The School Nurse Shortage Is Bigger Than You Think

What happens when a student gets sick, has a medical emergency, or needs a health assessment... and there's no school nurse available? In this clip from Virtual Health Connections, Sheila Freed, BSN, RN, NCSN, Director of School Health at Avel eCare, explains one of the biggest challenges facing schools today: the growing gap between increasing student health needs and limited access to school nurses. Sheila shares how many schools rely on office staff, paraprofessionals, or secretaries to manage student health concerns despite limited medical training. While these staff members care deeply about their students, they are often left making difficult decisions without the clinical support they need. Through real stories from schools across the country, Sheila discusses how virtual school nursing helps bridge that gap by giving educators immediate access to experienced nurses who can assess students, support school staff, help families make informed decisions, and keep more students healthy, safe, and in the classroom.