Types of Training

Although TB rates are on the decline in this country, TB education and training still should be provided to continue the trend toward disease elimination. Many school nurses perform a number of functions in TB control includin

• Administration of Mantoux tuberculin skin tests as per local health department and school district guidelines

• Reading and interpretation of skin test results administered by other healthcare providers

• Referral of children with positive skin test results for medical evaluation

• Administration of anti-TB medication by directly observed therapy (DOT) in schools

Since the above TB control functions are so vital, school nurses require specialized TB-related training. This training is best provided when there is a partnership between a school nurse supervisor and a local health department nurse because both have individual expertise in school-health services and relevant aspects of TB testing and treatment.

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