Caring for the Child with Primary Immune Deficiency – A Collaborative Nursing Model February 12th, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 PM BackgroundPrimary immunodeficiencies (PI) encompass more than 450 distinct defects in immunologic function (Quinn et al., 2022). The incidence of PI in children younger than 18 is estimated at 1 in 2,000 (Boyle & Buckley, 2007), making it likely that school nurses will encounter students affected by PI. Understanding the biological and genetic foundations of PI is crucial for school nurses, equipping them with the knowledge needed to assess, plan, and advocate for students and families living with these conditions. Role of School NursesThe time to diagnosis for PI can often exceed two years from the onset of initial symptoms. Because school registered nurses (RNs) interact with students daily, they are uniquely positioned to observe trends and patterns in illness that may indicate an undiagnosed PI condition. This role is especially important in communities with limited clinical resources and specialty care. Interactive DiscussionFollowing the presentation, there will be an interactive question and answer session. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss their experiences with PI in the school setting, strategies for collaborating with primary care providers and treatment teams, contingency planning for illness, and managing communicable disease outbreaks. PresentersColleen Dansreau MSN, RN, CPN Meg Jenkins MS, BSN, RN, NCSN |