By Amanda Kost
TYLER, TX (KYTX) The number of school nurses just can't keep up with the growing number of children who are dealing with diabetes. Despite the nationwide shortage, the Tyler ISD has been able to keep their schools staffed with full time nurses. More students are dealing with diabetes in school. "There is an increase, but not just for Tyler, it's across the nation that we're seeing this with our youth," said Nancy Jones.
Tyler ISD Health Services Coordinator, Nancy Jones, is well aware of the demand for school nurses. "We are very fortunate here at Tyler ISD. We do have a RN on each of our campuses. Two campues share, all the other have a full time," explained Jones.
Tyler ISD nurses and faculty are trained to look for kids who don't know they are diabetic. "We know that our numbers are increasing and we know all the children haven't been identified, so we know there's children sitting out there in the classroom that are probably a diabetic, but we don't know about. So we want them to know what to look for," explained Jones.
Something Jones said is crucial since so much goes into managing the health of diabetic children. "About the eating, how many carbs, when their blood sugars need to be checked, when they're to have insulin, what their management plan is," added Jones.
"The wrong dosage could mean a severe," said Dr. Luis Casas. That's why Luis Casas MD with Trinity Mother Frances, said it's important parents, schools and physicians share each diabetic student's needs. "We work very closely with the schools and the parents to try to make sure the needs of the kids are met as best as we can," concluded Casas.
Tyler ISD also has a school nurse partner system where two school nurses from two different campuses know each other's student population and health issues.
If you want to know what the nursing situation is like at your child's school, talk to your school's administration.
