School Nursing in New Zealand

Abstract

There are universal concerns about youth health and recognition of the potential of school health services but little consensus internationally as to how these are best configured. Limited information about nursing services in New Zealand secondary schools, changing patterns of youth health needs and expanding roles for nurses in primary health care indicated a need to research school nursing services. This study found that within New Zealand schools there was wide variation in the types of health services and their funding; that nurses are well qualified and highly experienced, although some lack clinical supervision; that students present most commonly for sexual health and injuries or sickness; and that they choose school health services for accessibility and confidentiality. It concludes that one way forward would be to develop a national-level policy for nurse-led school health centers, with appropriate funding, that allows for local flexibility and includes a career pathway for school nurses.