The Journal of School Nursing current issue

School Health Services Delivery Scholarship

Cowell, J. M. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

A Policy Change Strategy for Head Lice Management

Andresen, K., McCarthy, A. M. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

The purpose of this project was to formulate an effective change strategy for head lice management in a group of five separate school districts within one county. Despite a desire to use evidence to support their practice, school nurses often encounter educational system barriers that prevent independent management of health conditions. The use of collaborative community relationships, identification of underlying hierarchy structures in school policy development, and targeted system education were the catalysts for changing beliefs and ultimately policy within these school districts. The focus of this project was to develop a policy change strategy for head lice. The strategy provides direction for successful health policy advocacy using evidence-based practices for other health issues within the education setting.

Defining, Delivering, and Documenting the Outcomes of Case Management by School Nurses

Engelke, M. K., Guttu, M., Warren, M. B. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

Case management is a component of school nurse practice that provides an opportunity to demonstrate the contribution that school nurses make to the health and academic success of children, particularly children with chronic health conditions. However, case management programs vary in their mission and scope, leading to confusion about what it means to be a case manager. Many programs acknowledge the difficulty in tracking outcomes and sustaining results. Using a capacity-building approach, the Case Management Project (CMP) developed a definition of case management and a set of baseline and outcome measures to assist school nurses to become effective case managers and track their outcomes.

Weight Perception and Dieting Behavior Among Korean Adolescents

Lee, G., Ha, Y., Vann, J. J., Choi, E. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

This study examines relationships among weight status, weight perceptions, and dieting behaviors in South Korean adolescents. As perceptions of an ideal body for teens in Korea have changed over time, it is important for school nurses to understand these relationships to help students achieve health. A cross-sectional survey of 3,191 8th and 2,252 11th-grade students from 21 middle and high schools across Korea completed a self-administered questionnaire. The prevalence of overweight among adolescents was 17.5% in males and 6.0% in females. Overall, 65.9% of students perceived their weight status accurately. Females overestimated their weight status 2.3 times more often than males. Male students underestimated their weight status 2.7 times more frequently than females. Approximately one third of participants misperceived their weight status, with variations existing between males and females. Study results suggest the need to develop male- and female-specific interventions to promote healthy body images and body weight.

School Nurses Who Only Care for Children With Special Needs: Working in a Teacher's World

Kruger, B. J., Radjenovic, D., Toker, K. H., Comeaux, J. M. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

Published qualitative studies have not focused on nurses who solely care for children with special health care needs. The purpose of this study was to explore and describe (a) the work of school nurses who care exclusively for these children, (b) nurses' interaction with parents, staff, or providers, and (c) the challenges, benefits, and support for their role. Data from on-site observation and in-depth interviews with experienced, long-term employed nurses (n = 13) were analyzed using qualitative descriptive inquiry. Performing a personally satisfying clinical role, school nurses adapted to a "teachers world" by working alone, feeling responsible; begging, bartering, and subsidizing; and embracing school as family. They bridged home and school by doing for children, building relationships with parents, and knowing the child. Nurses need to be supported through peer supervision and adequate resources to provide family-centered care to students in a setting dominated by education professionals.

School Nurses' Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders

Strunk, J. A. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

The purpose of this study was to determine school nurses' working knowledge of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The current knowledge of school nurses was investigated by means of a mixed-method exploratory descriptive pilot study. Instrumentation included a scale that measured the knowledge of school nurses in regard to ASD, including medication usage and side effects, communication skills, safety issues, collaboration skills, and community resources. Survey results indicated that the majority of school nurses are knowledgeable about ASD, including symptomology and related medications. Results also suggested that school nurses are not as knowledgeable concerning communication skills, behavioral therapies, and safety issues. This study confirms a need for school nurses to enhance their knowledge of ASD, to familiarize themselves with the policy and health care networks that they collaborate with, and to communicate effectively with students, parents, educators, and community members in dealing with ASD.

A Correlational Study of the Relationship Between a Coordinated School Health Program and School Achievement: A Case for School Health

Vinciullo, F. M., Bradley, B. J. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

The study was conducted to determine whether there is a relationship between the Coordinated School Health Program (CSHP) and student academic performance. Data were collected from schools and the community for three reports for 50 states and the District of Columbia (DC). The School Health Policies and Programs Survey (SHPPS), the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), and the U.S. Census 2000 Profile were used to study the relationships among three parameters: (a) The intervention called a CSHP: (b) Student achievement; and (c) Rate of poverty in each state. A stepwise regression analysis was conducted, controlling for poverty using state-level data. Components of a CSHP had statistically significant relationships with academic achievement. Students in states with policies promoting students' health demonstrated higher academic scores and higher rates of high school completion.

State Regulations for School Nursing Practice

Praeger, S., Zimmerman, B. — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:42:25 PST

The purpose of this article is to present a state-by-state summary of rules and regulations governing school nursing practice in the United States. Official government and agency sites were reviewed to determine providers of services in schools, criteria for becoming a school nurse, protection of titling, mandates for school nursing, and the requirements for continuing to practice as a school nurse. Trends were identified after verifying regulatory information. The majority of states credential school nurses for practice, with Departments of Education being the most frequent authorizing agency. Almost half (n = 23, 45%) of the states refer to the role of licensed practical nurses in the school setting. Requirements for becoming a school nurse range from licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN) to registered nurse–bachelor of science degree in nursing with additional education and experience. Limitations related to data collection issues and implications for practice, education, and leadership are discussed.