The nurse promotes, advocates for, and protects the rights, health, and safety of the patient.
School nurses are student advocates and support student rights in navigating the educational environment. Regardless of the setting or the situation, the school nurse endorses and understands that the primary commitment is to the student. School nurses support transition planning as students navigate multiple transitions during a PK-12 education – from classroom to classroom, school-to-school, and PK-12 education to college or adult life. School nurses actively promote student health, safety, and self-worth. In order to safeguard student privacy, school nurses maintain confidentiality within the legal, regulatory, and ethical parameters of health and education, and inform others about student health record protection in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Protection Act (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 1974), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, 1996), and other applicable federal and state laws and regulations