[School nurse in Italy: an Italian experience]

School nurses can make a significant contribution to improving and promoting the health of children and adolescents with asthma, diabetes and other chronic conditions. The school system provides an important opportunity to promote young people's health and support their educational achievement. In Italy, the school nurse's role has not yet been fully established or defined.

To describe the role and areas of competence of school nurses in the Italian context.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving a convenience sample of 20 school nurses. A questionnaire was developed based on the literature and assessed for content validity by a panel of experts.

School nurses' areas of competence were related to prevention, the management of eating disorders, the management of chronic and acute conditions, and the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The study identified the main areas of competence of school nurses in Italy. School nurses are well positioned to influence the health and well-being of children, adolescents and their families. Their role includes health education, support for people with chronic conditions, monitoring and prevention of complications, and assistance to schools in promoting physical activity and healthy eating.