School Nurse: Ardella Wessling

The primary role of the School Nurse is to support student learning. The school nurse serves as the health professional for the school community. The school nurse does not diagnose, but may refer or require MD follow-up if there is a medical concern or suspicion of a communicable disease.

   
Vision & Hearing Screening
The Beloit Elementary School Nurse of USD 273 will conduct annual vision and hearing screening, as well as height, weight, and scoliosis screenings.  

Medication
The Beloit Elementary school nurse will conduct annual vision and hearing screening. Height and weight screening and scoliosis screening will also be performed. The nurse will provide first aid and emergency care as authorized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The school nurse will also be available for health counseling with teachers or parents whenever needed. The nurse will administer medication in school only with written authorization from the physician and the parent or guardian.

Education
The school nurse is also involved in health education including topics such as dental health, nutrition, drug and alcohol safety, and human sexuality.

Animals At School
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has established these guidelines for animals in school. Animals
that are unacceptable for school visits are:
1. Wild animals
2. Poisonous animals
3. Reptiles and amphibians (high risk of salmonellosis)
4. Wolf-dog hybrids
5. Stray animals
6. Aggressive animals
7. Baby chicks and ducks (high risk of salmonellosis)
Exceptions to this recommendation include those instances when these animals are presented at school by professionals who have experience handling them. Psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets, budgies and cockatiels) may be brought to school as long as their cages are clean and the bird's wastes can be contained. These birds should not be handled by children.
Animals that are brought to school should be clean and healthy. Dogs, cats and ferrets should have a current rabies vaccination and be wearing proper restraints.