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School Nurses Make Call for More Help
School nursing advocates say their field should be given a higher priority in public education. Nancy Petrik, president of the Illinois Association of School Nurses, and Linda Gibbons, that group's director to its national counterpart, are urging the Illinois State Board of Education to hire a nursing consultant to help both parents and local school districts.

Petrik and Gibbons say there are some places where, for example, a school secretary is the person to dispense medication. They say that’s no more appropriate than, for example, a paralegal trying a court case.

With many chronic diseases and allergies among school-age children -- and with the increasing responsibilities school districts are taking on for disabled kids ages 0-21 -- the nurses' group says it's vital the local districts are prepared to address the needs.

Another problem: a parent getting the ear of a well-intentioned but not well-informed legislator, potentially leading to laws being drawn up without the input of a medical professional.

(Illinois Radio Network)
04 17 09 by Newsroom
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