Supporting Boston Public School Nurses

Caring for over 54,000 students in 123 schools, Boston Public School (BPS) nurses play a critical role in the health and well-being of the Boston community.¹ Many students have unique social and health considerations, such as non-communicable diseases (like diabetes), economic disadvantage, language barriers, physical disability and learning challenges.¹ As the COVID-19 pandemic surged and impacted the 2020-2021 school year in the city, BPS nurses rose to the challenge to overcome obstacles and learn new skills to care for their students remotely as well as helping develop and implement safe reopening plans. 

In partnership with BCH’s Community Health Program and BPS nursing leadership, the GHP led a collaborative program to support the unique and critical needs of BPS nurses on the front lines. Beginning in August 2020, the GHP facilitated the COVID-19 content of BPS’ nursing orientation followed by weekly or biweekly learning and mentoring sessions throughout the 2020-2021 school year. These sessions were facilitated by the GH fellows and nursing staff on topics ranging from PPE, environmental safety in the nurses’ offices, providing mental health and resiliency support to students, families and school staff as well as educating on COVID-19 vaccines. 

As students returned to school, the GHP team continued to support learning sessions to help BPS nurses navigate COVID challenges as they arose. Sessions were adapted based on the needs of the BPS nurses and the community they serve, in partnership with BPS leadership and BCH’s Community Health Program. 

Citation: 1.Boston Public Schools, Facts and Figures: https://www.bostonpublicschools.org/domain/238

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