School Health Services

Full-time nursing services are available in all Boston Public Schools. BPS nurses are available to meet with parents and guardians to discuss any student’s healthcare needs. If you need to speak to the school nurse, please call the school’s main office and ask to speak with the school nurse.

All BPS nurses are licensed to practice nursing in Massachusetts and are certified by the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. The responsibilities of school nurses include:

• Evaluating and managing the health needs of all students
• Monitoring and administering medications and medical procedures as prescribed by a student’s primary care provider or medical specialist
• Providing first aid and emergency care
• Identifying and managing students with special health needs
• Working with other school-based groups to provide safe and healthy environments
• Supporting students and families with accessing primary medical care and health insurance
• Managing the surveillance of communicable diseases 
• Supporting students with accessing menstrual products
• In high schools, working with other staff on the Condom Availability Team to provide access to condoms and reproductive health counseling.

You can help the school nurse care for your child by:

• Making sure the nurse knows if your child has any health conditions (diabetes, sickle cell, asthma, seizure disorder, etc.) or needs nursing services while in school.
• Communicating with the nurse if medication or health needs change
• Providing a copy of your child’s most recent physical exam with all up to date immunizations (exam must be within 12 months)
• Updating your child’s emergency contact information on file at the school so the school can always reach you
• Giving the nurse permission in writing to discuss your child’s health care needs with the child’s health care provider.