Telephone survey of urban school-based health programs nationwide examined current programs, obstacles, and approaches for addressing students' needs. City size affected the amount of services provided overall; a clear relationship existed between number of providers employed and number/amount of screening services available. (SM)

A 1991 survey of 135 school districts and 6 specialty schools in North Carolina obtained data on the performance of specific health-related procedures in the school setting. Results indicated a patchwork approach to meeting students' special health care needs, with school personnel, parents, and health professionals all coordinating and performing…

This study investigated whether bias was evident in teacher referrals to the school nurse by examining referrals from seven elementary schools. The 117 children referred for nonroutine nursing interventions were compared with 3,787 children not referred. There were no differences by gender but significant differences by socioeconomic status and…

Interdisciplinary training and education for school-based health professionals is important, but few such programs exist. This paper describes the California State University Interprofessional Collaboration Training Project and the Catholic University of America School Nurse Practitioner Program, offering suggestions for expanding…

Discusses the five major concerns that govern a school nurse's thinking in managing head louse infestations, including dispelling misconceptions about head lice; ensuring that infestations are not missed; ensuring that parents understand instructions for effective treatment; educating the community about the correct use of pediculicides; and…

Data from a nationwide survey of school districts were used to contrast roles of nurses and health assistants in school health programs. Results indicated that nurses were underused in school health education. Health assistants tended to administer medication and basic first aid, and nurses provided technically involved clinical services. (SM)

Presents the position of the National Association of State School Nurse Consultants regarding delegation of school health services to unlicensed personnel, explaining what school health means, what safe delegation of school nursing activities requires, and how the nurse uses professional judgment to determine which activities may be delegated and…

The recent proliferation of tattooing has prompted increased concern for safety and awareness of hazardous conditions. Transmission of infectious diseases can occur when proper sterilization and safety procedures are not followed. Adolescents are a critical high-risk group that need the attention of school health personnel to help them become…

School nurses play a critical role in the effective school- based treatment of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They can help debunk myths associated with medications for ADHD, explain the ongoing nature of treatment for children with ADHD, and help develop behavior support plans. Sidebars offer suggestions for…

Earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments have improved both morbidity and mortality associated with cystic fibrosis, making regular school attendance a reality. School nurses have a unique opportunity to assist students with cystic fibrosis successfully manage their disease. Medical treatment for cystic fibrosis can be complex, leaving…

This qualitative study explored 8th-grade students' responses to hearing stories about the lived experience of violence. A convenience sample of 13 students attending health education classes at a public middle school was used. After hearing each story, students answered a series of questions using the process of free writing. Free writing is a…

Until recent years, school nursing practice consisted mainly of screenings and first aid. However, the changing health, social, and emotional needs of children in the school setting have brought about an expansion of school nursing services. Now school nurses must not only perform routine first aid and screenings, but they must also carry out…

In response to data from the initial survey published in October 2001, interventions were developed to increase vision screening knowledge and promote use of the "Iowa Vision Screening Program Guidelines" (Iowa Department of Education [IDE], 1997). The purpose of this evaluation was to measure differences in practice after interventions,…

As the population of students with health care needs continues to increase, schools are being asked to provide for a greater array of health care services during the school day. School personnel, parents, and health care providers all share a substantial interest in the quality and provision of health services in the educational setting. The…

Approximately 5% of the pediatric population suffers from depression. Children suffering from depression should be treated first with some type of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy, and/or education. Pharmacotherapy (medications) should be used only as a last resort for those children suffering from severe, chronic, or recurring depression. The…