School Nurses’ Roles in Preparing Special Needs Students for Active School Shootings

Abstract

The occurrence of mass shootings in U.S. public schools is increasing. For this reason, schools have begun expanding their awareness and preparation for these crises. However, in most preparation strategies, students with disabilities are not accounted for, which leaves an already vulnerable population at further risk. Due to their expertise in working with students with diverse needs and promoting health and safety in schools, school nurses are the ideal persons to lead the discussion about safety deficits when it comes to school shootings and students with special needs. This article provides a rationale for school nurses taking leadership roles in creating school shooting policies as well as provides guidelines for how nurses can work collaboratively to keep students with disabilities safe.

The Role of the School Nurse in the United States, United Kingdom, and Italy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Scoping Review

“…In the US, school shootings are on the rise compared to the past: in 2018, there were 307 shootings (McIntosh et al, 2020). The study by McIntosh and colleagues emphasizes the centrality of the school nurse in keeping students with disabilities safe during catastrophic situations, such as shootings.…”