The Needs of Children and the Role of School Nurses

Abstract:
School nurses can form a significant part of the network that protects, guides, and participates in the growth of children. They secure this role through their observation and reflection; their teachings about the body and its care and protection; and their personal relationships with children, parents, teachers, school leaders, and helpers. This article identifies various needs of children and adolescents and points to ways that these needs may be met by school nurses. Because school nurses know children and their problems in special ways, they can advocate for them. Because school nurses understand the whole child and how all of the systems work together, along with the profound influences of the environment, they can share that knowledge with colleagues who may be focused more narrowly on the child as a learner. Because school nurses value life and learning, they can help students as they struggle to discover themselves and their gifts and to see themselves as persons of worth and value. Although little in this article will be factually new to most readers, its upbeat tone encourages readers to think about school nurses from a new perspective.

Author(s): NELSON, Kathryn E., Ph.D.

Publication: Journal of School Health, Vol. 67, No. 5, pp. 187-188


Date Published: 5/1/1997

Pages: 2

Comments:
Author's address: 3223 Palm Place, St. Louis, MO 63107.

Location Code: 11118