Pa. school nurses push for more staffing support, funding

School nurses in Pennsylvania are advocating for increased staffing levels and more funding to maintain the current ratio of one nurse per 1,500 students, which is significantly higher than the federal recommendation. The push comes as they face growing demands due to rising health issues among students, including mental health challenges. This effort is critical for ensuring that students receive timely and adequate care, which can significantly impact their academic performance and overall well-being. Adequate support for school nurses could also alleviate the burden on teachers and administrators, allowing them to focus more on education rather than first-response health care.