The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation recently provided a grant to The Catamount School, allowing for the addition of a school nurse on campus. This grant represents a significant step towards ensuring the health and well-being of students at the innovative charter school in Western North Carolina.
In the last school year, 761 student visits were recorded, with an impressive 92% returning to class to continue learning after receiving medical care. Only 60 students required further attention and had to be sent home. This statistic underscores the critical role that a school nurse plays in addressing the health needs of students and ensuring their overall well-being while at school.
“Thank you to the Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation for supporting our project of hiring a school nurse,” said Dr. Laura Plantenberg, Health Services Coordinator at The Catamount School. “Our kids come to the nurse for all sorts of things. Because of the nurse’s ability to do assessments, we have been able to solve the issue for 92% of our student visits and send them back to class. Less missed academic time and instruction is very impactful and makes a huge difference.”
The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction emphasizes the essential role of school nurses in ensuring access to education for students by addressing health-related barriers. School nurses promote health and safety, address actual and potential health issues, offer case management services, and facilitate communication between families, school staff, and healthcare providers.
The presence of a school nurse at The Catamount School allows for timely medical attention, medication administration, support for chronic conditions, and resources for health education. The nurse’s impact is evident in the high percentage of students who were able to return to class after receiving care, demonstrating the effectiveness of having a dedicated healthcare professional on site.
The school nurse at The Catamount School has proven to be an invaluable asset in ensuring the health and academic success of students. The statistics reflecting the nurse’s impact on student visits further highlight the importance of having medical support readily available on campus.
The Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation is proud to support nurses in our community schools. This grant has enabled the school to enhance its health services and prioritize the well-being of its students.
Health Services Coordinator Dr. Laura Plantenberg is dedicated to providing the best possible care for students at The Catamount School. Click the video below to see a special message.
