MO HCR25

Recognizes the vital role of professional school nurses in advancing student well-being, academic success, and lifelong achievement through health care provision, leadership, screening, and liaison services.

Notes that school nurses perform seven key roles: providing health care, leading health services, screening and referral, promoting healthy environments, promoting health, leading health policies, and serving as liaisons between schools, families, and health care providers.

Identifies challenges facing school nurses including excessive paperwork, strict administrative policies, diminishing budgets, legal liability concerns, and insufficient time and resources to provide quality care.

Cites 2008 National Association of School Nurses data showing only 45% of public schools have full-time nurses, 30% have part-time nurses, and 25% have no nurses at all.

Urges every school district in Missouri to recognize the dedication of professional school nurses and instructs the House Chief Clerk to distribute copies of this resolution to all school districts in the state.