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The changing role of school nurses--one state's experience
Summary
School nurse responsibilities, including health education and clinical duties for handicapped children, have generally increased or remained stable over the past five years. This study examined the evolving role of the school nurse.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- The role of the school nurse is critical in supporting the health and educational needs of students, particularly those with disabilities.
- Understanding the evolving scope of practice for school nurses is essential for effective healthcare delivery in educational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the scope of management responsibilities, health education, and early education for handicapped children within the school nurse role.
- To explore clinical and program dimensions of the school nurse's responsibilities.
- To examine changes in school nurse responsibilities over the last five years.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based survey was administered to school nurses in one state.
- The survey aimed to profile the perceived behavioral patterns and responsibilities of school nurses.
- Data analysis focused on identifying trends and changes in various dimensions of the school nurse role.
Main Results:
- School nurse responsibilities in management, health education, and early education for handicapped children have either increased or remained the same.
- Clinical and program dimensions of the school nurse role also showed an overall increase or stability in responsibilities.
- No significant decrease in overall responsibilities was reported across any dimension studied.
Conclusions:
- The findings indicate a consistent or expanding workload for school nurses.
- The study highlights the dynamic nature of the school nurse role, emphasizing the need for ongoing professional development and support.
- School nurses play an increasingly vital role in managing the comprehensive health needs of students.