Leading During a Pandemic: A School Nurse Administrator Roundtable.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Administration
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to healthcare workers, particularly those in educational settings.
• School nurse administrators played a crucial role in managing health and safety amidst evolving public health guidance and school operational models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To capture the reflections and experiences of school nurse administrators regarding leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To document the adaptive strategies and challenges faced by school health leaders on the front lines.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with five school nurse administrators.
• Participants represented diverse geographic locations, school sizes, and employer models.
• Reflections focused on school health leadership during the pandemic.

Main Results:

• School nurse administrators provided critical guidance on infection control, adapting to changing information and school environments (closures, hybrid, in-person).
• They collaborated with public health officials and navigated the complexities of information, misinformation, and disinformation.
• Despite numerous challenges, these leaders demonstrated commitment to the health and safety of their school populations.

Conclusions:

• School nurse administrators exhibited significant adaptability and leadership in managing school health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Their experiences underscore the vital, evolving role of school nurses in public health and educational settings.
• Documenting these narratives is essential for understanding health leadership during public health crises.