What does a school nurse do in a fully online school? Good question!
At Insight PA Cyber Charter School (Insight PA), an online school serving K-12 students across Pennsylvania, our dedicated nursing team, led by Wendy Smith, ensures students’ health needs are met—no matter where they are in Pennsylvania. Balancing state requirements with the unique challenges of an online learning environment, Nurse Wendy brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her work. Read on to learn more about the unique challenges and opportunities of nursing in an online school.
Why does an online school like Insight PA need a school nurse?
Pennsylvania requires all public schools to have a certified school nurse (CSN) for every 1,500 students. Our school has four CSNs, one RN, and an administrative assistant on our team.
What are your primary responsibilities as a nurse in a fully online school?
Insight PA Cyber Charter School prioritizes the wellness of our students. Our department works to ensure all students comply with Pennsylvania’s immunization requirements. We work alongside the families of students experiencing chronic illnesses to build care plans for their online lives. Emergency action plans (EAPs) and 504 plans are prepared when necessary. The school nurses also participate in IEP meetings for students with chronic illnesses as needed and maintain the school health records of all enrolled students. Our team diligently conducts school-mandated health screenings, frequently at field trips and state testing venues.
How do you support students with chronic health conditions?
Supporting students with chronic illness comes foremost for the nursing team. Our nurses create plans of care to ensure that site staff know about the specific medical needs of students on field trips or at state testing locations. Our school website now includes the names of the school nursing team, the grade bands they represent, and their contact information. This should assist families in locating the necessary support from our team.
What role do you play in educating students and families about health and wellness?
Our website offers several educational resources. In the future, we plan to provide our families with evening health sessions quarterly.
What are some unique challenges you face as a nurse for an online school, and how do you overcome them?
One of the most significant obstacles to achieving success as a cyber school nurse is communicating to our families that the school has a nursing staff and that we are available to support the students. Additionally, we want to inform families that the cyber charter school environment is subject to all Pennsylvania school health mandates.
What drew you to school nursing, specifically in the online education space?
Loving one-on-one student interaction, I became a certified school nurse in 2001 at a small K–6 grade charter school in Oxford, Pennsylvania. I had a unique chance to teach the students health curriculum. Working in my local community and engaging with families and children outside of the classroom brought me a great deal of satisfaction. Later on in my profession, I entered the cyber school setting. Helping families achieve the best outcomes for their children’s educational experience is a focus of our charter school, and I find great satisfaction in being part of this process.
How do you keep up with the health needs of students who are spread out across Pennsylvania?
Together, our team carefully reviews all incoming student medical information and reaches out to our families should we feel we could assist a student or need to clarify a diagnosis.
What do you find most rewarding about your work at Insight PA Cyber Charter School?
I enjoy going to different parts of the state and seeing students while performing state-mandated health screenings. Nothing brings me greater joy than collaborating with families who convey their satisfaction that their child’s health concerns will be addressed in our educational environment.
How do you unwind and take care of your own mental and physical health after a long day?
I’m currently a student in the master’s in health care administration program at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Although this program consumes most of my leisure time, it will be completed in December 2024. Outside of work and school, I serve as the Oxford Lion’s Club president. As a club, we participate in neighborhood activities to generate money for local and national charitable organizations and I oversee the food trailer for our organization. I am also planning my son’s November wedding. The best method I have found to destress is spending time with my family and three dogs — Dachshunds, Clyde and Oliver and Rottweiler, Raider.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I share my birthday with my husband on the same day and year—September 30. He’s eight hours older than me! On our birthday in 1992, I gave birth to our son, so three members of our family celebrate on the same day. My youngest son has his own special birthday in May.
What’s your favorite hobby or activity outside of work?
My hobbies include volunteer work, event planning, reading, and spending time with my family, which includes my husband and two adult sons.
Whether she’s coordinating student health plans or planning her next family celebration, Nurse Wendy brings heart to everything she does. At Insight PA, your child’s health is a priority, and with enrollment still open, now is the perfect time to join a school that focuses on both academic and physical wellness. Visit our website today to learn more!
About Insight PA
Insight PA is an online public school serving K-12 students across Pennsylvania. Our public education is taxpayer-funded. Families do not pay any tuition. We offer a personalized, accommodating learning experience that removes barriers to education and provides holistic support to all our students and families. At Insight PA, we celebrate and honor the diversity of our community. Insight PA students develop into strong problem solvers, critical thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens. Join us — We’re now enrolling!