Submitted Testimony
Date: 1/28/25
Name: Sonja Newton, OEA Member, Multnomah ESD Education Association
Committee: House Committee On Behavioral Health and Health Care
Bill: HB 2948
Position: Support
Chair Nosse, Vice Chairs Javadi and Nelson, and Members of the Committee:
My name is Sonja Newton, and I am a registered nurse in the K-12 school setting in Gresham, Oregon. I have been a nurse for 14, with 3 years dedicated to school nursing. I am writing to express my strong support for HB 2948, which ensures that only a registered nurse may supervise a nurse in a school setting concerning nursing practice.
As a school nurse, I play a critical role in ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of students with diverse medical needs. The complexity of my work requires adherence to professional nursing standards and clinical judgment. HB 2948 recognizes the importance of having qualified supervision specific to nursing practice. This distinction is essential for the following reasons:
1. Clinical Expertise and Patient Safety
Nursing practice includes performing assessments, developing care plans, and managing medical emergencies. These tasks require clinical expertise that can only be effectively evaluated and supervised by another registered nurse. An administrator or non-nursing supervisor may not have the medical knowledge necessary to provide meaningful oversight in these areas. Allowing registered nurses to supervise school nurses ensures that clinical practices align with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act (ORS 678.010).
2. Clear Distinction Between Nursing and Administrative Functions
HB 2948 clarifies the boundaries between clinical and non-clinical supervision. Administrators are vital to supporting the broader functions of a school nurse, such as scheduling and policy adherence. However, when it comes to decisions about patient care, only a registered nurse possesses the training to provide appropriate guidance and evaluation. This bill ensures that nurses are not placed in compromising situations where individuals evaluate their clinical judgment without a medical background.
3. Support for Professional Growth and Accountability
Registered nurses are uniquely qualified to mentor and guide other nurses in clinical settings, fostering professional growth while maintaining accountability. HB 2948 creates a structure that empowers school nurses to perform their duties effectively, knowing they are supported by peers who understand the profession's nuances.
4. Alignment with Best Practices in Healthcare
Healthcare settings outside of schools consistently rely on registered nurses to supervise other nurses. Extending this standard to the school environment ensures that Oregon students receive high-quality nursing care and that the nurses providing this care are supported by appropriate clinical oversight.
Personal Story:
I had an experience in which the administrator of one of the schools I support was trying to utilize her position to tell me that I needed to delegate a specific school staff for the care of a student with Type 1 Diabetes. The care for this student was very complex and the staff that the administrator wanted me to delegate was unwilling. I was told that this staff member was “the only one available” to delegate, which was not true. As per the Oregon State Board of Nursing and the OSNA, a registered school nurse can not legally delegate a person who is unwilling and or unable to care for the student safely. It was a battle and the passage of this bill would have made it a very different situation.
In conclusion, HB 2948 provides critical safeguards for students and school nurses by ensuring clinical supervision is conducted by those with the appropriate training and expertise. I urge you to support this bill and help Oregon schools continue to provide safe, effective, and professional nursing care to our students.
Thank you for considering my testimony. I am happy to answer any questions or provide additional insights based on my experience.
Respectfully,
Sonja J Newton RN
School Nurse
