Half of Minnesota schools don’t have nurses

According to a survey from the Minnesota Department of Health, the state’s first comprehensive scan of school nurses shows many schools, particularly those with more low-income families, lack access to a school nurse.

“This is the first time we’ve had such a comprehensive data picture about school nurses and health services staff in Minnesota,” Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dr. Brooke Cunningham said. “What we’ve learned is students in smaller districts, charter schools, and schools that serve more families with lower incomes just aren’t getting that same access to a school nurse as other students in Minnesota.”

The survey found 49% of Minnesota school districts employed a licensed school nurse.

Per Minnesota Statute 121A.21, districts with over 1,000 students are required to employ a licensed school nurse. About 34% of school districts have over 1,000 students.

The survey reports that 93% of the larger districts employed a licensed school nurse, but only 26% of small districts did.

About one in four school districts (26%) did not provide any staff dedicated solely to the role of providing health services for students.

Staffing levels and roles varied greatly by district size. Students in the smallest school districts had lower access to a professional nurse.

“Access to quality health care is critical for students in Minnesota, no matter their ZIP code,” Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett said. “School nurses play an important role in the overall health and well-being of our young people.”

Robbinsdale Area Schools, which has roughly 10,000 students, has a licensed nurse assigned to each school. However, some of the nurses have to split their time between buildings.