health-related barriers to learning. Our team includes registered professional nurses, a student health services supervisor, coordinators, and a medical consultant who work collaboratively to provide comprehensive health support. Together, they create safe, healthy learning environments; respond to student health needs; promote preventive health practices; and partner with families, staff, and community providers to ensure every student can thrive.

Required Health Information & Forms for Parents

The first four tabs below provide families with the necessary forms and guidance needed to update their student's medical information when returning to school. Medication cannot be administered to any student without appropriate authorization forms completed and on file. Medication must be provided in a new, sealed container with the completed authorization form. Students may not transport medication to and from school unless authorized by a healthcare provider to self-carry medication.

Medications at School

Medication cannot be administered to any student without appropriate authorization forms completed and on file. Any medication must be provided in a new, sealed container with the completed authorization form. Students may not transport medication to and from school unless authorized by a healthcare provider to self-carry medication. 

In accordance with the Code of Virginia 22.1-274.2 and § 8.01-226.5:1, students diagnosed with asthma, seizure or anaphylactic reaction may possess and self-administer certain inhaled asthma medications, epinephrine, seizure or other emergency medication, with the appropriate authorization form on file.

Medical Authorization Forms

Management of Allergic Reactions in the School Setting: Administering Epinephrine Auto-Injector - Regulation 757-2

Food allergy and anaphylaxis emergency care plans must be submitted annually at the beginning of each school year, dated after May 1, and whenever modifications are made to this plan.

Management of Health Treatment Plans in the School Setting - Regulation 757-3

Management of Medication Administration in the School Setting - Regulation 757-4

Management of Asthma in the School Setting - Regulation 757-5

Management of Diabetes in the School Setting - Regulation 757-6

Management of Seizures in the School Setting - Regulation 757-7

Immunization Requirements

Required Health Forms

The following health forms are required for enrolling a student in Prince William County Public Schools. A school physical is required for all students enrolling in preschool through grade 5.

Athletic Forms: Please refer to the PWCS Student Athletics webpage for additional information. The following forms are needed if a student plans to participate in PWCS athletics.

High School Forms

Middle School Forms

Regulations & Fact Sheets

Health Regulations

Fact Sheets and Other Resources

School Health Advisory Board

The purpose of the School Health Advisory Board (SHAB) is to advise the school division on broad topics or on specific aspects of the coordinated school health program. Areas of concern include, but are not limited to: mental health, school nutrition, health education, health services, acute and chronic medical conditions, physical education, staff wellness, school climate, dropout prevention, school safety, violence prevention, drug and alcohol prevention, and family life education.

SHAB provides guidance and serves to advocate school health concerns. SHAB assists with the development of health policy in the school division and the evaluation of the status of school health, health education, the school environment, and health services. SHAB will hold meetings at least quarterly and report annually on the status and needs of student health in the school division to any relevant school, the School Board, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Virginia Department of Education.

Wellness Plan–Regulation 275-1

School Nurse Services

What Services Does the School Nurse Provide?

School nurses play a critical role in supporting the health, wellness, and academic success of students nationwide.

They address critical healthcare needs, ensuring that students can thrive in the classroom and beyond. The challenges students face today—from chronic illnesses to mental health struggles—demand comprehensive, accessible care, which school nurses uniquely provide. With over 25% of students managing chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and epilepsy, the presence of a school nurse ensures these children can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

School nurses are responsible for the health of children by, including, but not limited to:

  • Assessing the severity of illness or injury in students.
  • Distributing medications to student that is provided and approved by their parents and healthcare providers.
  • Caring for students with chronic conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy/seizures, asthma, allergies/anaphylaxis, and others.
  • Ensuring all students are up to date on their vaccinations/immunizations.
  • Directing the provision of health services within the school.
  • Screening students for vision, hearing, and other potential health issues.
  • Preventing and controlling the spread of communicable diseases.
  • Connecting students and their families to relevant health resources.
  • Providing mental health support to students in need.
  • Collecting health data in schools to provide to local, state, and national officials.
  • Promotion of overall school community health through education and wellness initiatives.

