School Screening Essay

Words: 579
Pages: 3

School screening programs are secondary prevention strategies utilized by the school nurse to promote health and wellness and “focus on early detection of health alterations to provide interventions before they become actual health issues” (Selekman, 2013, p. 454). According to the CDC (2010), one to three children per 1,000 are born with hearing loss every year and despite the fact that most states have passed laws mandating newborn hearing tests, many children are not properly screened until kindergarten” (Selekman, 2013, p. 461).

In Pennsylvania, hearing screenings are conducted during grades 1, 2 and 3. Screening for hearing loss is very important because it can interfere with language development and learning, and contributes to educational delays and social isolation.
…show more content…
According the Selekman (2013) most schools use audiometers. Volunteers are common and helpful during health screenings in my district and I would ask for their support. If volunteers were available I would familiarize them with the equipment, screening forms, and procedures. Before testing starts all equipment must be tested for proper functioning and expired calibration dates, and children must be assessed for any draining or bloody ears. Next I would prepare the children for the screening to alleviate any fears about the equipment and if the test is going to hurt, and also to give instructions on how the test works. For time management purposes I would give preliminary instructions in a group setting. If students appear to be nervous I would use “imaginary play techniques” with them such as, letting the children touch the headphones and talking about how they look like an airplane pilot’s hat or how they feel like a soft