The Impact of School Nursing on School Performance: A Research Synthesis

Abstract

School nurses work in an educational setting. Due to budget cuts, different goals, and confusion between educators and nurses regarding the school nurse role, school nurses are being asked to demonstrate their effectiveness and justify their presence in elementary and secondary schools. Although school nursing was first initiated 100 years ago, a review of the literature published since 1965 indicates that 15 studies have been conducted that examine the impact of school nurses on academic performance. However, today many articles have recommended more research linking school nursing to educational outcomes. This article synthesizes the results of 15 research articles. Findings from these studies indicate that nursing interventions targeted at specific populations, including parents, have had significant effects. A relationship between school nurses' interventions and absenteeism is also suggested. Limitations of these studies are discussed, along with suggestions for future research.

The Impact of Comprehensive School Nursing Services on Students' Academic Performance

“…It is suggested that this negative correlation is stronger in schools where nurse-student rate is lower, and the school nurse works full-time, and that nursing interventions aimed at students with high absenteeism help reduce absenteeism rates. 12,15,16,26,27 …”

“…Leaving school early due to injury or sickness becomes a less common phenomenon when students are able to see a nurse at school. 12,15-17 …”

“…Maughan 12 emphasizes that there are findings contained in the literature in relation to a low rate of leaving school due to medical reasons and absenteeism because of illnesses and high rate of students graduation at schools, where school nurses work. However, in the same evaluation, it is stated that these findings do not commonly demonstrate the direct impact of school nurses on academic achievement due to methodological reasons and that there is a need for studies to be performed in this field.…”

An Information Needs Assessment of School Nurses in a Metropolitan County

“…4 Examples of studies supporting this conclusion have demonstrated that a school nurse can influence a student's school performance, absenteeism, and overall quality of life. 5-7 …”

The Development and Implementation of eSchoolCare

“…In caring for CCC in the school setting, school nurses promote normal development, health, and safety. 26,27 Schools provide a stable environment for children, and since children spend a great deal of time there, the school is positioned as a place where health care often needs to be delivered. Currently, there are about 77 000 school nurses in the United States, caring for 53 million students.…”