Sickle Cell Disease Care Planning for School Nurses.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nursing
• Hematology
• Public Health

Background:

• Schoolchildren with sickle cell disease (SCD) face significant physiological and psychological stressors impacting their education and health.
• Individualized student needs require tailored support within the school environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical role of school nurses in supporting students with SCD.
• To outline key components for comprehensive care planning for students with SCD.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and best practices in pediatric nursing and SCD management.
• Analysis of the multifaceted needs of students with SCD in an educational setting.

Main Results:

• School nurses are uniquely positioned to provide continuous, daily support.
• Effective care planning must integrate medical management with psychosocial factors like pain, racism, and self-management.
• Addressing school access and inclusion is crucial for student well-being.

Conclusions:

• School nurses are essential healthcare providers, educators, and advocates for students with SCD.
• Comprehensive care planning by school nurses can mitigate complications and challenges associated with SCD.
• Proactive nursing interventions improve school functioning, mental health, and physical well-being for students with SCD.