School Nurses work to identify and reduce health problems and improve student attendance and educational success.

In California a School Nurse:

• Is a Registered Nurse (RN) with a Public Health Certificate (PHN)
• Has a Baccalaureate degree
• Has additional post-graduate education related to school health issues
• Is credentialed by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing

The School Nurse for THS is Christine Waterman, RN. Christine has been a nurse for 20 years and has worked for the district for 3 years. Christine is assigned to THS, Medeiros Elementary School, and Cunningham Elementary School. The Nurse’s office is located in the Career Center.  Christine is a member of National Association of School Nurses (NASA).

The Health Office is staffed by:

• Christine Waterman RN,BSN,PHN
• Melinda Turner, Health Technician

Health Office Visits

Except in the case of an emergency, all students must have a pass from their teacher to visit the Health Office.  Walk-in's from classes will be returned to class for a pass.

Communication with the Attendance and Health Office is important.  No student will be allowed to leave with another person (even a relative) unless that person is listed on the emergency card in the Attendance and Health Offices.  Students should keep their emergency contact card current.

Medications

In compliance with Ed. Code Section 49423, no medication will be accepted or administered at school without meeting the following requirements:

• Physician and parent/guardian request forms filled out completely including both physician and parent signature (forms available at school).   No medication will be administered without detailed physician instructions.
• Medication taken to school must be furnished in its pharmacy labeled bottle or in original pharmacy labeled injectable medication kit.        
• Nonprescription medications such as aspirin, Tylenol, etc., will not be administered at school even at a parent's request; however, a parent/guardian has the right to bring a medication to school and administer it to their student.