Supporting the Health & Learning of Students With Chronic Health Conditions

January is Thyroid Awareness Month! It emphasizes the vital role of the thyroid, encourages testing, and promotes early treatment. Although hypothyroidism is more common in adults, it is the most common thyroid disorder in children. It can lead to signs such as slow growth, lack of activity, and poor academic performance. The school nurse is well positioned to support the health and academic success of students with chronic health conditions, including hypothyroidism, by providing direct care and facilitating the many practice components of the Care Coordination principle of NASN’s School Nursing Practice Framework™. Visit NASN’s Chronic Health Condition Management web page to locate key resources for building school communities that support students with chronic health conditions. Resources include the Improving Care Coordination for Students with Chronic Health Conditions Toolkit and the Managing Chronic Health Conditions in Schools: Model School Wellness Policy Supplement.