School nursing practice has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, yet few nationally representative investigations describing the school nursing workforce have been conducted. The National School Nurse Workforce Study describes the demographic and school nursing practice patterns among self-reported public school nurses and the number and full-time equivalent (FTE) positions of all school nurses in the United States. Using a random sample stratified by public/private, region, school level, and urban/rural status from two large national data sets, we report on weighted survey responses of 1,062 public schools. Additional questions were administered to estimate the school nurse population and FTEs. Findings reported illustrate differences by strata in public school nurse demographics, practice patterns, and nursing activities and tasks. We estimate approximately 132,300 self-identified practicing public and private school nurses and 95,800 FTEs of school nurses in the United States. Research, policy, and school nursing practice implications are discussed.

The results of this study demonstrated that school nursing services provided in the Massachusetts ESHS schools were a cost-beneficial investment of public money, warranting careful consideration by policy makers and decision makers when resource allocation decisions are made about school nursing positions.

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) developed the Framework for 21st Century School Nursing Practice to reflect current school nurse practice. The Framework of practice was introduced in June 2015, and feedback was requested and obtained from practicing school nurses in a variety of ways. The final version of the Framework is introduced in this article. This article updates (and replaces) the articles in the July 2015 NASN School Nurse related to the Framework. Central to the Framework is student-centered nursing care that occurs within the context of the students' family and school community. Surrounding the student, family, and school community are the nonhierarchical, overlapping key principles of Care Coordination, Leadership, Quality Improvement, and Community/Public Health.These principles are surrounded by the fifth principle, Standards of Practice, which is foundational for evidence-based and clinically competent quality care. Each of these principles is further defined by practice components. Suggestions are provided regarding how the Framework can be used in a variety of settings to articulate and prioritize school nursing practice. The ultimate goal is to provide a resource to guide school nurses in their practice to help students be healthy, safe, and ready to learn.

School nurses work in an educational setting. Due to budget cuts, different goals, and confusion between educators and nurses regarding the school nurse role, school nurses are being asked to demonstrate their effectiveness and justify their presence in elementary and secondary schools. Although school nursing was first initiated 100 years ago, a review of the literature published since 1965 indicates that 15 studies have been conducted that examine the impact of school nurses on academic performance. However, today many articles have recommended more research linking school nursing to educational outcomes. This article synthesizes the results of 15 research articles. Findings from these studies indicate that nursing interventions targeted at specific populations, including parents, have had significant effects. A relationship between school nurses' interventions and absenteeism is also suggested. Limitations of these studies are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.

Background: Pregnancy-induced rhinitis (PIR) is often misclassified and under-diagnosed. There is currently no cure or optimum symptomatic treatment. Objective: To summarize current knowledge of PIR and assess evidence supporting treatment options. Type of review: Structured literature search. SEARCH STRATEGY AND EVALUATION METHOD: Review of English-language articles addressing evidence for aetiology, classification, differential diagnosis or treatment options for PIR. Comparisons to management of other types of rhinitis in pregnancy are also considered. Results: Incidence and prevalence of PIR vary widely between studies. Hormonal changes have a presumed aetiological role, although present evidence is scanty. Smoking appears to be the only agreed identifiable risk factor. Distinction between PIR and other types of rhinitis in pregnancy, especially allergic rhinitis, is important as effective treatments differ. Management of PIR focuses on minimal intervention required for symptom relief. Conclusions: Although PIR is temporary, its impact on patients` quality of life can be profound. Advice and conservative treatment provide the mainstay of clinical management. None of the currently available medical options offer an ideal solution. Any potential benefit gained should be balanced against risks to the foetus. Clarifying the definition of this separate category of rhinitis will lead to better recognition, with prompt and appropriate treatment.