The changing role of school nursing within health education and health promotion

Abstract

Reports on a detailed study of a school nursing service which has revealed the untapped value of the service and a generally poor understanding of what, precisely, school nurses do, and the nature of their skills and experience. Focuses on one aspect of this study: the changing nature of the school nursing role in health education and health promotion. Finds that school nurses have adjusted their practice to meet the changing nature of children’s health needs. They now increasingly work to health education and health promotion agendas and are acting in a health advisory role. Calls into question the need for universal health screening, particularly for older children, as the core activity of school nursing. Concludes that the service should in future be designated as being for “children of school age”, and that the range of sites where school nursing is delivered should be extended.