Availability, Perceived Need and Satisfaction for School Nurses in Spain: A Cross-Sectional Study Involving the School Community

Abstract

Background: School nursing in Spain faces crucial challenges that require immediate attention. This is the first national study developed by the School Nursing Observatory Research Group of the General Council of Nursing (GCN) in Spain on the school nurse (SN) professional profile and their availability at schools. The objective is to understand the social-labor situation, as well as the availability, perceived need, and satisfaction of the school community with the SN, as well as the factors related to these variables. Methods: Cross-sectional study using three ad hoc designed and validated questionnaires through a digital platform. Participants included 376 SNs, 1193 teachers and school principals, and 582 mothers, fathers, and representatives of parents’ associations (PAs). Descriptive and bivariate statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS v.28. Results: Most SNs work in a single school in exclusive, mainly employed by the education department or privately funded special education schools, in urban areas and schools with a high number of students. Both school staff and PAs perceive a high need of and satisfaction with SNs. According to school staff, SNs are more in private and subsidized schools and, according to PAs, in schools where a child has a disease. In schools where there are children with certain diseases, according to PAs, a greater need for a SN was perceived. And the schools staff also found SNs especially necessary in schools located in disadvantage areas. Conclusions: Despite the high degree of satisfaction with the SN, there are significant deficiencies in its distribution in Spain that prevent reaching international quality standards. It is necessary to increase the availability of this professional, especially under exclusivity, with special attention to rural, publicly funded, and disadvantage areas. This would help address inequities in school health and meet the perceived need of the school community, thus contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).