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16 Oct Healthy Schools, Healthy Children: Maximizing the Contribution of Public Health Nursing in School Setting

Posted at 20:58h in Community News by CHNIG

CHNIG is pleased to announce the release of the paper Healthy Schools, Healthy Children: Maximizing the Contribution of Public Health Nursing in School Setting .

Schools are a key setting for PHNs to provide public health programs and services and work collaboratively with others committed to comprehensive school health. The paper describes the critical issues in school health and articulates a scope of practice for public health nurses (PHNs) working within the school setting.

Regardless of your current nursing focus, this paper is relevant to all registered nurses interested in the promotion of health.  It emphasizes the broader issues such as the social determinants of health and school environment that impact the health of children and youth. It captures the preventative, upstream approach to supporting this population that all PHNs strive for in their practice.  It describes the critical role that public health nurses play in contributing to optimal health and well-being of students, their families and the school community at large. As such, this comprehensive paper is an important resource that will be of interest to PHNs who work with children and youth; administrators; educators, and policy decision makers.

Here are some ways that you might consider using this paper:

  • A focal point for discussion in nursing practice council meetings;
  • A resource when describing your role with school staff (teachers, principals, parents, children and youth) and those working in other sectors;
  • A program planning tool in addressing the needs of your school health population;
  • An educational resource in working with nursing students or conducting PHN staff education;
  • A tool to advocate for changes to the delivery of service by public health nurses.

CHNIG welcomes your views on this paper and your thoughts on the public health nursing role within school settings. (Please click here and leave your comments.) We invite your responses to the following questions:

  • What are your overall thoughts on the paper and on the PHN role in school settings as described?  What ideas in the paper resonate with you? Does the paper reflect a valid portrayal of the issues?
  • In what ways might the paper- or parts of it- assist you in your practice? How do you see using this paper?
  • This paper discusses a number of issues impacting child and youth health (e.g. risk behaviours). In your community or in your practice, what are the most pressing issues facing children and youth that you encounter?
  • Do you or your colleagues who work with children and youth in school settings have an opportunity to work at your full scope of practice as outlined within the paper?   If not, would you/they like to? What would support you/them in doing so?
  • Please comment on the recommendations for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
  • Please share any other comments or feedback you wish to provide.
  • In order for us to put context to your comments, please consider sharing your area of practice too (i.e. working in schools or CCAS or CHN).