Need to Know Tips From School Nurse Courtney Kozloski

In this episode of 'I Heal Kids', Dr. Ellie interviews Courtney Kozloski, a school nurse with a diverse nursing background. They discuss the transition from emergency nursing to school nursing, emphasizing the multifaceted role of a school nurse beyond just providing first aid. The conversation highlights the importance of mental health support, managing chronic conditions, and the impact of nutrition on student well-being. Courtney shares insights on how to effectively communicate with students about their health and the significance of fostering independence in managing their conditions. The episode concludes with a discussion on the resources available through school nursing and the importance of collaboration between parents and school health professionals.

Courtney Kozloski has been a nurse for almost 8 years. She has done rehab, med surg(both travel and perm), dialysis, emergency, and school nursing. She moved down to NC in 2021 from Massachusetts for an opportunity to work in the ER. She originally thought she wanted to do SANE nursing and started her masters in forensic nursing but the ER showed her how much that would affect her personal life. School nursing has been great in the ability to not bring some things home with her. She runs the middle school student council and loves doing events for the kids. She lives with her boyfriend and 2 spoiled golden retrievers! 

Takeaways

Courtney transitioned to school nursing to find stability after burnout in the hospital.
School nursing involves managing chronic conditions, not just first aid.
Mental health support is a significant part of a school nurse's role.
Open-ended questions can help students express their concerns.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in students' ability to focus and learn.
Building confidence in students to manage their health is essential.
Parents should communicate openly about their child's mental health needs.
School nurses are valuable resources for health education and support.
Collaboration between parents and school nurses enhances student care.
Understanding the signs of when a child is truly unwell is key for school nurses.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Holistic Pediatric Care
02:04 Transitioning from Emergency to School Nursing
04:02 The Role of a School Nurse
06:30 Chronic Conditions and Health Education
10:08 Mental Health in Middle School
14:27 Navigating Vaping and Peer Pressure
16:16 Communicating with Parents about Health
17:28 Empowering Kids with Chronic Conditions
19:19 Nutrition and Eating Habits in Schools
25:52 Addressing Food Insecurity
27:15 Determining When Kids Should Go Home
29:44 The School Nurse as a Resource

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