School Nurse Exposes Shocking Truth: Are Your Kids' Health Needs Being Ignored? Don’t Miss This!

NEW ULM — At a recent session of the New Ulm Public School Board, Tara Fausch, a Licensed School Nurse and Registered Nurse, provided an insightful update on the vital health services offered in the district. Alongside a team of five health paraprofessionals, Fausch plays a crucial role in addressing the diverse health needs of students daily.

“In a nutshell, we work to identify students with health needs that need to be met each school day, gather all paperwork to authorize and guide us to provide needed support and care, manage all medications regularly needed or on an emergency basis to ensure all students with health needs can fully participate in the school day as much as possible,” Fausch explained, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of their work.

The health issues addressed by Fausch and her staff are as varied as the student population itself. Common complaints include tummy aches and headaches, but the scope of health conditions they manage is much broader. From students with lactose and gluten intolerances to those diagnosed with ADHD, migraines, bleeding disorders that require blood thinners, genetic syndromes, cystic fibrosis, autoimmune disorders, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and mental health issues, the health team is prepared to support a complex array of needs.

Collaboration is a key element of Fausch’s approach. She works closely with counselors, social workers, teachers, food service staff, custodial staff, administrators, parents, medical providers, and other community resources to ensure that every student receives appropriate care. “I work to ensure immunization policy compliance and lead medical emergency response teams in each school building,” she noted.

In addition to direct health services, Fausch also facilitates educational outreach, connecting with nearly every walk-in student and many parents who call with concerns. She screens for hearing and vision issues, referring students for further intervention when necessary, and reporting illnesses to the state as required. Notably, she recently assisted a family in obtaining an insulin pump by liaising with the New Ulm Lions Club.

Despite the ongoing global health concerns, Fausch reported, “We don’t have any big health outbreaks right now. We have good immunization rates in this school district.” This statement reflects both the proactive approach taken by the health team and the community's commitment to student wellness.

Beyond the technical aspects of her job, Fausch highlighted the importance of emotional support, saying, “We build relationships with students and families, meet them where they are at without judgement, watch for patterns that indicate a need not being stated, and troubleshoot if we can.” This holistic approach fosters a caring environment where students feel comfortable expressing their needs. Fausch noted that humor and light-hearted moments enhance her interactions, as she strives to create a positive atmosphere amid the challenges of health care.

Superintendent Sean Koster expressed his gratitude for Fausch's dedication, stating, “There is a lot that goes into this. Thank you for all you and your staff do. It doesn’t go unnoticed.” This appreciation underscores the essential role that health services play in supporting not just student health, but also their overall educational experience.

The work of Fausch and her team exemplifies the growing recognition of school health services as integral to student success. As schools continue to navigate various challenges, including those brought on by public health crises, the importance of well-resourced health offices cannot be overstated. Ensuring that students have access to necessary health services is crucial for their academic performance, emotional well-being, and long-term health outcomes.