Cost-effective school nurse practitioner services.

Creative utilization of school nurse practitioners by school districts throughout the country represents a cost-effective approach in meeting educational goals for the educationally high-risk student. Services provided by these practitioners complement the expertise of every member of the educational team while upgrading the comprehensive quality of benefits received by students. From all indications, school nurse practitioners are not recognized nor utilized to the full extent of their potential by educators who are accountable to develop and implement a curriculum for students that allows for individual differences and ensures the acquisition of knowledge. Funding available through state child health legislation and national grants can reimburse school districts using school nurse practitioner services, although these services in and of themselves can represent substantial cost savings.