Rural Colorado school nurses trained by Children's Hospital thanks to federal grant

Nearly 100 school nurses from rural districts across Colorado, Wyoming, and Nebraska gathered in Fort Morgan for specialized training on Monday, thanks to a federal grant exceeding $400,000. Staff from Children's Hospital Colorado conducted the event, offering valuable skills and techniques that are crucial for effectively addressing the diverse medical needs of students in underserved areas.

During the training at Fort Morgan High School, attending nurses rotated through nine different learning stations. Each station focused on critical care topics such as asthma management, allergies, and CPR, equipping the nurses with essential knowledge that can significantly impact the health of their students. According to Andria Redman, a school nurse with Children's Hospital, this outreach program represents a significant initiative to provide targeted support to rural areas that often lack adequate medical resources.

Rena Frasco, assistant superintendent for Morgan County School District, highlighted the challenges of accessing healthcare in smaller communities, noting that many rural towns resemble medical deserts. In these areas, schools often serve as the primary source of healthcare for children, making the expertise of school nurses all the more vital. Brittney Weimer, a nurse involved in organizing the training, explained, "Being in a rural area, we are kind of a one-stop shop" for medical care.

The training event aimed to ensure that children from all backgrounds receive consistent and high-quality medical care while attending school. Participants recognized the importance of having well-trained school nurses, with Frasco emphasizing that any new skills gained would contribute to the overall success of the program. Weimer reiterated the commitment to understanding and addressing the medical needs of their students.

Redman underscored the initiative's goal to extend resources and education beyond urban centers, stating that complex medical cases are prevalent throughout Colorado, not just in metropolitan areas. By empowering rural school nurses with advanced training, the program seeks to enhance healthcare access and support for students across various communities.