Marginalization and School Nursing

Abstract

The concept of marginalization was first analyzed by nursing researchers Hall, Stevens, and Meleis. Although nursing literature frequently refers to this concept when addressing “at risk” groups such as the homeless, gays and lesbians, and those infected with HIV/AIDS, the concept can also be applied to nursing. Analysis of current school nursing literature and research suggests school nursing may be a marginalized specialty, encompassing many of the characteristics of marginalization including isolation, role confusion, and barriers to practice. School nurses can reduce or eliminate these characteristics by increasing their visibility and collaborative opportunities in the educational and nursing communities while also providing mentoring opportunities to new school nurses.