School nurses’ descriptions of concerns arising during pupils’ health check-ups: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the concerns and modes of action of Finnish school nurses during pupils’ health check-ups. Methods: Focus group interviews with 17 school nurses were performed in 2011 and again in 2013. Data were analysed using inductive content analysis. Results: School nurses’ concerns were mostly associated with the psychosocial development of pupils and with problems in the family, for example, the loss of a parental role. With regard to physical health, school nurses were particularly concerned with obesity among pupils. The new phenomenon of cyberbullying also caused concern. School nurses were able to identify the causes for their concern at school health check-ups, but they were uncertain regarding how they should act and finding the right mode of action and sufficient multidisciplinary support when pupils had problems. Conclusion: The concern of school nurses at health check-ups was mainly associated with pupils’ health habits, their psychosocial development and family characteristics, and with addressing the need to taking the health behaviours and well-being of the entire family into consideration during health check-ups. Linked-up processes in school health care and multidisciplinary collaboration within schools are of primary importance in supporting the work of nurses and in promoting pupils’ well-being and health.

Supporting Student’s Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Survey for School Nurses

“…However, in smaller schools they are only present part of the week. Still, Kivimäki et al (2019) found that youth generally reported that accessing their school nurse was easy, even though this varied between the schools [46]. The open-door policy of school nurses is important for students, as they are often the only school health professionals students can go to without a scheduled appointment.…”

Family characteristics and parents' and children's health behaviour are associated with public health nurses' concerns at children's health examinations

“…Some 10–15% of Finnish children and adolescents are bullied at school—boys more than girls—and this number is growing. Mobile phones and the Internet have also contributed to bullying outside school . Based on earlier research by Poutiainen et al ., PHNs expressed concerns about online bullying among children of primary school age.…”

“…Mobile phones and the Internet have also contributed to bullying outside school . Based on earlier research by Poutiainen et al ., PHNs expressed concerns about online bullying among children of primary school age. They were also concerned about the lack of means available to school staff to tackle such bullying.…”

School Nurses’ Experiences of Health Promotion for School-Age Asylum Seekers

“…The role of the school nurse is to holistically support, monitor, and care for the health, growth, and well-being of students and the well-being of the school community. The recommended maximum number of students per school nurse is 600, and nurses’ responsibilities can span multiple schools ( Poutiainen et al, 2015 ). School nurses meet every student at least once a year and carry out more extensive health checks at ages 7, 11, and 14 in collaboration with a school physician ( Poutiainen et al, 2015 ).…”