Improving school nursing practice in South Carolina through continuing education

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Public Health
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• School nurses require comprehensive skills to manage the health needs of diverse student populations.
• A statewide continuing education program was developed in South Carolina to address these needs.
• Enhancing the scope of school nurse practice is crucial for improving child health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a continuing education program on school nurse practice.
• To assess improvements in physical, psychosocial, and environmental health dimensions of the school nurse role.
• To identify areas for future development in school nurse continuing education.

Main Methods:

• A statewide continuing education program incorporating didactic and school-based clinical instruction was implemented.
• The program's effectiveness was assessed at program completion (nine months) and follow-up (18 months).
• Evaluations focused on changes in the physical, psychosocial, environmental health, and program management dimensions of school nursing.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in the physical, psychosocial, and environmental health dimensions of school nursing practice.
• These improvements were sustained at the 18-month follow-up.
• Program management skills did not show significant improvement.

Conclusions:

• Continuing education can effectively enhance specific aspects of school nurse practice, particularly those under direct nurse control.
• Further focus on developing program management skills within continuing education is essential.
• Redefining and strengthening program management is critical for the full development of the school nurse role and optimizing school-aged children's health.