Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS — A new study shows eight of 10 school nurses in Minnesota think there is a shortage in their profession — and that three of four nurses think student’s needs aren’t being met due to low staffing levels.
The study was released Monday by the School Nurse Organization of Minnesota and a St. Paul think tank called Minnesota 2020. It was based on a survey of 131 Minnesota school nurses.
The school nurses’ organization suggests a one-cent tax on each 12-ounce carbonated beverage sold in the state, which could raise as much as $29 million annually. The money would allow the hiring of 600 additional school nurses.
In Minnesota, there is an average of one school nurse assigned to each 1,400 students. A ratio of 1 per 750 healthy students is recommended by the National Association of School Nurses.
