As students head back to school, one challenge continues to grow for districts across the country: ensuring every student has access to the healthcare support they need, even when a school nurse isn't available. In this episode of Virtual Health Connections, Sheila Freed, BSN, RN, NCSN, Director of School Health at Avel eCare, joins the conversation to explore how virtual school nursing is helping schools improve student health, reduce chronic absenteeism, support educators, and give administrators greater confidence that students are safe and cared for throughout the school day. With decades of experience in school nursing, public health, and virtual care, Sheila shares why today's schools are facing more complex student health needs than ever before. From chronic conditions like Type 1 diabetes, asthma, and seizures to behavioral health concerns and unexpected emergencies, she explains how access to an experienced school nurse can make all the difference for students, families, and staff. The conversation highlights real stories from schools across the country, including how virtual school nursing has helped identify serious medical conditions, support students with chronic illnesses, improve attendance, reduce unnecessary trips home, and provide peace of mind for parents and educators alike. Sheila also discusses how schools can extend existing nursing staff, fill school nurse shortages, and create safer learning environments without adding unnecessary complexity to already stretched budgets. Whether you're a superintendent, principal, school administrator, school nurse, special education leader, or district decision maker preparing for the new school year, this episode offers practical insights into how innovative school health programs can improve student outcomes while supporting teachers, office staff, and families. --------- Virtual Health Connections is a podcast by Avel eCare, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive telemedicine network. It explores telemedicine networks, virtual integration, and what it takes to redefine healthcare delivery. Each episode features leaders and clinicians from across Avel’s Virtual Health System, exploring the real challenges facing healthcare today and how innovative solutions are making a difference. From the care challenges rural and underserved communities face to the frontline perspectives of those delivering care every day, these conversations highlight how telemedicine is creating new possibilities. Along the way, listeners gain insight into the advantages of virtual integration, the realities of today’s healthcare workforce, and the leadership decisions driving meaningful change, all while looking ahead to what the future of care can and should be. Founded in 1993 as the nation’s first virtual hospital, Avel eCare continues to lead the way in virtual health services. This podcast extends that mission, connecting people, ideas, and innovation to improve outcomes and expand access to care across the U.S. Thank you for listening to Avel eCare: Virtual Health Connections. To learn more about how Avel is expanding access to care and supporting healthcare teams nationwide, visit www.avelecare.com . Be sure to subscribe, share this episode, and join us next time as we continue redefining healthcare delivery. Follow us on: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube
