The United Kingdom National Healthy School Standard: A Framework for Strengthening the School Nurse Role

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to analyze the school nursing role within the National Healthy School Standard (NHSS) in the United Kingdom with a view toward clarifying and strengthening the role of school nurses globally. Within the National Healthy School Standard framework, school nurses serve an integral role in linking health and education partnerships to promote effective school health programs. School nurse contributions to the National Healthy School Standard, as well as barriers and supports, are discussed. Additionally, the methods school nurses implement to partner, to manage service delivery, and to work with schools are outlined. The central role of school nurses within the National Healthy School Standard framework provides a guide for school nurses in the United States to demonstrate their importance as key players in healthy schools that promote health and education. The framework deserves recognition as a foundational model to help strengthen both the school nurse role and school health programs around the world.