Bedarf für eine School Nurse

Increasing health challenges among schoolchildren are pushing schools to their limits. New care models in schools are needed to ensure easy access to health services for schoolchildren, to relieve teachers and to support parents. A school nurse has the potential to fill gaps in the care of schoolchildren.

The goal was to assess the need for and expectations on a school nurse.

A qualitative study with data collection between September 2022 and February 2023 was carried out. A total of 35 individual interviews were conducted with schoolchildren, parents, teachers, school administrators, school social workers, pediatricians, school medical services, and municipal council members from two suburban schools in Switzerland. Qualitative data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s inductive thematic analysis.

Most participants in the interviews indicated a need for a school nurse. The study identified four overarching themes: (1) relief through low-threshold services, (2) health contact person (information and consultation), (3) accident care and (4) care for chronically ill children. School professionals mentioned additional needs, such as being able to delegate responsibilities, addressing mental health issues, integrating health promotion and ensuring safety; however, it was expressed that the scope of practice, communication interfaces and interprofessional collaboration need clarification. Funding was mentioned as a possible barrier to implementation.

There is a need for health care among schoolchildren, parents and school professionals. To ensure sufficient utilization of the school nurse the service should be mobile, serving multiple schools, primarily in suburban or rural areas. Funding is not conclusively resolved. Interprofessional development of a clear job profile is necessary to establish a basis for future collaboration.