In SISD, our philosophy of nursing is that we are "Leaders in Scrubs" that build relationships through compassionate care from a holistic approach. We use health education, and health promotion based on each student’s individual developmental and healthcare needs to promote self-advocacy and wellness.  Additionally, we support district staff by offering health screenings and resources that will support their health and wellness so they can provide consistent academic support for students. 

Our nursing philosophy is a triad approach that includes nursing theory, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, and the Lead Spring leadership model. Our department believes that our work on each campus is contingent on how each of these ideas converges and guides how we support overall student success.

Our nursing theory emphasizes reciprocal roles of the nurse-patient relationship beginning with the stranger role and concluding with the leadership role.  In each role, the nurse utilizes a variety of interventions that include gathering information, providing guidance and encouragement, teaching the patient how to advocate for their well-being.    As nurses understand their relationships with those they care for, they can move in and out of each role as the needs of the patient change. 

Using Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs school nurses can assess and identify the unmet needs of the student so that restoration can take place thereby achieving positive health outcomes. By supporting the student’s physiological, safety, security, self-esteem, and environmental status, the nurse can prioritize which health concerns come first with the ultimate goal to reduce or eliminate health obstacles for the student so that educational success is achieved.

Our philosophy also centers around the Lead Spring leadership framework which includes six (6) leadership competencies and outcomes.   They are:

• We base our decisions on what is best for our students.

• We strive for excellence in all we do.

• We build trust through integrity and lead by example. 

• We communicate openly. 

• We value diversity and treat everyone with dignity and respect. 

• We win as a team.

School nurses embody these competencies through the daily engagement with students, staff, and community members to ensure the best health outcomes focusing on quality service, relationship building, and successful outcomes.