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Wakefield school nurses urge restoration of float nurse and creation of district nurse leader
Summary
Wakefield school nurses told the School Committee the district has removed a budgeted float nurse position and lacks a dedicated school nurse leader, leaving coverage gaps across seven schools and raising safety and compliance concerns; nurses asked the committee to reinstate the role or create a nurse leader and suggested funding options including House Bill 545 and a hospital partnership.
Carrie Melanson, speaking on behalf of the Wakefield Public School nursing staff, told the School Committee on Jan. 13 that the district had removed a previously budgeted float nurse position and does not have a dedicated district-level nurse leader. "Removing the float nurse position and operating without its dedicated school nurse leader compromises our ability to meet state mandates, provide safe emergency response, and ensure equitable care across all schools," Melanson said.
Melanson detailed student medical needs and coverage shortfalls, telling the committee the district…
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