Kimberly Pokrandt

Licensed School Nurse and Southeast Minnesota Regional Coordinator with 25 years of nursing experience demonstrating excellence in clinical practice, systems-level leadership, and public health collaboration. Proven ability to improve student health outcomes through evidence-based care coordination, communicable disease management, and professional mentorship aligned with the NASN School Nursing Practice Framework.

• Implementation from Skyward to Infinite Campus Student Information System
• Preceptor for BSN, MSN, and DNP nursing students (2012–Present)
• Mentor and orient school nurses to strengthen clinical practice and adherence to standards
• Team member assisted in revising the MDH Medication Administration Manual in 2015
• Conference Co-Chair, Foundations of School Nursing (SNOM)
• Former Chair, SNOM Awards Committee
• School Located Immunization Program member in partnership with Mayo Clinic, Olmsted Medical Center, and Olmsted County Public Health (2012-present)
• SNOM and NASN member (2012-Present)
• Pine Island Safety Team member (2015-Present)
• Pine Island Technology Committee member (2015-present)
• Implementation from paper charting to the Skyward Student Information System

• Southeast MN Regional Nurse Coordinator, presenter of best practices and guidelines (2015-Present)
• Presenter: Medication Administration in Schools (SNOM, 2023–Present)
• Panelist: School-Located Immunization Program (SEMNIC, 2014 & 2024)
• Helen Keller Award, Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation (2024)
• Featured in Time Magazine (2021) for school nursing leadership
• Interviewed in Mayo Clinic News Network, “Best Way to Protect a Community from Flu? Immunize the Kids!” (2014)

• Utilize data and continuous quality improvement processes to evaluate and enhance school health services. This includes changing Pine Island Health System paper charting to Skyward Student Information Systems. Development and maintenance of health forms: medication-controlled-substance log, health information form, special-education health information form, maturation, vision and hearing form, diabetic management form, medication and self-administration form, district-wide student and staff accident form, blood-borne pathogens, and orientation/staff-training forms.
• Developed a paper tracking and documentation system and implemented it to use when the online computer system fails in district-wide health offices.
• Developed and maintained a district wide emergency contact book for contact information and health conditions.
• Developed and maintained a COVID-19 tracking system to monitor cases and trends. Used data to refine protocols and improve response efficiency, reducing disruption to student learning and supporting ongoing in-person instruction.
• Partnered with Mayo Clinic physicians and nursing team to identify, research, develop, and implement strategies to reduce catheter-associated bacterial infections in the neonatal population.

• Collaborate with the Minnesota Department of Health, local public health, and community partners to address population health needs and implement prevention strategies.
• Partnered with public health agencies during COVID-19 to coordinate response efforts, communicate guidance, and educate staff and families on infection prevention and vaccination—improving adherence to recommendations and strengthening community trust. Continued partnership with public health agencies and area clinics to provide education and influenza/vaccination programs to the Pine Island community.
• Modeled evidence-based practice and professional standards, promoting a culture of safety, teamwork, and continuous learning. Care coordination and care planning for students with various acute and chronic health conditions. Provide education to students, families, and staff about health conditions, inclusivity, and emergency responses. Collaborate closely with district administration regarding nursing services provided to students; advocate for the health of students and the needs of health services; represent and provide leadership for our Health Services team.
• Work closely with partners to understand our underserved and vulnerable populations to address and reduce barriers to education and access to health care.

• Standards of Practice
• Integrate NASN Scope & Standards, Minnesota Nurse Practice Act, and current evidence into daily practice. Developed and implemented individualized healthcare and emergency care plans aligned with best practices both in Pine Island Public Schools and regional schools as a mentor. During COVID-19, translated evolving CDC and MDH guidance into clear, actionable school protocols, ensuring ethical, consistent, and evidence-based care across the district and southeast region. Also served as a nurse educator and consultant on the Governor Waltz health and Superintendent committees during COVID.
• Coordinate and facilitate a regional community of practices for school nurses and school health professionals.

• Lead comprehensive care coordination for students with acute and chronic conditions through collaboration with families, providers, and school teams. Developed individualized plans that support safe school attendance and academic success. Provide education to students, families, and staff about health conditions, inclusivity, and emergency responses.
• Coordinated care for students impacted by COVID-19, including those with high-risk conditions, by creating individualized return-to-school plans and collaborating with families and healthcare providers—supporting safe transitions and minimizing disruption to learning.
• Collaborate closely with district administration regarding nursing services provided to students; advocate for the health of students and the needs of health services; represent and provide leadership for our Health Services team.
• Provide technical assistance, education/training, and consultation on health and wellness best practices, procedures, and policies. This includes updating access to menstrual products by installing them in restrooms and providing education for all staff and students in our schools.
• Implemented Stock naloxone and epinephrine medication, policies and education. Coordination to keep the medication in stock, expirations dates and policies updated with district leadership. Coordination with student nutrition services members to keep children with allergens safe in school. Updated school board policies to reflect all routes of epinephrine administration.
• Currently working with the district administration teams to implement the cardiac emergency response policy and education for our school.

• Provide regional and district-level leadership to advance school health services, mentor nurses, and guide policy development at the district, state, and national levels.
• COVID-19 Leadership: Led district-wide pandemic response by developing protocols for case management, contact tracing, and mitigation strategies aligned with public health guidance. Served as a key advisor to district leadership and liaison with public health agencies. This leadership supported the district’s ability to maintain safe, in-person learning.
• Charge Nurse & Preceptor: Served as charge nurse, coordinating daily unit operations, patient flow, and staff assignments to optimize care delivery and maintain appropriate staffing levels. Ensured compliance with policies, safety protocols, and regulatory standards while addressing patient and staff concerns in a timely manner. Acted as a clinical resource and leader, supporting staff in complex patient care situations and facilitating communication among interdisciplinary teams. Precepted and mentored new nursing staff and students, providing hands-on clinical training, performance feedback, and competency evaluation to ensure safe, high-quality patient care.