School Nurses’ Perspectives on Health among School-Aged Children and Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate school nurses’ perspectives on students’ health during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden in 2021. A cross-sectional survey design was used with school nurses (n = 225) working in schools in Sweden from elementary to upper secondary levels. The Clausson School Nurse Perception Questionnaire was used with two additional questions about the COVID-19 pandemic. The school nurses rated students’ physical health as very good or good in 78% of the cases and their mental health as very good or good in 64%. There was also a negative trend in mental health during the pandemic, especially among girls. School nurses working in vulnerable areas (i.e., areas with a high proportion of immigrants and those receiving financial assistance) rated students’ physical and mental health significantly worse compared other areas.

Achieving the educational mission: Are Connecticut school nurses valued?

“…1). Having access to a school nurse is especially critical as they are often the only health professional many students see, and thus, they are central to student wellness, which has been made even more imperative in the post‐COVID environment (Banzon et al, 2022; Garmy et al, 2023; Pattison et al, 2021). Therefore, the first recommendation arising from this study is that school administrators empower school nurses with an advocacy platform that recognizes and values their equal partnership in meeting the K‐12 educational mission.…”

“…1). Having access to a school nurse is especially critical as they are often the only health professional many students see, and thus, they are central to student wellness, which has been made even more imperative in the post-COVID environment (Banzon et al, 2022;Garmy et al, 2023;Pattison et al, 2021).…”

“…The essential role of the school nurse is to bridge healthcare and education by overseeing students' health and well‐being. Evidence is clear that school nurse experiences are essential to explore because of the crucial role they have in advancing well‐being and ensuring the academic success of students (Banzon et al, 2022; Garmy et al, 2023; Pattison et al, 2021). Through their practice, school nurses safeguard the K‐12 education mission because, with their healthcare expertise, students remain in school and learning.…”

The impact of COVID‐19 on school nursing: A qualitative survey of stressors faced by school nurses

“…School nurses are sensitive to the unique needs of families in their community. Many school nurses in areas with large numbers of immigrant students or students experiencing poverty were concerned that these students were isolated and excluded from school more often due to their living situation and disproportionately economically burdened by remote learning (Garmy et al., 2023; Gormley et al., 2023; Wilson et al., 2023). Unfortunately, the burden of COVID‐19‐related responsibilities left school nurses with little time to address these inequities.…”