The use of standardized language in individualized healthcare plans

The specialty of school nursing can benefit from the use of standardized language to communicate what school nurses do and to articulate their value during times of budget cuts and reduction of services. The use of a standardized language in IHPs is helpful in communicating with other health professionals and the educational team. The use of NANDA, NIC, and NOC assists school nurses in using a common language to describe what they do to meet student outcome goals. Linkages among NANDA, NIC, and NOC facilitate careful selection of appropriate interventions and outcomes. The diagnoses, interventions, and outcomes are coded and written in a manner that can be entered into computerized information systems--information needed for potential reimbursement. It also is essential that this information is entered into data bases that will tangibly demonstrate the contribution of school nurses to the health of the children they serve.