School Staff Training

Code of Virginia Training Required for School Staff

CPR/First Aid/AED: Per Code of Virginia § 22.1-274, each school board shall ensure that in school buildings with an instructional and administrative staff of 10 or more at least three employees have current certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of an automated external defibrillator.

Administration of Medication: This course supports the PWCS Strategic Plan by promoting a caring, safe, and healthy teaching, learning, and working environment that values human diversity. It is designed for PWCS staff members who are designated by their school principals to be trained in the safe administration of medication. Attendees must complete the full program to be considered trained. Successful completion equips staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely support students who require medication during the school day. After the initial training, a school nurse will provide a one‑hour annual refresher session for two consecutive years. Thereafter, designated staff members must complete a refresher course every three years. Legal reference: Chapter 881, Code of Virginia, § 55.1‑3408, M.

Insulin & Glucagon Training: This course supports the PWCS Strategic Plan by fostering a caring, safe, and healthy teaching, learning, and working environment that values human diversity. It is designed for PWCS staff members designated by their school principals to receive training in the safe administration of insulin and glucagon for students with diabetes. Attendees are required to complete the full program to be considered trained. Successful completion ensures staff are equipped with the skills necessary to recognize diabetic emergencies and provide appropriate care during the school day. Following initial certification, a school nurse will provide a one‑hour annual refresher training for two consecutive years. Afterward, designated staff members must complete a refresher course every three years. Legal reference: Code of Virginia § 22.1‑274, Part E

Protecting Student Health

Information on Eating Disorders

Links


Learn if your family is eligible for health coverage through FAMIS

Qualifying students and families can receive Medicaid and FAMIS low-cost or no-cost health insurance. To see if your child may qualify, visit the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security (FAMIS) webpage.

When should a student stay home due to illness?

Illness or Injury Exclusion Criteria

Reasons for which a child will be sent home from school/School Age Child Care (SACC) or for a parent to keep the child home from school/SACC. Students with the following conditions will not be permitted to ride the school bus home. The student must be released to a parent/guardian or adult designee.

  1. Fever of 100.4ºF and over – exclude until the student has been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
  2. Conjunctivitis (pink eye), strep infections, ringworm, and impetigo are all infections and must be treated with medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. Please do not allow affected students back before this time so that other students are not infected unnecessarily.
  3. Rash of unknown origin (especially if accompanied by a fever).
  4. Head injury.
  5. Severe coughing or difficulty breathing.
  6. Colds – a child with thick or constant nasal discharge should remain home.
  7. Diarrhea – sudden increase in frequency to more than three loose/watery stools per day. Exclude until the student has been symptom free for at least 24 hours.
  8. Vomiting – unless the vomiting is determined to be caused by a diagnosed non-communicable/non-infectious condition (such as dysmenorrhea, dysphagia, etc.).
  9. Abdominal pain that continues for more than two hours or intermittent abdominal pain associated with fever or other signs or symptoms.
  10. Stiff neck associated with a fever and/or a recent injury.
  11. Inadequate immunizations with a known disease outbreak in school.
  12. Refer to the Virginia Department of Health Communicable Disease Reference Chart for School and Child Care Facility Personnel (PDF) for other exclusions/information.

Regulation 757-1

PWCS logo

NOW HIRING SCHOOL NURSES

School nurse smiling at child

Are you THAT nurse with strong critical thinking skills, that can work autonomously in a fast-paced environment, and has a collaborative spirit? If so, come join our PWCS School Nurse Family.

All Nursing Backgrounds Welcomed!

APPLY ONLINE:
www.pwcs.edu/employment 

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services, and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Contact Us

Brenda Miller-Dorick
Supervisor of Student Health Services
[email protected]

Connie Meade
Administrative Coordinator
[email protected]

Cindi Sutton
Administrative Coordinator
[email protected]

Donna Knepp
Nurse on Special Assignment (Homebound)
[email protected]

Biatrís Gonzalez
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]

We Love Our PWCS School Nurses!

We love our PWCS school nurses! video screenshot