This study examines elementary school nurses' perceived efficacy expectations, perceived barriers, and perceived benefits to measuring body mass index (BMI) in students in schools with mandated BMI policies versus schools without mandated policies. Of the 2,629 school nurses participating in the study, 67% believe nurses should measure BMI in schools, 62% believe BMI results should be sent home, and 81% believe nurses should be designing programs to help children address overweight issues. In schools with a BMI assessment mandate, the nurses' efficacy expectations are statistically significantly greater and nurses' perceptions of barriers to measuring BMI are significantly lower. The most common perceived barriers to measuring BMI are inadequate school resources (57.6%) and inadequate or inappropriate parental responses (55.2%). Obese school nurses perceive significantly more barriers to measuring youths' BMIs than do nonobese school nurses. Having mandates has a positive influence on school nurses and their measurement of BMI and increases the likelihood that nurses will measure BMI.

Meeting the complex needs of a school system and all its members in the event of a bioterrorism (BT) disaster demands a competent workforce. School nurses are in position to be key contributors to planning for and responding to potential BT and disaster events. As part of a state preparedness leadership institute, the BT and disaster preparedness needs of school nurses in a three-county area were assessed and the nurses' preferred method to meet those needs was determined. Using competencies derived from publications by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Association of School Nurses, a survey was created and mailed to school nurses (N = 125) in public and private k-12 schools. Eighty surveys were returned (64% response rate). Responses were analyzed according to BT and emergency preparedness competencies and skills required for the phases of emergency management: mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. Low confidence in preparedness capabilities across almost all categories was reported. High training need was identified across almost all competencies, with 63 percent to 70 percent requesting additional education related to emergency response, infectious disease, hazardous materials, and diagnostic criteria. Although two-thirds report having Internet access in their school office, traditional classroom instruction was overwhelmingly preferred (74%) for training.

Encopresis is a medical condition that can be seen in the school setting with children of all ages, though primarily at the early childhood and elementary level. This condition can cause a great amount of frustration with the student, family, and teachers due to the child's inability to control elimination patterns. The school nurse must be aware of the warning signs that a student may be experiencing encopresis in order to promote treatment. This article will assist the school nurse in understanding typical causes for functional encopresis, knowing how to help a student who soils, and developing an individualized healthcare plan that assists a student to become continent of stool again. Encopresis is not just an accident.

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