Optimal health is basic to sound education and productive living. The attainment and maintenance of physical, mental, and social well-being enable the student to work at maximum capacity in the classroom in order to develop to one's optimal potential.
The school joins the parents and the community in a team effort towards wellness. Although the primary responsibility for the child's health rests with the parents, the school can assist parents:
- in identifying the health needs of the student
- help students to develop competence in dealing with health needs during school years and beyond.
The ultimate objective is to maintain, protect, and promote optimal physical and mental well-being for all students and staff at NDSD/RC.
Health Services are available for assessment and treatment of students' minor injuries and acute illness. In addition, the nurses will recommend, and in some cases arrange for treatment and/or for more complex medical assessments.
Services provided for students include nursing procedures to treat minor illnesses and injuries which do not require a physician's order to carry out and nursing procedures as directed by the consulting physician. Services that are ordered by a physician must be in writing or ordered per phone. A doctor's order form is utilized for these directions.
The school's consulting physician has input into establishing routine care guidelines "standing orders" utilized at the school and can be called upon when questions arise on appropriate treatment plans for minor illnesses.
Additional student health services include:
- annual scoliosis screening for ten to fifteen-year-olds;
- setting up and assisting with physical therapy evaluations three times per year;
- setting up and assisting with occupational therapy evaluations;
- delivery of therapy, as directed by the therapist;
- height and weight screening three times per year;
- charting of seizure activity as necessary;
- monitoring and implementing bedwetting programs;
- weekly monitoring of ear care for early detection of infections;
- health screenings as NDSD/RC deem necessary; and,
- health promotion and disease prevention education.
This information is provided annually with an emphasis on student safety and prompt notification of others to assist with the situation, specifically nursing assistance. Dormitory staff is required to be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The nursing staff arranges annual classes with various departments and staff. All staff is encouraged to attend the CPR and First Aid classes.
Nursing staff members, teachers, and dorm counselors shall work collaboratively, to plan and present to students, classes on health education, and disease prevention as outlined by the health curriculum.