School Health Services

Florida Department of Health

Volunteer School Nurse Program 

The School Health Program of the Washington County Health Department, in conjunction with the Washington County Schools, is addressing the need for health related services for students through volunteer licensed nurses. 

The Volunteer School Nurse Program (VSNP) targets the six schools in our county, which are Kate M. Smith and Vernon elementary, Roulhac and Vernon Middle schools, and Chipley and Vernon high schools.

Volunteers Needed

The Washington County Volunteer School Nurse Program was started in April of this year with funding from Florida's School Health Program, now in it's third year.

The program goal is to recruit 25 RN and LPN volunteers to help with vision and hearing screening, paper work, computer data entry, and writing letters.  Retirees are welcome. 

Volunteer Roles          

 Provider-offer health care for students.  Educator-Present health-related information to groups or individuals.  Investigator-Identify potential and actual health-related problems.  Communicator-Act as a liaison between students, parents, school personnel, and members of the health care delivery system.  Planner-Coordinate student health care, collaborating with community health care system and the school system.  Role Model-Promote professional development and encouragement of nursing as a career for the students served.

If you would like to volunteer and help the School Nurse Program; contact Karen Mathis (RN, BSN) at the Health Department: 850-638-6240 (ext) 143.  Fax: 850-638-6244.       Email: Karen_Mathis@doh.state.fl.us

Some of the services a volunteer school nurse can provide in just a few hours a week.