School Nursing Practice and Student Health Outcomes
Summary
School nursing has evolved into a specialised field that bridges healthcare and education, with practitioners delivering a broad spectrum of services within the school environment. Core activities include health assessment, chronic disease management, emergency care, health education and mental health support. By offering early intervention for conditions such as asthma, diabetes and anxiety, school nurses reduce absenteeism and prevent escalation of health issues that can hinder learning. Their role in health promotion extends to screening for vision and hearing impairments, delivering vaccination campaigns and fostering health literacy among pupils and families. Collaborative links with teachers, parents and community health services ensure that care plans are tailored to local needs and that vulnerable pupils receive consistent follow-up. Evidence increasingly points to the value of integrated school health services in improving attendance, academic performance and long-term wellbeing, particularly in areas of socioeconomic disadvantage. As systems seek sustainable funding and enhanced training pathways, policy makers and educators are recognising the potential of school nurses to support whole-school approaches to health, equity and achievement.
Research from Nature Portfolio
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School Nursing Practice and Student Health Outcomes publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in school nursing practice and student health outcomes across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Chronic absenteeism: The habitual non-attendance of students, typically defined as missing 10% or more of school days in an academic year.
Health promotion: A process enabling individuals and communities to increase control over their health through education, policy and supportive environments.
Mixed-methods approach: A research design combining qualitative and quantitative techniques to provide comprehensive insights into complex phenomena.
Competency framework: A structured model outlining the knowledge, skills and attitudes required for effective professional practice in a given field.
References
- The current state of international research on the effectiveness of school nurses in promoting the health of children and adolescents: An overview of reviews. PLOS ONE (2023).
- Perceptions on the Implementation of a School Nursing Pilot Programme in the Canary Islands. Nursing Reports (2025).
- Costs and Effects of School-Based Licensed Practical Nurses on Elementary Student Attendance and Chronic Absenteeism. Prevention Science (2022).
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