TEAM CRISIS: SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND NURSES WORKING TOGETHER

Abstract

Schools are often the geographic and sociological center of a community. Given modern community emergencies and challenges, schools should make the most of this role and best allocate their resources to maximize the positive impact they have during difficult times. This article uses the vantage point of school psychologists and school nurses from across the country, discussing real life examples of community crises to focus on lessons learned and the “best practices” that can be replicated. This article provides information concerning the skills incorporated to protect and support children in schools and to prevent and respond to school crises. It focuses on the strength of teaming, coordination, and collaboration of school and community in team crisis prevention, response and intervention, with a focus on the professions of school psychology and nursing. This information is important to ensure that all schools have appropriately utilized school nurses and school psychologists in their community's emergency response teams.