School nurses' perceptions of and experience with school health research

This survey examined school nurses' perceptions of and experience with school health research. A random sample of school nurses who were either members of the school nurse section of the American School Health Association (ASHA) or members of the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) comprised the sample (n = 590). The response rate was 81%; the nurses were all females. A plurality held masters degrees (40%) and had worked an average of 12.0 years as a school nurse. Most (67%) were employed at the elementary school level. Slightly more than one-third (37%) had ever been involved in a research study as a school nurse. Perceived barriers to engaging in research were lack of time, clerical help, and money. Perceived benefits of school nurses engaging in research were: adds new knowledge on school nursing issues (97%), benefits the health care of children at school (93%), and helps peers do their job better (86%). School nurses also indicated they would become involved in research if someone would assist them (78%).