Ten Commandments for the School Nurse

Esther E. Dworak. The Journal of School Health. Kent: Oct 2001. Vol. 71, Iss. 8, pg. 392, 1pg
Copyright, American School Health Association, Oct 2001

1. Thou art the school nurse, responsible for promoting the health and well being of all school children entrusted to they care; thou shalt not be ignored now allow others to be placed in thy role of primary health promoter.
2. Thou shalt not allow thy role to be taken in vain so as to be considered as perhaps only the first aid provider.
3. Thou shalt be included in those school functions relating to the child's health even if thou must invite thyself.
4. Thou shalt be honored and esteemed for thy abilities as a school nurse in the school, even if honored only by a few.
5. Thou shalt not allow others less knowledgeable than thee to kill thine enthusiasm for provision of an adequate school health program.
6. Thou shalt not tolerate the school's allegiance to others than myself for provision of a good school health program even if thou must profoundly assert thyself.
7. Thou shalt not allow anyone to steal thy “prime time” at kindergarten round-up or similar school program when thou canst publicly promote child health to the multitudes.
8. Thou shalt not state any falsehood regarding child health nor disregard primary parental responsibility, nor the school's responsibility regarding each child's health and safety.
9. Thou shalt cherish the belief that no one loves the child more or has their best interests more at heart than the child's mom and dad; however, in coveting this belief, thou art ever careful not to overlook the child not in possession of this type of parenting.
10. Thou shalt not covet the interests of thy school health program so exclusively as to overlook other aspects of the child's and teacher's school day.