How School Nurses Catch What Others Might Miss

What happens when a student isn't feeling well, but the problem isn't obvious? In this clip from Virtual Health Connections, Sheila Freed, BSN, RN, NCSN, Clinical Operations Director of School Health and Senior Care at Avel eCare, explains why school nurses are often the first to identify serious health concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed. From helping parents avoid unnecessary trips home from work to recognizing life threatening conditions, school nurses provide an essential layer of clinical expertise that supports students, families, and educators every day. Sheila shares several remarkable real-world stories from schools across the country, including how a routine assessment led to the discovery of a child's eye tumor, how another student was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome after what appeared to be anxiety symptoms, and how virtual assessments have helped identify everything from diabetes warning signs to unexpected surprises like bugs and rocks in students' ears. The conversation also explores how virtual school nursing gives parents confidence by providing expert assessments and clear guidance before deciding whether a child truly needs to leave school. By helping students stay in class when appropriate and ensuring they receive timely care when needed, Avel eCare's School Health program supports better health outcomes while reducing unnecessary disruptions for families and schools. Whether a school has an on-site nurse or is filling staffing gaps through virtual care, this episode highlights the life changing impact experienced school nurses can have on the health, safety, and success of every student.